"Now, then," Alfred said gently as he set down the cup of tea and plate of cookies on the table. "Would you like to talk about what happened? Perhaps we could simply sit and have a nice chat, if you prefer."

The butler's expression was gentle, concerned. By this point he'd helped to raise multiple children and knew better than to try and pry into young people's affairs. He was a firm believer in allowing others the chance to choose how and when they opened up about their feelings, and he knew it was best not to push too hard. Still, this one was visibly distraught, and he could not help but worry.

"I could leave you be, if you wish. Would you like that?" At the shake of the young one's head, Alfred sat down. "Very well, then." He poured another cup for himself, adding two lumps of sugar, and took a sip. "If you need anything, I am here. I will not leave until you ask."