[ Lady Lancaster's eyes all but glitter as she looks Kate up and down, taking her proffered hand and shaking it neatly.
So you're Kate, she muses, as if the strange girl tucked under her nephew's arm could be anyone but. The way Kate shifts her grip on Benedict's hand gets duly noted, his aunt's eyes lingering on their interlaced fingers for a moment before she lifts them back to their faces and smiles. Benedict has told us so much about you. Based on the arched eyebrow she sends Benedict's way, that was pure sarcasm.
Benedict, from long years of practice, simply gives his aunt his best mild, unflappable smile and rubs his thumb over Kate's knuckles in return. He's learned how to not rise to the bait by being raised alongside her daughter, who is very much like her mother despite all the times she might wish for the contrary.
Turning back to Kate, she smiles, a little sharp around the edges. I simply must steal you away at some point so we can get to know each other better. It's wonderfully exciting that our Benedict has finally brought a partner home, it's just a pity that the whole family couldn't be here to meet you. Alas, for now, I must play hostess. Don't keep her hidden away from us all weekend, Benedict.
Finally, a crack in his stoic armor: he can feel a flush rising from his collar, his ears growing red. ]
Don't you have other guests to attend to, Aunt? [ he asks, somewhat desperately. Never in his life had he ever expected his aunt to comment on his sex life, however obliquely. If they could escape the room now and abandon any attempts at having dinner, he'd probably be relieved. Sadly, the main event hasn't even begun yet. ]
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So you're Kate, she muses, as if the strange girl tucked under her nephew's arm could be anyone but. The way Kate shifts her grip on Benedict's hand gets duly noted, his aunt's eyes lingering on their interlaced fingers for a moment before she lifts them back to their faces and smiles. Benedict has told us so much about you. Based on the arched eyebrow she sends Benedict's way, that was pure sarcasm.
Benedict, from long years of practice, simply gives his aunt his best mild, unflappable smile and rubs his thumb over Kate's knuckles in return. He's learned how to not rise to the bait by being raised alongside her daughter, who is very much like her mother despite all the times she might wish for the contrary.
Turning back to Kate, she smiles, a little sharp around the edges. I simply must steal you away at some point so we can get to know each other better. It's wonderfully exciting that our Benedict has finally brought a partner home, it's just a pity that the whole family couldn't be here to meet you. Alas, for now, I must play hostess. Don't keep her hidden away from us all weekend, Benedict.
Finally, a crack in his stoic armor: he can feel a flush rising from his collar, his ears growing red. ]
Don't you have other guests to attend to, Aunt? [ he asks, somewhat desperately. Never in his life had he ever expected his aunt to comment on his sex life, however obliquely. If they could escape the room now and abandon any attempts at having dinner, he'd probably be relieved. Sadly, the main event hasn't even begun yet. ]