[Ah, things work a little differently on earth, obviously. A doctor of renown is expected to play hospital politics. (A doctor of renown made money, and Stephen always spent it nearly as fast as he earned it, the serpent eating its own tail.) Not exactly traits he'd like to dip his toes back into, but at least the skill of dancing has stuck with him over the years. One of the more innocuous things.]

Not at all. I was going to, anyway.

[Wow, presumptuous! But he says it with a good-natured smirk, clearly teasing. Thancred should be used to that by now.

So, he offers him his hand. And moments later, he's leading them to the dance floor, settling into position. He waits for the next song to strike up, which should be soon enough.]

Dancing is a skill you have to cultivate when you're trying to impress just enough people to boost your reputation during a regional hospital gala, by the way. Climbing that social ladder and everything.

[By way of explanation.]