[Just like that, the gaggle of dogs seem content to go on their own way. And Iris is... getting excruciatingly comfortable, which is an awkward experience for Beatrix, but no more or less awkward than her attempts to be somewhat personable.]

I have heard that animals are skilled with judging the character of those around them. Perhaps given their nature here, that is only amplified.

[She wonders what that says about her, however. Iris, without even knowing her, seems to understand that Beatrix is not all serrated edges and heartless action. On the contrary, very little about Beatrix is heartless at all. Maybe Iris can see right through the charade.

She catches wind of the quirk in Eustace's mouth and pointedly turns her gaze aside.]

I am not much of a pet person. [She admits.] My role did not provide me the time to be so. I have not spent much in the presence of animals.