"I am afraid the trial is hardly yet begun." He said, trying to sound grave but the sight of her pleased him and brightened his outlook. "I fear if I look anything other than my usual self it is my nephew's doing, and, if any blame should lie on any other, Lord Hurst and his Ball. The boy has not been the same since that evening." He said, gesturing her up the steps and inside, an arm curling around her back but not touching, almost there to catch her should she stumble on the slick stone steps, dark with rain.
"Luncheon should hardly be a moment, Georgina, I'm sorry that you have had to wait. Can I get you a drink in the mean time?" He asked, guiding her up the stairs and towards the grand dining room, once the long-gallery.