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• 1. I have thought about this a lot as I have read through these books. My best guess is that its a matter of control for him. If he let's his guard down he could be taken advantage of (strategically) and his game playing would be complicated. If he keeps the distractions at bay, he's more focused on the the game and can keep thinking a few steps ahead. There is also another part of me that wonders if he uses this as a way to separate himself from his former Claes, trying to be more serious and "grown up". He rather seems to enjoy himself and is very skilled in the art of lovemaking (from what I can tell), so it seems a pity to have such talent being neglected. :-D (NT) -- Lil, 17:08:23 03/07/12 Wed
  • Yes, it's a shame to not use such talent :-) but I feel as though he's maybe still grieving. He remained faithful to Marian for so long, and is obviously able to control these 'urges', so he continues to control his life, his feelings, his body. He's not in a good mental state, that's for sure. (NT) -- Denise, 18:47:08 03/07/12 Wed

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• 2. I get the impression that Tobie is a skeptical person in general. I think in a way he's glad to see Nicholas, but is not so glad to see what's next in the story and how he's going to get roped into it. He's one character that I wonder why he continues to follow Nicholas - is he just curious or does he get some thrill from all the complaining and fighting he does with Nicholas? (NT) -- Lil, 17:11:37 03/07/12 Wed
  • Tobie sometimes reminds me of Eeyore - quiet, gloomy but good-hearted deep down. Tobie must feel he's going to do well financially by tagging on to Nicholas, but I think there's more than that. He's intrigued by Nicholas' intelligence, mental machinations, and perhaps there's a bit of paternal thing going on too. (NT) -- Denise, 18:37:58 03/07/12 Wed

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• Q1. I think he is still grieving, and perhaps too is afraid if he lets the floodgates open he might not be able to control himself. Q2. Tobie is a tough one- he's like a real human being in that he's quite often annoying. I think he sets extremely high standards for Nicholas without really considering who Nicholas actually is or what he might want and then he's angry when Nicholas fails to meet his expectations. But, yes, I think in his own way (well hidden) he is happy to see Nicholas. Q3. Well, I think some of it is surmise on Tobie's part, he always thinks he knows what Nicholas' motivations are, sometimes he's right and sometimes he is way off base. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 16:07:14 03/08/12 Thu

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• Q3. I'm surprised at how much information/gossip seems to pass between the characters, considering the limited means with which they have to disseminate information. They seem 'in the know' a lot, like a bunch of old women having their morning coffee! (I'm imagining my mother and her crew here) (NT) -- Denise, 19:11:27 03/08/12 Thu

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• 1) Guess it's a discipline. He's teetering on the edge right now and must keep his wits about him. Plus he runs the risk of establishing a relationship. (2) Tobie is like the level-headed big brother who only tolerates his younger siblings, if you know what I mean. He regards himself as very clear-headed and logical, while seeing Nicholas as the risk-taking upstart. I think it's how Tobie maintains a sense of superiority. But yes, he loves Nicholas and is glad to see him, as Cindy says, even if he keeps those feelings hidden. Nicholas is a magnet for Tobie, whether he wants to admit it or not. (3) I don't know how word gets around so quickly, but it sure seems to. Everybody - not only the main players but all the characters - seem to have a grasp of every little detail. And they all seem to draw the same conclusions, too. A person's reputation sure did precede him in those days. (NT) -- Elaine, 07:48:38 03/09/12 Fri

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• He seems to be in a healing phase to me and to be regrouping as well as grieving the loss of Marion and what he had been expecting to be his future. Seems he needs some "me" time. He also appears to have matured and is more his own person rather than reacting to everyone else. (NT) -- FranS, 16:21:06 03/11/12 Sun