“Please.” Combeferre was loathe to let Sybil out of his arms, let alone out of his sight. Here, they could cling to each other until the terror of separation had passed. And then they could confront the future.

For once, Combeferre was tired of thinking. All he wished was to feel. And so he cupped Sybil’s face in his hands and kissed her desperately with all the love, and relief, and frightening unsteadiness he felt in his heart.