Kate’s hand in his own kept Jasper grounded, giving him something to focus on other than the overwhelming urge to fall into old habits. Listening to her stand against her father in such a way caused a jolt of worry to race up his spine. What if Kate got in trouble for this? Jasper knew in an instant that he would accept any punishment inflicted her way for her actions despite knowing that wasn’t how the Lyons family operated. Kate’s voice in his mind had Jasper returning to the present moment, his eyes glancing in her direction before return to the floor.<br/><br/>Matt was unsure what to say, or even if he should say anything at all! Choosing instead to direct his attention to the mug in his hands, he nearly dropped it. Clutching it close to his chest, his eyes wide, Matt first looked to Jasper, then Kate, and finally a quick glance towards Lord Lyons before he too directed his gaze to the floor. He was sure he had missed something, some part of the context, but he didn’t dare ask. Lord Lyons was different, more commanding, and it made Matt nervous. Seeing the way Jasper reacted to the older man’s remarks, Matt could only assume he was feeling the same way, and that was just as frightening. Jasper was familiar, like an older brother, and Matt looked up to him.<br/><br/>The sound of movement had all eyes looking to the source before quickly looking away as Lord Lyons approached. Abby, defiant as ever held her ground, watching the man carefully. She didn’t owe him a thing, she didn’t need to follow his orders. He had said so himself, she was a free woman.<br/><br/>Listening to Kate trying to reason with her father, Jasper nearly jumped when her arm moved around him. Leaning into the touch, he remained silent when the floor was open to any further comments. Matt followed suit, looking up through his lashes to Kate, his respect for her only growing.<br/><br/>Abby considered saying something, had had no problems with jumping in with her own remarks and opinions on the whole ordeal. She settled however for simply shifting her weight to one foot, her arms still tightly crossed, and her eyes slightly narrowed at the man. She wasn’t going to hide her anger, or dislike of the whole ordeal.