QUOTE : There’s a look of surprise on his face when he answers. Then his eyes dart away guiltily. “Vee . . . I thought . . . I thought you were still mad.”<br /><br />“Oh, I am. Don’t think this visit means I’ve forgiven you.”<br /><br />He swallows. “Well, I heard. About your . . .” He bites his lip, struggling to come up with the right words.<br /><br />“Betrothal?”<br /><br />“Yeah.”<br /><br />“Don’t worry. I’m sure my future husband will keel over our first time together. Before anything, you know, happens. Then I’ll have fulfilled my family duty.”<br /><br />“Uh . . . right.” He wrinkles his nose. “Until your father makes another arrangement.”<br /><br />“I’ll be in mourning. He won’t be able to arrange anything for at least another six months.”<br /><br />“Well, as long as you have it all figured out.