A brief exchange of gestures indicates that the drink is to be accounted for by Benevenuta, later; at Nerva's tight inquiry, she allows herself to return to her reading, at least for the time being, taking a sip - no, a sip - from her brandy before she answers it neatly, "No."

Another sip. She might say that it's unlikely she'll be interrupted here, as Nerva is not a woman to be lightly approached - but she doubts playfulness would be well received, if it were even recognised for what it was. As amusing as it might be to play the wounded dove at a poorly received flirtation, and as much as she might like to amuse herself a bit after all of that, it strikes her as somewhat imprudent and decidedly counterproductive.

Besides, it amuses her to think of, so the job is done.

"I have all that I require, thank you."