Before she could complete her sentence, a realization swept over her, causing her countenance to darken. "I said that to those gentlemen. You needn't take it seriously."

“But I do take it seriously."

Perceiving Bettie’s discontent, Lance added with a gracious smile, "I've already contemplated our dining choice. I aided you in capturing the thief just now. You won't be so petty, will you? Besides, they're not far away."

Lance directed a fleeting glance toward the two men.

Following his gaze, Bettie spotted the pair engaged in conversation not too distant from their current location.