"A real change in regime, hm?" She's suspicious, of course, and it colours her tone. Not outright accusing Cooper of having some ulterior motive, but it's politics. Where most politicians are concerned, friendship is shorthand for another connection to exploit until it's not useful anymore.

She takes a sip of her wine, studying Cooper's face for a moment before she continues. "Between you and the new Duke, it seems like Islington is much more interested in making friends than before." Which seems like nonsense, but maybe he's genuine. She'll only get an idea either way by talking to him.