"I did think about bringing her, but... well, I thought there might be a risk of this getting lively if someone had a falling out. That, and she gets tired around big groups of people. So many new things to smell and people to meet. So she's with a sitter for the night. A little more peaceful for her."

Even if she probably is quietly waiting for him to come back. Not very patiently, but as patiently as she can manage.