Lady Malcolm's Servants' Ball, an event she puts on so that the servants have a day of gaiety and levity. Costumes are required. Of course, all of the bohemians take it as an opportunity to dress up in wild outfits, flirt, get drunk, and generally not have the sort of wholesome fun Lady Malcolm intended.
Oh no, he is being trapped in another conversation about the King in Yellow. ...and okay, he appreciates it as a work more, but being trapped with Terrence and the playwright with this particular topic of conversation, is not ideal. "I think our friends might be wondering where we are right now. --Or wondering where you are, at least."
"I wouldn't want to keep you," Talbot says.
He starts to walk with them towards the door.
"You must stick with it. You are doing the lord's work. ...Again, an honor meeting you, Mr. Estus!"
Thank you Talbot, all you crimes against script writing are forgiven. "Very nice meeting you, as well!" He speaks in an undertone to Terence. "The London theatrical world isn't that big. If you want, I can probably get you in touch with at least some of the actors." You know, as a nice gesture considering he is dragging him away.
As they approach the door, Estus looks up nervously at the sky and seems relieved that the stars are safely covered by the fog and the clouds.