"Oh, Captain Maduin, don't be so droll," Autor says, and his eyes shine wicked whereas the curve of his mouth doesn't. "It's a wedding. Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions."

The fact that this one isn't also goes unspoken.

"Lady Gibbs, Lady Jemima, it has been an absolute pleasure," Autor says to them. "But I believe I should take my friend to the punch bowl."