Having arranged for a meal at a fine place that served the same types of food they purport are served in Rome. It was true from what he read, but he hopes this is not the closest he gets to that city.

If Hildegarde is not given the slip, there is also a nearby but not too close table she can enjoy... Or just sit at not enjoying. Either way, she is fed at his expense and given every opportunity to glowe... Assuming she shows.

It turns out that either Margaret had given Hildegarde the slip or perhaps the hulking nun simply doesn't work at night. An interesting sight or oversight, depending upon one's perspective.

The beautiful young woman rides up on her own, her long dress thrown backwards over the horse, riding quickly with the ease of one long used to it. She manages to avoid all but the dumbest of the peasants and vaults her horse over that unfortunate with the consummate grace of the huntswoman. For all of that, she is as clean as one can expect, alighting pleasantly at the entrance to the restaurant. She walks over to the good sir knight waiting for her, raising an eyebrow as she approaches.

Her arrival receives a bow and a charmingly nervous smile, definitely apologetic. "I must apologize for my offense earlier. I had prior promised my sister that I would ride for her. And I had not expected to receive favor from yourself Lady Margaret. It seems that I have made a misstep and and gotten myself stuck between the wills of two powerful women. I pray you will let me make it up to you."

Margaret receives the bow calmly, a smile hinted at on her lips.

"I see! I would have thought she'd have made a point to send you an honor sooner. But alas sisters are a chore and long as often for a tool as for their brother. But it is well done that you ride for your house. Though you may wish to ask your sister how you will ever find a wife if she is to be the only woman you compete for." Her tone is waspish but her smile pleasant. If she is indeed annoyed, it's clearly not with Geoffrey.

"But, nevertheless, it is good to see you again, unless your sister is lying in wait around a corner. I fear she'd have my face to ribbons with that mannish build."

Yup, she's annoyed. Still smiling pleasantly, but it might be best to get off your sister. Or perhaps simply the topic of her.

"The only thing hidden around the corner is our table. And I would be glad for you to join me at it." He offers a hand to lead her there, his smile reaching his eyes.

At the table there's a small wreath arrangement of genista and white cinquefoil.

Pulling out Margaret's chair properly before moving his own chair to be closer, rather than across the table. With Hildegarde absent he's a bit more forward it seems.

"The better to hear you Lady Margaret," he gives as explanation for moving his chair.

As he brings his chair around, she laughs quietly. "Oh yes, I'm certain. That's why you got this secluded table as well, yes? To cut down on the noise level?"

She surveys the room and the table, smiling slightly at the genista and cinquefoil.

"And who says I have anything exciting to say? Perhaps I will simply be enjoying this no doubt fine repaste silently?" She arches one eyebrow regally, the smile on her lips giving away the game, if it wasn't utterly transparent before.

"Silence between us? I can't imagine such a thing. Even as I try to think of something we might do quietly together, I hear your voice," he says with a chuckle.

"Took the liberty of ordering ahead a selection we might share from. I also know of several spots nearby if you wish to share more privacy or excitement after dinner. Though those two things need not be mutually exclusive I suppose."