Although her mannerisms, her comment about the time, and strangely, even her appearance seemed a little odd to him, the duke believed that perhaps it was just because she was from a different country and culture. "My name is Samuel Winters, Baroness." he replied, putting down one bag so that he might give a proper bow with his left hand across his waist. "I am the Duke of Zima Kruzhevo. Pleased to make your acquaintance...err..."

The reason for the feeling he had that something was amiss when she had turned to face him only now became clear to him. Even though he had clearly been looking at her when they spoke, he had failed to notice her eyes. He hesitated for a moment more before continuing. "I beg your pardon, Baroness, but are you perhaps...blind? If so, I sincerely apologize for my thoughtlessness."

He hoped that she might not be too upset with him. Just his luck to have potentially offended someone on the first day of his stay.