His cheeks were flushed from his rant and though his throat didn't feel dry (Barnabas talked quite a bit), he accepted the glass of water and took a polite sip. Her body language indicated that she meant no harm. At first, he thought she might be patronizing him. As she continued however, he found himself to be soothed. Of course he would make a lovely husband. It was an anomaly that he was not already one!

"Thank you," His voice was terse, but sincere, "I don't normally read such nonsense of course, only an acquaintance mentioned that I'd been featured in poor fashion and suggested I ought to read it. I'd rather know what's being said about me than be ignorant of it." He happened a glance at her companion, who was looking at him with a look akin to horror. His rant hadn't been that terrible, had it? Not exactly proper decorum, but not the worst thing he could have done. He quickly broke the eye contact and unsure of what else to do, sipped at the water again.