She doesn't look a day over thirty-two, Ben thinks, whereas his skin is getting increasingly craggy, truth be told. It's fortunate that people seem to like that sort of thing.

"It 'tis," he confirms with a slight smile. "Well, likely I'll go procure myself some cake in a bit. Ian's got many admirable cooking skills," he adds, nodding at the kitchen. "But he does best with things you can toss in the deep-fryer, really."