If I'm to host, I will want some input into the attendees. I don't intend to be a tyrant, but I expect it to be understood.
[He considers her, in turn, evaluating.]
Would you like Thomas and Raoul to attend? It might be complicated, with the war, but I expect it could be arranged. I'd like them here for it, but not against your wishes.
[It's not really a clue as to his emotions, but it is an indication of how he intends to play this hand. He'll commit to it, in a way he seldom does, deliberately placing a marker on the board. Until now, his support of her could be written off to an old man's affection, an indulgence. It likely has been, by some. This would not be that, especially not with his legitimate grandsons present as guests.]
no subject
[He considers her, in turn, evaluating.]
Would you like Thomas and Raoul to attend? It might be complicated, with the war, but I expect it could be arranged. I'd like them here for it, but not against your wishes.
[It's not really a clue as to his emotions, but it is an indication of how he intends to play this hand. He'll commit to it, in a way he seldom does, deliberately placing a marker on the board. Until now, his support of her could be written off to an old man's affection, an indulgence. It likely has been, by some. This would not be that, especially not with his legitimate grandsons present as guests.]