More than anything

Thomas quite enjoyed dinner, to the point where he was a bit embarrassed by his failure to maintain consistent conversation - it was just so good, and he'd focused on eating rather than following up on comments in a timely manner. He was a bit ashamed, really, and he gave Greta a shy sort of apology once they had all sat back from the table. When he did speak, it was usually a compliment, or he asked Greta how she achieved a certain taste.

"I'm sorry I wasn't much for conversation. You're a far better cook than I am."

He'd learned, of course, because it was frivolous to eat out every night, but Greta had a finer command of seasoning than he did.

"I think since you did all the cooking, it would be best if Saoirse and I cleared the table, at least."