Goodness, what an expression! It was actually quite the challenge to maintain something of a neutral one himself in the wake of it. Weatherby would never forgive himself for laughing outright at a misfortunate fellow, but it was a very near thing when he found himself fixed a look that for all the world declared more confusion than a noblewoman’s lapdog tilting its head just so.
“I appear to have lost you, lieutenant,” His amusement was carefully refrained, which was just as well considering the topic of their discussion. “The Hamiltons are attending as well – I thought perhaps you would appreciate being extended an invitation from me, personally.” Otherwise, doubtless, he would get one from Thomas and feel stuck between his duty to the admiralty and politeness toward that idealistic young man, or sticking to propriety and declining on account of the fact the host had not invited him!
Ocean Archive 