Alfred nodded along as she explained, but wondered if she'd feel the same way in a year or two, or ten. A lot of women changed their minds about things like this as they got older— which wasn't to say that she would, only that she might.

"Well, in any case, I'm happy you're here," he said pleasantly, with his hands still resting where she'd placed them. "Though now I do feel a bit overdressed for the occasion."