[Good, the marquis thinks, eyeing him carefully. Favor to Iris or no, curiosity or no, his ultimate instinct is always survival. But still, it's satisfying, seeing those instincts. She was right. He's a deft touch - or could be.]

You can't honestly think you're not interesting. You put on such a lovely performance for us when you arrived. I'd think you'd be glad of some honest interest for a change, instead of people who pretend to watch you so they can fix you.