At that, Mrs. Mac's smile grew a little wider.
"I've seen you young gentlemen on the news before. You're even more handsome in person than on television, and Miss Miaomiao is truly beautiful and adorable." Mrs. Mac bowed to the young people as she spoke. "Thank you all for looking after Master Tim. With his parents away, I'm very glad to see that he has so much family around him now."
For once, Damian did not object to being called "family," merely turning his face away awkwardly. Dick raised an eyebrow and smiled at Tim, lifting a hand as if to salute, only for Tim to glare him into stopping.
"Mrs. Mac," Tim said, a barely perceptible note of ease in his voice, "is everything all right at home?"
"Everything is fine, Master Tim." Mrs. Mac looked him over, her gaze gentle. "I've always kept your favorite treats ready."
"Thank you for all your hard work."
Tim nodded to Mrs. Mac and led the others farther into the manor.
Drake Manor was somewhat smaller than Wayne Manor, but every corner still exuded the luxury of Gotham's wealthy families. Compared with Wayne Manor's understated grandeur and Gothic touches, Drake Manor leaned toward a European style that was youthful and fashionable without sacrificing its sense of heritage.
Tim's parents had both left Gotham City, and he himself lived at Wayne Manor, only returning occasionally. As a result, Mrs. Mac now tended to the main house alone, and most of its rooms were kept closed.
There were no outsiders here, so there was no need to make himself uncomfortable to maintain some supposed "family image." Tim simply took everyone to the dining room, where the broad solid-wood table was perfect for their strategy meeting.
Mrs. Mac brought steaming black tea and cranberry cookies