Peter grimaced and waved a hand in front of his face to clear the smoke. "That smells awful," he said, unnecessarily. "Wait here a sec, okay?" He ducked out to tell Merope that he was going to take a break. Possibly a long break, and to come get him if she needed anything. As an afterthought he picked up some crisps and biscuits from the dry goods shelf before returning to the office. No one had ever thought to inform Peter about things like stock integrity.
He dropped the things into Dorcas' lap and sat somewhat gingerly beside her. Maybe if he distracted her enough with food and cigarettes, he wouldn't need to get into any more awkward conversations.