The doorman bumbled in surprise, then opened the door for the pair. Briendiere smiled, opening a lace fan that matched his gloves and was not in his hand before reprimanding the doorman.
It was Eleanor who greeted them inside. "Come," she said. "Everyone is waiting for you."
"For me?" Briendiere said with feigned modesty.
"I did invite you," Eleanor reminded him. "And I have told all of my friends how delightful you are."
"Well, I will not deny being delightful company," he said, with a deliberately joking smile. "Isn't that right, Charles?"
"Well..." Charles started. He didn't get a chance to respond before Briendiere continued.
"See?"
"Now, Charles...I'm certain you do not want to take tea with a collection of ladies," she said.
Charles looked thoroughly confused by this point. He had a befuddled look on his face that Briendiere found quite endearing.
