He leaned down and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you. It’s a privilege to be your son.” His mother, who had held her own throughout the day, and indeed proven herself the most hardheaded and quick-witted of them all, burst into tears. “What did you say to her?” Sophie demanded. “It’s all right,” Violet said, sniffling mightily. “It’s . . .” She threw her arms around Benedict. “I love you, too!”
