The applause quieted after their arrival. Erik continued to lead his ladies slowly through the mass of patrons, the pace slow enough to allow others to take their fill of Enigma's and Christine's presence, but not slow enough to invite interruption. There was a pause while he procured beverages for the ladies -- champagne for Christine and merlot for Enigma -- and then he did not stop again until they reached the group around the mayor. They arrived just as Ms. Lane complimented his ladies. He waited through that polite pause before he pressed into the group.