This was a question that Aldous had been expecting, for which he had mentally rehearsed a response, but he still fumbled slightly on the execution.

"It did not seem likely that I should find a match for love at this stage," he allowed, the word late omitted but implied, "and so I had to judge prospects on merit alone. Miss Scamander," though Aldous was endeavoring to grow accustomed to calling her by her Christian name, his brother's minimal acquaintance with his bride-to-be made that, temporarily at least, unnecessary, "proved excellent in that regard. I have no doubt that she will be the consummate hostess, and easy to bear affection for in time."