Alfred startled at the familiar voice. He hadn't expected to see Jo at a normal society thing; she seemed more at home in a pub, or the wilderness, or... really, anywhere but here. Still, he was pleased to see her. She was good company in any setting, and she seemed to be in a considerably better mood than the last time they'd talked.

"I'd forgotten you two knew each other," he said with a grin across the table. His cheeks, which had resumed their normal color as he scanned a room full of strangers, began glowing pink again.