Jack looked back down at his plate before anyone else could say something.

He would rather stare at the unappealing feast before him for hours on end than look at Vivian's face for another second

“You heard Mr. Blake," Mrs. Jenkins said to Vivian, her voice colder than usual. "Don't embarrass us any further and take your leave." She was afraid that Jack would be offended by Vivian's lingering presence.

As soon as Vivian made her exit, old Mrs. Jenkins resumed fawning over Jack with renewed enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Vivian was in a panic.