Rodolphus was used to supporters acting like sycophants, or all the false praise heaped his way. He could tell when someone was being non genuine, and that feeling was rolling off Blagden in waves.
"It was no trouble at all, honestly," he said in an equally polite voice. He nodded at the offer of a drink. "Cognac would be lovely." He liked surprising people, and seeing how quickly they would get to their feet after a surprise visit.
"Well, you were absolutely right, Blagden. It was rather forward of me to expect your delightful daughter to discuss business with you."