The awkwardness was finally broken when the girl who had given Anthony that look, earlier, walked in reluctantly, carrying a basket.

"Oh, Anne, this is..." But Ben came to the uncomfortable realization that he didn't even know the man's name. "A friend of Elijah's..." he finished, and turning to Anthony, he added: "I'm sorry. I suppose we were never properly introduced. Benjamin Ward. And this is me daughter, Anne. Me son Bram just popped in, but I suppose he decided to be shy all of a sudden."

"Nice to meet you, ser." said Anne, as if she met Anthony for the first time. She looked at him intently.