[ Byerly takes a moment to grasp Bastien's hand, and to pull it to his lips, and to kiss it with the gentlest adoration. He knows how Bastien feels about it. He knows, too, that Bastien doesn't want to talk about it too much, so Byerly just gives a soft: ]

I adore you, my love.

[ An affirmation: Bastien deserved much, much better than that. Byerly did too, but especially Bastien, who had shown the girl nothing but kindness. Bastien, who has such vulnerability about being discarded.

But - ]

I suppose Petrana is, too. Similar self-righteousness. Similar smugness, all hidden behind pretty petticoats and doe eyes. Rowntree at least acknowledges he's a bastard. I don't care for him, but I respect him.