" All the same now, practically,’ said Van Loon. ‘Separate in name, but we have grown together. The cane plantation, together – a leedle more me than him; the ships, together – a leedle more him than me. He distils, I distribute. Together.’ And an injury to him is an injury to us both, Van Loon did not have to say. Smith glanced at the far end of the table. Flora was glowing – with happiness, but also with importance; sitting next to Joris as if they had been voted King and Queen of the May. Of course, it made dynastic sense. "

― Francis Spufford , Golden Hill