Ever pragmatic, Sophie amends, "Or the memory of it keeps us going through the tough times." She gives an embarrassed shrug. Downs always tagged along with the ups. Life would be boring otherwise.

She tucks her arm through the older woman's. "Let's sit. I'm still half afraid I'll topple over in these heels." Her gaze searches the room for the other man in her life. "Poor Cadogan. I had him convinced Adrien had decided on ascots--sage with peach roses--for the longest time. Then the silly man went and took pity on him and told him I was only teasing."