Kate opened her bottle and watched the drink fizz. But she didn't get the usual anticipatory relish out of it. John's words bothered her. She turned her eyes from the bubbles to her brother. "Nobody wanted to worry you. Mam was so afraid for ye. The last thing she wanted was for you to have our troubles distract you when you should focus. And Joe's... Joe's stupidity... well that was so recent and unexpected. There wasn't time to write."