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The compliment from Philip was lovely, and definitely went a way to helping Harper feel more comfortable and less anxiously formal. But there was that lingering sense of quiet panic bubbling away underneath him, much like the curry was bubbling away in the other room. He needed to get away and collect his thoughts before he got more weird. So, Harper opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Philip to enter first.

”Thank you Philip - you’re too kind. Yes I think this lighter sage green is a bit unusual but certainly makes a statement.” The dining room was done up in much more traditional darker reds and greens, and Harper had already set two seats at the table. Not at each of the far ends of the table but directly across from each other at one end. Some floating candles scattered around the room providing a warm and consistent light. ”I’ve given the staff the day off so I don’t embarrass myself learning to cook in front of them, so I will just run and get dinner. Please make yourself comfortable I shan’t be a moment.” With that he quickly walked off around the corner to the kitchen, heaving a sigh of relief when he got there.