C43 I take her place

Alec gave her a reassuring smile, then stood up and picked up his glass. He looked at Carl. "Since this is a polite invitation, I'll have a drink with the friend you spoke of. It's a courtesy to invite others to join us for the Winter Festival, but this lady is not convenient, so I'll take her place.

Karl let out a heavy sigh, looking at Alec who had just come out of the crowd