[ First he thinks, so it isn't a nod only because she is begging for one. He thinks about the difference between a child told the fire is hot and a child who touches the flame—and himself and perhaps Alexandrie, children with their hands held over it until they learn to converse merrily despite the heat—so it is a nod because he believes it. ]
She was ready to go, Alexandrie. She wanted to go. And if I had thought it was too soon, I would have— [ Stopped it is perhaps overstating his stubbornness and his ability to boss either of them around. ] —I would have asked you if you were sure.
[ He holds his hand up, arm crooked. A gesture ambiguous enough, by design so well-practiced on heartbroken women above his station that it's thoughtless now, to be taken with equal ease as an offer of his hand for her hand, or his arm for her arm, or his shoulder for her head. ]
no subject
She was ready to go, Alexandrie. She wanted to go. And if I had thought it was too soon, I would have— [ Stopped it is perhaps overstating his stubbornness and his ability to boss either of them around. ] —I would have asked you if you were sure.
[ He holds his hand up, arm crooked. A gesture ambiguous enough, by design so well-practiced on heartbroken women above his station that it's thoughtless now, to be taken with equal ease as an offer of his hand for her hand, or his arm for her arm, or his shoulder for her head. ]