"No, Bobby's fine," he said politely, still staring at John like what do I do? What do I say? The rest of it didn't really call for a comment, or at least he couldn't think of an appropriate one, which was all right because she didn't leave him much time to give one anyway.

"Yes, it's a beautiful city, Mrs. Allerdyce. Very romantic," he agreed, shifting to 'dinner party' manners automatically, all formal, polite, respectful. "I...hope you've had a good Christmas so far."