Eliza didn't acknowledge Martin's silent inspection of the device.  It was not her place to be suspicious.  She was the picture of openness and trust to her guests, and she trusted Martin to be her eyes and ears.  As they walked from the chamber, she passed him a smile, showing how grateful she was for his professional paranoia.<br/><br/>The House Dining Hall had been set up as best Eliza could manage.  The centerpieces were lined with golden ferns and water-lillies imported from offworld at significant cost.   Seats at the head and foot of the table were set aside for the Consort and the Lord of the house.  Eliza's moved over to her own seat and and rested her hand on the back of her chair.<br/><br/>"Please, sit with me Trader Gull, I'm so eager to hear about your offer that I cannot possibly desist until after dinner."  She said in a flattering tone.  "I hope you don't mind if we talk business as we eat.  My manners sometimes take a backdoor to my enthusiasm when the offer is tempting enough."<br/><br/>She waved over to Martin to sit with her as well, although she was far more subtle about it so as not to arouse any offense from the Gull while still benefiting to the expertise.<br/><br/>"Nadira, and Lakshmi, I'm sure you two can catch up, but please, I beg you don't sit too close to me."  She raised her hand to her forehead in a deliberately over-dramatic gesture, "I"m afraid if I have to listen to one more Bene Gesserit lecture, I'll lose my appetite entirely!"<br/><br/>She gave a small glance to Nadira and nodded at her, hoping she could buy some time for Nadira to feel out Lakshmi and find out if she was the defector away from Gull.