"No, no, we'll be alright," Barbara replied to Rose as they watched Howard stand straighter. She kept a light hand on Howard's shoulder just for support, moral and otherwise.

Rather than standing about and waiting for Howard to regain the ability to speak up, Barbara thought it best to give him some more time. "I apologise for being so forward. My name is Barbara, and this is Howard. The view from here is splendid, don't you think?"