Feeling suddenly foolish and terribly out of place, Alistair took another step back; he didn't glance to find an open space, though fortune allowed a clean step that didn't bring injury to a stranger or the clockmaker himself.
The woman's inquisitive glance had him feeling branded a fool. "I do think I would remember you as well, should we meet again," he told her, before turning his attention to the gentleman at her side.
"Musgrave," he filled in, to answer the man's question. "Alistair Musgrave. I'd not meant to keep you from your... amusements, sir, and I'll not hold you back any longer. I don't imbibe, myself, so I'll be on my way. A pleasure to meet you both." He paused, and nodded at the lady. "Madam," he added, flashing an awkward smile, and disappeared into the crowd.
He'd have a tale for Maggie, at least. The night might have been better spent working on the new machine, rather than making himself a fool in society's glare.