Beatrice stood her ground. "You're not with anyone. You're too sickly pale to be a proper decoy. Myself, on the other hand. Now, who says that I was going to be alone for all of my walk? He may finish with a jade's trick, but I have someone to meet with."

All talk, of course, and she hated herself for referencing him even indirectly, but still. Bluff for all you are worth, she told herself. Don't ever consider backing down.