Thomas watched Hestia closely for a moment before nodding. "Three of my children attended there." Gilbert silently added, And one did not. He was glad to see that Hestia didn't seem particularly shaken. At least there was that.
Gilbert's eyes focused on his father briefly, reminding himself not to let his discomfort mess anything up. They were going to have something of a pleasant time there. If Hestia wasn't worried, he would at least try to pretend he was not concerned himself. It would not be difficult to do. At least, he hoped it would not. One could never be sure. The sound of his father's voice made him look up and he wondered when he had looked away. "What was that? Sorry."
"How long have you and Ms. Jones here been friends?"
"Ah." Gilbert glanced toward Hestia. "We met before in school. She was a couple years younger, but we were not perhaps very close until the end of my schooling. Then we have worked together in the Ministry ever since. Not in the same Department, of course."
Thomas nodded, eyes settling on Hestia once more. "And where is it you work, Ms. Jones?"