"They're marvelous informants, of course. But that's just a matter of ensuring that they tell stories to the right people." About halfway through his glass of wine, he was becoming quite aware of the effects - nothing too serious, but they were noticeable, and he was sure he shouldn't have another. "No, no one interrupted. I flatter myself I maintain order reasonably well, but even I couldn't have silenced that sort of scandal. I'll have to ask you to keep it close." He gave her a dry smile; it was clear he wasn't terribly concerned that she would do otherwise. That in itself was a little odd.