"I'm sure you could, but this is a party. Best we behave." She hadn't expected him to give anything away, really. Although nothing he had said boded well. Sylvia downed the last of her drink. "Speaking of..." She raised her glass, which was now empty. "You'll have to excuse me."

She needed a refill. Which of course was an excuse to give him a brief nod and smile, bringing the conversation to an end, as she moved to walk away.