Her responding groan of pain found its inspiration in anything but the physical labour of settling Sparrow onto one of the couches. No, instead she was suddenly burdened with the knowledge that -- sure enough -- society marched on, in spite of her heartache.

It wasn't a surprise. Still, it stung.

"Right. The ball. How many pay-backs do you owe me now? Or is the other way 'round? Do I owe you?"

After all, being carried anywhere was dreadful. Not her favourite thing and often allowed for his sake more than her own. Jack seemed to like that sort of thing.