Mercer,” Polly says, “we are now going to hug. As a group. The experience will be very un-English. It will be good for you. Do not speak, at all, especially not in an attempt to diffuse the emotional intensity of the situation.”
They hug, somewhat awkwardly, but with great feeling.
“Well,” Mercer says, after a moment, “that was certainly—”
“I will hit you with a shovel,” Polly Cradle murmurs.
