"Fabulous may be pushing it, Nathaniel." Tobias grinned in reply, "Cheeky, certainly." He added, shifting his gun and studying the mechanism, blowing the lint from the firing hammer. "And I wouldn't be surprised if there is no grouse for tonight's supper, you and your surprises scaring them off." He added, almost teasingly, glancing up again at the young man. "Five pounds say I make first kill."

"Pliny!" Hurst called then, waiting for his gun dog to bound up towards them, up to the crest of the hill, listening to the younger man's spiel. He didn't often use such language himself, not in good company. There were ways to say what one wished to say without saying it outright. "Now now, Nathaniel. You're smart enough to know marriage is nothing to do with that. Marriage is about procuring the right linages and alliances. I don't doubt your father has already told you the particulars. You can find entertainment elsewhere, if you must. Most do."