[She's not entirely surprised by this. She'd hoped he would want to attend but will not begrudge Richard his comfort. The offer had been made, and that was worth something.]
Bereft of your company I don't know how I shall bear the rest. [Teasing, really.] I suppose I shall have to manage.
[Action]
Bereft of your company I don't know how I shall bear the rest. [Teasing, really.] I suppose I shall have to manage.