"Mademoiselle," he greeted Jo. But before he could say anything else, Fred started a bout of cheery introductions. He couldn't help but be charmed by her. He was smiling again -- until she mentioned that Dracula was real. He had known.... well, known of, as he'd never been formally introduced... Bram Stoker. He'd been a manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, the year before Christian left for Paris -- and the man had just released his Dracula in 1897. Christian was quite sure the good man Mr. Stoker would have a great guffaw if he heard Fred so earnestly inquiring if one knew that Dracula was real.
"The novelization was vivid," he said gently, leaving his tone to sound agreeing enough. But that was as far as he would go.
"I have a pen, here," Christian offered. "And enough room on the gift card for the bouquet to add a couple names. It'd make the offering far finer with your names on it, should you two deign to sign."