It sunk in

At last, Tony had grasped exactly what Livia was suggesting and what she had skilfully reasoned, without somehow getting the violent response that Tony could so easily have provided, given his unbreakable bond with his brother.

Livia had presented the almost altruistic proposal, and in so doing had presented herself as the faithful loving wife, albeit faithful in spirit. She had entirely justified the imperative of both her and Tony keeping completely schtum... again without challenging the fidelity of either one of their relationships with Terry.

It had sunk in. Livia had been masterly, although she would be the mistress.