"Understandable," he admitted with a nod of his head. Then he took in a long breath. "Yes, subject change," he agreed as he tried to summon a smile of his own.
"It's been an alright day. I finished off Anna Karenina today and I imagine I'll begin reading Rebecca at some point tomorrow. I also received a journal today," he stated. Better to go ahead and tell her ahead of time. He wasn't certain how she would feel. He probably should not have agreed to meet with Patience, but he had felt the yearn for the outdoors and a good friend.