Reginald had decided to take his time and have tea with Cecilia first -- to buy his time and settle exactly what he intended to tell these people, and to get rid of all remaining grogginess. He was feeling almost entirely free of the sedative by the time Cecilia returned.
As she knocked, Reginald stood and smiled welcomingly. This was serious business -- but he was nothing without proper manners. "Good evening, gentlemen," he said. He had risen from his chair and he moved forward now to shake Oliver's hand. "A pleasure to meet you," he said. "Thank you for your time. Owen, it's good to see you again. Please, come in. Sit down." Reginald's room had a desk chair but also a couch and two armchairs near the fireplace. Reginald took the armchair closest to the fire, which he had tended to while Cecilia was gone.