"They meant well." He nodded. "They love you very much." "I know." Meaning she didn't need him to tell her that. Obviously she was not going to give him any quarter whatsoever. There was no point in delaying it. "Eleanor, I know you have heard about Fanny Carson's book." She laughed humorlessly. "Not merely about it, I've heard parts of it read aloud." Brahm closed his eyes. Frig. "I can explain." She held up her hand. "You do not owe me an explanation." "I think I do. I want to give you one all the same." "I do not need to hear any more, Brahm. I have heard enough." She was persistent; he'd give her that. Stubborn too. Was she that determined to think the worst of him? And how much of the book had she been read? Just selected parts? No doubt they were the worst possible parts, such as the remark about his "maleness." At least she was still calling him by his Christian name. That was a good sign. "Eleanor, you and I both know how malicious gossip can be.
