"It's not a bad thing to expect," he replied coolly, "although it could be a little more forgiving."

"Well, no, it's not," Marcello replied, giving him a questioning look. "It's just that it only works if you expect it after someone's been given a chance to care."

"True enough." He sighed. "I'm not arguing to change her whole nature," he said. "I rather like her stubborn and principled, anyway. I'm happy with her, she's happy with me. We keep each other entertained. That's all I can claim over the course of three or four days."

Marcello grinned. "Well, it's the first time I've ever heard anyone say that about any of my little sisters, and it's really all I would hope to hear," he answered. "I'm sorry you don't have more time. Should I stop wasting what you do have? Seeing as it sounds like we'll have plenty of opportunities for drinks in the future?"

"It's the same as always. I should be checking in on Fiona." Involuntarily, he glanced over his shoulder, as if somehow, through the noise of the kitchens behind them, he could still hear her stir in her sleep. "Besides," he joked, "you have a new wife."

Marcello laughed. "I have a new wife who has far too many demands on her attention," he amended. "In some ways it feels like we've been married a while and this just makes it official." He got up, taking the wine bottle and his cup, and then, after a moment's consideration, offered the remainder of the bottle to Faolin. "Keep it," he said. "I can get more anytime."

"Good neighbor, your lordship." He rose, taking the bottle, and gave Marcello a short nod. "And again, congratulations."

"Good neighbor," Marcello replied. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay," he said cheerily. "I'd tell you to say hello to my sister, but I don't think she'd much like that."