Theo glanced up as the shadow fell across the table. "Elisha," he nodded in greeting, then had to laugh at the other monarch's comment. "Damn, and here I thought my poker face was impeccable," he teased, gesturing at the other bench. "Please."

Snuffing out the cigarette, Theo sighed and tucked the pack away; out of sight, out of mind, right? ...right. He propped his elbows on the table, still looking a bit morose. "Nothing too earth-shattering. Margret told me this morning she's been accepted into Hopkins." He had to smile; he was, despite his own worry, so very proud of her.