Perhaps it was his lawyer's instinct, the ability to always see the other side, that had him conceding that this was a rather unusual set of circumstances. "Well, that is certainly understandable, Miss Smith. And I think perhaps I owe you an apology. I'm afraid the recent change of government and its effect on my cases has meant that I . . . haven't paid the matter of our engagement as much attention as I would have under normal circumstances."
"I have had the pleasure of working for your brother's interests, yes. And of course, your family is well regarded. I'm afraid I must regret that I don't know your parents very well, aside from some brief encounters at formal gatherings. Otherwise, we might have meet earlier."