In Ian McEwan's "The Comfort of Strangers," the complex nature of love is explored through the emotional state of the characters. The quote, "She loved him, though not at this particular moment," captures a sentiment where affection is overshadowed by conflict or discontent. This highlights the struggle within relationships, where feelings can fluctuate and commitment may waver, even amidst love's presence.

The momentary disconnect between the characters suggests that love is not always straightforward or constant. Instead, it can be punctuated by doubts and challenges, as evidenced by this specific instance. McEwan's work delves into the intricacies of human emotion, revealing how love can persist in the background, even when it doesn't manifest in the immediate context of a relationship's trials.