"I believe it might be," he agrees, for knowing has always been his downfall. And yet, how can he say such a thing when the opposite is also true. Not knowing that Anne had been alive had been a torture in itself. Knowing she yet lived has not been kinder. And now, knowing what he does about his supposed future, it is even worse still to imagine such confusion and knowledge in equal parts.

He lifts a hand to signal the waiter. "I believe your pink drink is low," he observes. "We should order you another before we grow too serious in our discussion."