"I'm certain there are people who will find a cloud for any silver lining we suggest," she replied with more pragmatism than she preferred. "But still." Her smile brightened again. "I know we can persevere."
"Perhaps you could bring me the sweetener you like, Robert. Then I could have it for you the next time you come to tea." She leaned back in her chair after pouring a bit more tea into her cup, if only to make it more palatable.
"Now," she rolled her chin to one side, so she could keep an affectionate eye on him. "Tell me all about this favour. I'm positively dying of curiosity!"