He gave a quiet, noncommittal "Hmmm" when Mary brought up the fate that history apparently had in store for the young woman. Eustace had found it all but heartbreaking to read about what was to become of his dear Lady and Princess, but understood very well the path that had taken her to that end. There was comfort for her to be had, Eustace hoped, in the idea that such things were no longer her destiny now.
Eustace nodded. "It has been quite disconcerting dealing with so many familiar and unfamiliar faces," he agreed. "And now you find your father in this world in a similar circumstance: a man of great wealth and influence, smitten and preparing to wed a girl who has neither." Pausing to think, Eustace gestured in Mary's direction. "If you would like to change to a more pleasant subject, Mary, I would be happy to," Eustace offered.