At that she laughed. Full and unexpected and yet nothing truly remarkable in that it was just laughter. It should be the mundane. Of course it was not.

"No Jack, I imagine that is true."

Reinette set her plate aside then, following the direction of Jack's gaze towards the children. Boys and girls both played together, and she wondered again at how normal it must be to everyone else around them. It was so far from what she knew.

"Alexandrine?"

Her thoughts came back, organizing themselves at the sound of Jack's voice.

"Well enough. She certainly takes pleasure in speaking her mind, of late." And, of course, using that voice to inquire after Jack's absence. "It will be time to arrange for her marriage soon."