"Yes." Alistair grins, fleeting but heartfelt -- and just as fond. "She's as mad and brilliant as ever. A simple 'how are you?' would get me five minutes of chatter about her latest project every time."

A beat.

He adds, "And I'm certain Dorian would be deeply offended if I didn't also mention his brilliance, so yes, he's brilliant as well."

Fiona remains silent, but one corner of her mouth twitches upward at that.