Laurence waited until the tea was entirely ready before turning back to them. For Julie he set out milk and sugar. Granby's tea was already made as he knew the other man preferred it. Only once he had sat down with his own cup in hand did Laurence speak.

"I have not said no because I will not abandon any manner of undertaking before I have given it sufficient thought. I do not wish to drive either of you off, truly." He paused, taking a deliberate, steadying sip of tea. "Yet I fear that what you are both proposing is beyond my ability to form a decision on at this time."