She smiled at that suggestion, but sadly. She had not thought back on her schooldays often. After leaving school, there had always been so much work and so much had happened. But now that she did, she felt a pang of nostalgia. They had been so optimistic and life had been so much simpler. She had probably been a worse person for her mischief and lack of self control, only hidden from her parents because her older brother was worse, but she had been a great deal happier.

"Not exactly. They tried to kidnap me to become their queen, but I fought them off bravely," she joked, though in a quiet voice. "I became a maid-of-all-work... I think I should have liked Pirate Queen more after all." She considered telling him about her engagement, but hesitated. Her schooldays and her approaching marriage seemed two different worlds. And she seemed two different persons. "What have you been up to? Are you working for the railway now?" It seemed odd talking to someone she had once been so at ease with, but who was practically a stranger now.