I can sympathize. I'll make certain your cousins know you're not put out with them, if you're away for a bit. I am planning to make Thomas' birthday a bit of an affair, but if you're not feeling up to it in a few weeks, perhaps we can arrange something quieter for just the family. No need to decide it now.

[He also makes himself a note to pack a couple bottles of decent wine with her effects. Not that he doubts Mme d'Asgard's resourcefulness, but it feels like a gesture she'll accept without forewarning.]