"Hm?" She paused in sipping her glass again, watching him over the rim a moment more.

"Nothing like that -- it is only I trust in very little other than what lies before me and the task at hand. So I cannot in truth make comment." Another sip and she settled it in her lap comfortably again. "Nor do I think counting on things before you are able to plan for them is very wise. Even if I should dearly like to dream as much as the next woman for better things than I know to expect." She propped her arm up against the back of the sofa, turning to face him more fully, stiff formality all but forgotten in the comfort of privacy. "But pinning things upon such hopes of indulgence? Seems only to beget misery."