Merriman's brow furrows slightly, at the abruptness of her response.

'If you think it best,' he says, carefully neutral. 'Would you prefer to retire to your rooms here? Or would you rather stay in the bar for the present, at the table we vacated a few minutes ago?'

The question is phrased closely enough to convey another question beneath it. Would you rather be alone? Or would you prefer not to be?