Lake Rodney ii They watch their children.

Norah was amused - such a brute and still sentimental for his dear mother and the blessing she had given him. People, who appeared to be tough and invincible failed at the simplest things. She should not have felt surprise, except knowing more about the nature of the relationship the son had had with his dam. Her own mother had liked all her children well enough, but did not particularly hide that she had very little use of boys in general. They were father's responsibility right from the moment, when she had weaned them. 

"An adventurer - and where to now? Surely a man with your background would be expected to leave his mark in this world, wouldn't he?" she asked.