One would think that Elliot might chafe at the idea of Lady Olwak serving the tea, but of course that was her prerogative. One lovely thing about having properly established roles in life is that though on the very top of the chain could deign themselves willing to do something below their station if it fell into specifically defined scenarios. For instance, while it was most proper for a servant of some sort to pour the tea, in this moment, as hostess Lady Olwak could as well. She also could have asked he to do so as her knight or Miss Whelp as the guest. It made life so much richer to have such roles and responsibilities. Hopefully, Miss Whelp would come to realize that soon.
Lady Olwak laughed at the line about the dress and Elliot's cheek went a little red, but he at least managed a smile. It was very easy for him to manage smiles. Being pleasant was another virtue and one of the most important, especially in his Lady's presence. Now that they were all at the table, he smiled pleasantly, and after the others took a sip, he would as well, carefully, with the flourish of someone who truly, deeply enjoyed it. Then, as the two ladies spoke, he was quiet. Elliot Gahald, at a tea party, was to be seen as handsomely as possible, and not to be heard unless spoken to.