[Dorian certainly knew how to hit a weak point and the downturn of Daryl's lips before he could catch himself made it obvious he'd done so. It wasn't like there weren't enough people in his life making the same commentary about his lack of entrance into the married elite. He didn't need the former perpetual bachelor doing the same.]

I hardly think I have time for that kind of consideration at the moment.

[It was his standard line of deflection. Focus on work and career and most people would 'hmm' and 'ahhh' in that pitying way the did before nodding in understanding and moving on. He prayed Dorian would do the same.]


I have far too little free time for such pursuits.