"Oh nonsense," Lady Gwendolyn said, waving away Katherine's thanks. "I ought to thank you for coming and giving us all the pleasure of your company. The Earl of Derby was just telling me how pleased he was to be able to count you as a member of his acquaintance. You have such a way of phrasing your opinions! Second only to your brother the novelist, really."
Having noticed Katherine's reaction to Lord Eward, she gently steered her in the opposite direction. "Shall I get you tea or coffee?"