"He did have a charming side," Nell agreed. Not that she was much impressed by charm. The obvious caring and respect he had for the other three was far more impressive to her.

"No," she said with just the hint of a sigh. "I mostly only could have had my husband, John, or my sister wife, Leah."

She shook her head. "John would not approve of where I am or what I wear or who I spend time with - or indeed who I am. He didn't - nobody back home knows about my gifts. They just think I'm good with plants. Leah..."

This time she really did sigh. "I like to think she might be better. She probably would tell me that I was free to make my own life now, but she wouldn't like any of it either. Now, if animals came back..."