Jennifer's cheeks coloured slightly, but she managed a poised smile. "Father, please."
The conversation turned to wedding preparations, a supposedly safer topic that nonetheless carried its own pitfalls. The ceremony tomorrow would be a grand affair, bringing together the highest echelons of the society with Jennifer's more modest social circle. Every detail had been carefully negotiated between the families, from the seating arrangements to the menu.
As the evening wore on, more wine was poured, and the tensions began to ease slightly.
Stories were shared, some appropriate, others perhaps brought out by the excellent vintage being served. Pierre's childhood exploits were recounted, carefully editing out any mentions of his time with Jaegar. They talked about how Jennifer had settled herself in the city as a well-known potionist.