Katherine offered Lysander a gentle smile, touching his arm. "I know that, Lysander," she said evenly and genuinely before adding (though she did not kwow what possessed her), "that was always your brother's job." But it felt strange inside to say something like that, to openly rail on Eward. Swallowing uncomfortably, Katherine watched as the maid brought the bottle of brandy and two tumblers in, placing them on the table and curtsying, taking leave of the room.
Sinking down into a chair and motioning for Lysander to take another, Katherine opened the bottle and began to pour for them both. When she'd finished, she handed Lysander his, and, taking her own, explained, "I'm afraid it is not the best. Mother hasn't got particularly refined taste in liquors like Father did, but it's far from terrible."