The mother said, “Aldred has a tender heart.”

The youth blushed. “Not tender enough, perhaps.”

Raimonda pushed a fugitive pea in his direction. “Tender enough. But reluctant to show.”

And this was a girl he had kissed with abandon.

“One was raised that way. Schools strict. Parents not demonstrative.” He hoped to end the discussion by eating a whole handful of peas.

Raimonda said, “That was their affair. Now it’s up to you.” The tone in which she said this, without rigour or rancour; almost in reverie.