[It is telling. Strange how a creature as empathic as James can be so cold to others and their own feelings.

They reach the foyer area of the house, footsteps echoing with each stride he takes. The click-clack of a canine’s toenails continue to trail them, though Simon seems to lose interest soon after, curling up on a rug beside the stairs.]

…No, it doesn’t. The decision has already been made. [He looks at her, as if trying to puzzle out why she seemed to be judging him.] Don’t get me wrong, I liked your cousin as much as any other man might have. She seemed intelligent and pleasant enough. But I wasn’t exactly in love with her; all things considered, she was just a stranger. Just like I am to you, and you are to me. The situation hasn’t changed, not as much as some might think. The individuals have just switched places.