Thorne looked at her with consideration. How forward of her to offer tea to a practical stranger. He wondered if it was tea she really wanted or something else altogether. His mother would be thrilled, of course, if he interacted with the Carringtons more. To be honest, he would rather lick the sole of a dirty boot before spending time with the likes of them. But, ah, his mother had such little joy in her life and it wouldn't hurt to spend time with the eldest sister...

"I suppose you'll want a meal to go with your tea, miss?" he asked with a raised brow. He would do this for his mother's sake, he thought. It wasn't as if he was to wed the chit after all. What harm could tea offer? He offered his arm and said, "As you wish, my lady."