Thérèse didn't notice anything wrong with the smile, and so simply returned it, listening to Christopher serenely. "Thank you, monsieur, for your kindness," She replied as she reached out and took a potato, giving him a grateful little nod and lift of her lips. "I should meet Charlot. I hear his name here and there, but I've never actually encountered him. If I didn't know better, I'd say he didn't actually exist." She was teasing, her voice lighthearted, and she smiled wider, pausing for a moment to eat.
"So, Monsieur Blake, tell me... how does a man such as yourself find yourself with an estate like this? You're a lord, but ask not to be called as such... you haven't married into money... inform me, have I accidentally stolen away to a highwayman and thief who will cut my throat in my sleep?" She brought her hand up to her throat, touching the creamy skin there; it had been meant as a joke, but the thought had made her think of Julien, and the guillotine.