[That she abides it at all speaks volumes; Rip's learned well that Peggy will readily avoid what she cares to avoid, and no doubt what surrounds them now absolutely qualifies. But she claims Tony as family, a title not given lightly, and thus has shown up and lingered no doubt more for his sake than her own.

But they all have their parts to play, don't they? So Peggy stands moodily by, and Rip expects there will be payback--if not now, then eventually. This won't be the sort of thing easily forgotten.]

I suppose so. [Although he still has to wonder if the opportunity might arise. Yet it's become a rather intimate thing for them--they've not had a dance yet that hasn't lit one manner of spark or another, so it might best be an indulgence not taken for the moment.

It's Peggy's party, but as the decorations make clear, she's not necessarily the star.

So instead he listens, and oh, there is quite a deal to unpack now, isn't there? Rip's already learned from Peggy that she and Tony's father were close--one relationship that serves as the foundation for another, no doubt, and like Peggy Rip takes a glance back at the host. Yet like doesn't always mesh with like, and perhaps it should be no surprise to learn that Tony and his father apparently hadn't gotten on.]

You're here. That already says volumes. [And nothing to do with the family Tony resents.] As for the rest--I imagine it's not unlike all of those who have approached you with the expectations they would hold for your future self. A comparison that can't help but be made, but one best set aside in favor of seeing who the person they are dealing with truly is.