Jacob preens. He can't help it, a compliment to Charles is like a compliment to him. Charles is good, honest, kind, brave, and handsome to boot and when other people recognise it and say it? It makes him feel good.

But even though the whiskey haze, he knows this isn't about him, it is about Charles. Arthur is an old friend, Charles cares for him, loves him, but not like he loves Jacob. Still, Charles needs to know people feel this way about him.

"You ev'r said that to... to him?"