"Smart boy!" Klaus' voice carried from somewhere else in the manor.

Mirabelle bristled, her eyes darting in the direction it came from. Then, she sighed and gave Otto her full attention. "Yes, I suppose you're right," she agreed stiffly. "But we'll work it out, when she relays...our message to the Blackmoores." Her gaze dropped for a moment as she thought, then she sighed. A smile finally came to her face and she took Otto's arm in reassurance. "[i]But,[/i] enough of that for now. Tell me where've you been all this time. Would you like a bag? Will you need a room this morning?" There was a hint of concern in her otherwise joyous tone, like a mother welcoming her son home from college or a long trip.