My father and I had a conversation last night. I have reached the age at which I am expected to find a suitable girl to marry.

My first instinct was Avalon, of course. She is an exquisite woman, but my father seems hesitant. I suspect it has something to do with the Bell affair. Things were made rather public, and he worries about the connotations. He has not plainly said she is not a possible candidate, but it does seem a possibility.

His suggestion was Annalise, a lovely woman, certainly one with the right ideals.

I have allowed myself to be distracted by idle things, lost track of time. Now it seems there is none of it left.