Diana's smile fell a little, the luster leaving her lavender eyes. Time occasionally made it easier to talk about Joseph. Time and a good, healthy bit of denial.

Yes, it was easier.

Easier, but not without its pain.

"Oh, he died," she said, keeping as much sadness out of her voice as she could, so as not to upset the stranger. "Two hundred years ago, something like that. Still with me, though." She touched a hand to her heart. "Here." And then she held out that hand to show off the stunning engagement ring she still wore; an opal surrounded by pavé diamonds. "And here."