[ the urge to crawl down a hole and die there was still strong; however, eleanor fought the urge to cry. instead she sort of steeled herself more. times like this built character, she told herself. ]

Oh, are you? I'm glad. [ wait that's something one could say to a male friend, right? right? ] I--I mean because I'd like to show you Stonebury's progress. And perhaps you'd also like an update from the concerned gentleman on the progress of his wine-making?