" William closed his eyes in sheer ecstasy. “Look, I know it’s absolutely no notice at all, but would you by any chance be free for dinner tonight?” he asked. Again there was a silence. And then, once again, came the words to boost any heart—even that of a middle-aged wine dealer, a failed Master of Wine, and a failed everything else—“What a lovely idea! Yes, of course. "

― Alexander McCall Smith , The Dog who Came in from the Cold (Corduroy Mansions, #2)