Nodding, he poured cups for them both and spooned cream and sugar into his tea before gesturing for her to do the same. "I'm glad to hear it. If nothing else, birthdays ought to go without a hitch, and with the Queen of Spades, no less?" He flashed a smile, unconvincing though it probably was. "Your taste in dance partners is exceptional."

Of course, her mention of David had that smile falling, pushed his face past forced pleasant expressions, through the worry, and straight to cold blankness.

"David was here, in this castle. In your office?" Just to be clear. He'd be inquiring about that at a later time, to be certain. "What was the purpose of giving you a wax hand, if you know?"