"You mean they're not pressured by their spouse," Peggy pointed out. "For the very good reason of not having one. Their mothers, fathers, friends, aunts, uncles, and so on... The unmarried do not all live apart from all society."

She laughed at the idea of it all being a cosmic joke, but unconsciously slowed her pace as the idea took hold of her. "No, I think it's a welcome cosmic reminder that I won't actually miss it," she said finally. "Not too much."

"And speaking of society, I usually find it congenial," she admitted, more briskly. "In small doses. It makes a good break from...weightier concerns back home."

Having gotten the impression that Victor held himself apart from society as well, she added lightly, "Have you tried it?"