"Circumstances being what they were, I doubt you were spoiled for choice," he mused. It seemed a travesty that attentive lovers in Arthur's life had been few and far between.

"Though it was wise to avoid such entanglements; capable as you are, I cannot see how you could have handled a pregnant young lady on top of your rather full schedule."

And it seemed entirely too cruel to add that on top of all the things Arthur had lost or had to leave behind. At least fate had seen fit to cut the man a break now.