Lady Percy laughs, once and somewhat bitterly. "You are just returned. Come, let's to a smaller room. I'll have some wine drawn up, and we may speak together."

Harry knows of old that this tone brooks no argument -- so, road-weary as he and Kate might be, he dips his head. "We'll after thee, in all gladness."

Lady Percy is composed again: there'll be no more tears, though perhaps a few smiles.