And Claude absolutely bought into that smile. As soon as Maria took it upon herself, his thoughts evened out to a mellow appreciation. Of her, of her company, even of the glen itself, since it comforted him to know that strangers could still accept an uncomplicated welcome.

"Good afternoon," he offered with a tip of his head. "We seem to have a bit of a party going on. It's nothing I've done, I assure you, but for now- I'm Claude Marcotte and I'm very happy not to be the only people watcher here."

Relieved was more like it.