Then it may not come to fruition. Though, logically, Aldous knew this, given that Reuben seemed rather invested (it was endearing, really), he thought it imprudent to say aloud.

Instead, he offered, "In the intervening months you are, of course, welcome here any time. As is," Aldous paused here, rather hesitant, "Mrs. Crouch."

He did not have to like her now, and indeed had a hard time imagining he would at any point in the future, but his brother's wife currently had collateral.