[Her fondness does credit to his indecision. It sounded genuine, as did her surprise at Alec not mentioning Katherine which...yes he's not particularly surprised either.

He nods to himself. Alec might be mad at him for it...but, for all the trappings of her nobility had him pausing, Anders couldn't deny there was something to trying to talk to family, even if you didn't think you wanted to. Maybe especially for it. Besides, he could try to smooth over with that outing and more of those lemon cakes he liked.]

You don't ask too much. I'm sure that can be arranged, as can some food for the meal, though I've no promise to give you that it will be anything more than 'acceptable;' no one in the house is especially skilled at cooking. I can make sure the cats remain in their room and myself and the others in the household are out for the evening.

I do have one question, if you don't mind: Katharine...this wouldn't happen to be Katharine Talbert, would it?