There was only a language of families, a tongue woven from a lifetime of shared experiences. Its vocabulary consisted of gestures and curt sentences, incomprehensible to all outsiders. Inside, it wasn't difficult to translate at all.

“See?” Jenny said. “That was good. A comforting gesture, and completely unprompt…”

“Jenny’s admonition had the desired effect. Ned drew a deep breath and thrust hi…”

“I knew the instant Margaret spoke that she intended to use me as a weapon. What…”

“His voice dropped to a low murmur, and he leaned down so that he was almost whi…”