[It is absolutely a tease, and one that renders his disparaging laugh at least a little affectionate]
If this [He gestures again to the picnic] is any indication as to what I can expect from them? Perhaps our battles should not.
[It is a bluff - mostly a bluff, at least - and a fairly transparent one, but the suggestion that she may have begun to bore him is definitely there. He hopes she might still find that prospect more of a Concern than a Relief.]
no subject
If this [He gestures again to the picnic] is any indication as to what I can expect from them? Perhaps our battles should not.
[It is a bluff - mostly a bluff, at least - and a fairly transparent one, but the suggestion that she may have begun to bore him is definitely there. He hopes she might still find that prospect more of a Concern than a Relief.]