*entirely without rancor or sarcasm (although there may be the tiniest thought in the back of his mind that Glorfindel would be proud of him for standing up to you)* And I have every confidence that you will make good on your agreement. *really does believe (if perhaps naively) that you could create something special, if you were ever so inclined*
*gets to his feet again immediately (he doesn't have to stoop to your level, but he doesn't have to be the butt of your jokes, either)* Phoebe, would you care to join me for lunch? We should probably get to work, if Lord Salgant is amenable to my idea.