"True," Marcus agreed, because there was at least that to hold onto. Better late than never, he supposed, even if the thought conflicted with his upbringing of 'five minutes early is late' - though the concepts probably weren't referencing the same sorts of things. Recognizing that that thought process didn't even make sense in his own mind, he tried to concentrate on the present, not things he couldn't change. Bryony's presence, as always, helped with that, and he squeezed her shoulders lightly for a brief moment, a wordless appreciation for everything she had done and continued to do for him.
Even with the careful way Bryony sidestepped the subject - for which Marcus was grateful - the thought that his mother's time could be coming to an end hung heavily on his mind. That wasn't particularly unusual these days, what with her still declining health and the lack of information even after her admittance to St. Mungo's. "I am glad to know," he admitted. "Even if she doesn't know that I do."
Feeling as though he'd expended more than enough time and energy on this topic today, Marcus kissed the top of Bryony's head before beginning to pull away, saying, "So tell me, did Tilly include desert that can be eaten before dinner?" He offered her a small smile, the same slightly conspiring one from when he would take her flying as a child and they'd had to work to keep that secret from the world. "I think we both deserve that treat after today."