He's glad of the opportunity to briefly turn his back to her, by going to get those drinks, as the 'I could as well be dead and gone' is such an emotional statement it almost puts a small smile on his lips again. Young people. They have the right to be dramatic and he would not wish her to get the impression he's making fun of her.

There are no servants in this room, the family preferring to be casual when it's just them, so Melbourne pours a brandy for himself and fills a nice crystal glass with water and a slice of lemon for her. After getting seated, he makes eye contact and nods.

"I was young once. I understand..." he says, trying to gain her confidence, even if his tone is not as convincing as he'd like it to be. In reality those years are long gone, and he's a bit of a cynic nowadays.

Then he picks up the cards, shuffles them and deals but not with the intention of playing anything. It's just for show, he's not even specifying what game they are supposed to play. Hopefully she gets it. Besides, the cards will give her nervous hands something to hold onto.

"And what would you do if you could do absolutely anything you desire? I mean, before you reach the required thirty years." A broad question that can be taken in many ways, depending on how open the other person wants to be.