Mary nodded, and took the hand that was offered to her. "I'm sorry," she said, and looked from Thomas to Spectre. "To both of you. What I asked was unfair. I thought I'd thought it through, and I had, just... badly?" She could see the understanding in Thomas' eyes, but she hoped Spectre would give her the same. He was a wonderful man, and she didn't want to lose his respect or friendship.

"Badly doesn't come into it," Spectre said, shaking his head. "If you'd ended up going back wondering... that couldn't be good. I wouldn't want that hanging over you."