Re: Tim & Effie & Open
He was wearing it because, despite the security in place, there was always potential for things to hit the fan and he wanted to be ready just in case. With all of the money and high profile people around, the event seemed a likely target, so he was on guard for the worst.
Her words made him smile, as relief of her not being too upset with him replaced the initial guilt he had felt.
He thought the worse, but said nothing of it. Instead he just held Effie around the waist and kissed her mouth, lingering upon her lips as though they were some sort of sweet delicacy.