"I'm sure he does," William said, and it was possible that words had never tasted so bitter, but he smiled anyway. "He probably just needs some time. He's an old-fashioned guy, I mean, slow courtship, proving your sincerity. Keep showing him how you feel, he has to give in eventually. Let him come around."
He needed to get them off of this subject, now. "How about that swim?" he asked brightly. "A nice cool, refreshing dip in the pool after all that sweating?"