"It seems my reputation precedes me," Galt remarked with an easy smile. 

He did not know Lord Bryne very well, but Silke had mentioned him once or twice. He was an owner of a moderate estate just short of the country, which to Galt's sensibilities meant he was the proud owner of a veritable kingdom. The size of Silke's manor was already hard to imagine. Living in the city you were always tresspassing somewhere, but it all seemed so abstract. Speaking to and eating with the men and women who controlled the vast swathes and buildings was something else entirely. This was definitely not his first instance in the presence of nobility, but whenever he was around a less familiar blue blood, he still felt out of place. The lord in question had an amused, witty air to him, without any of the half-hidden malice many of his peers were so keen on. That was a welcome change, if Galt's estimation was correct, at least. 

"I always enjoy my time with Lady Kasper, even if my horse doesn't agree with me." Galt chuckled in good humor. "The weather did kick up a bit but we made it back in good time, and while I am certainly used to going without food I must say I am positively starving."

As Lord Bryne and Vincent verbally sparred, Galt spied Silke approaching. He returned her smile, noting how radiant she looked amid the candlelight and the shimmering silverware its reflection danced upon. 

"Why do you not pick apart Harrowmark? He's more resourceful than one might expect." Vincent rumbled to Bryne, idly gesturing to Galt with a slim glass cup.

"I'm a guest, same as Lord Bryne, my lord. Perhaps another time after the food." Galt replied almost apologetically.

As if on cue, the serving staff waded into the dining hall from the back of the chamber, carrying trays of hors d'oeurves to start them off. There were wedge salad skewers on little bits of wood and artichoke wanton wrappers with cut up bacon that made Galt's mouth water, and sun-dried tomato basil roll-ups to finish off the appetizers. Wine and water were carried in, the former in bottled and the later in bronze pitchers with gilded embroidery. 

Galt glanced at Silke, recalling the lessons she had granted him in etiquette at banquets. He wished to dive in and be greedy, but instead he took small amounts from the trays as they passed, gingerly allowing them to be placed on his plate. He did not mess with the silverware kept his hands in his lap with a small towel over them to keep himself clean once the meal began in earnest. Everyone else did the same, and he hoped he made it seem as natural as breathing like they did. Once Lord Kasper cleared his throat, everyone moved to dine. Galt went for the wine, so as not to appear over-eager with the foods. 

"Much of a wine drinker, lord Harrowhawk?" Bryne asked idly, a twinkle in his eye. 

"No, my lord. But it's growing on me." Galt said after a sip, deciding to finally get a nibble in next. "I'm used to more...solid drink. Mmmm! But these appetizers are quite delicious. I erm, might ask for seconds if that is not too forward." Galt suddenly wondered how tonight would be viewed later on, once their marriage had been announced. Gods, would Silke tell people here? Should he? Galt took another sip of wine to ease his nerves.