"Ah, the story," she said, with a laugh that was almost carefree. "A man cannot keep his hands off his wife's maid, so the maid and her mistress switch dresses to make a fool of the man, who cannot tell two women apart when they are wearing unfamiliar clothing. Quite the life lessons to be gleaned." She gave him a teasing look, added, "Most men of my acquaintance - present company included - are far cleverer than our dear Count."
She took a step back to pick up the glass of water she had left on the counter, then asked, "Champagne?" Nothing like a nice glass of bubbly alcohol to improve the mood. "Then perhaps I'll show you around."