Seaside Moors When there ain't a crack in the foundation

I suppose I could. She replied, and supposed she shouldn't be surprised.  His humor was literal, but his frank respect was the reason she'd chosen him.

His smile was a ghastly thing, from a certain angle, but she shouldn't be one to judge.  Just take a side, and set me upright if I topple over. She replied with a casual indifference, then smiled.  This year is not so bad as last.  I'll credit my discerning taste.  The humor was not meant to be a barb at her previous children, and she dismissed the thought soon as it occurred.  It was a shot at their father.  Her ordeals last year had been mostly her doing, but in time, she'd set much of it at his feat.  Easy to do when he was long gone from defending himself.