Francesca - Declined a drink
Hester - Was never offered one
Warren picks Guinness immediately. He stutters a bit, but it’s what he wants. He’s almost surprised that he says it, but it's not because it’s not his usual order- it IS his usual order. That’s likely why he’s so shocked. He hasn’t gotten his usual order in so long. He was stuck with supplements, frozen meals and old pizza, along with terrible tea or instant coffee- for months at this point. Guinness might’ve been his favorite for different reasons before, but now, it’s his favorite because he missed it.
Bryony’s much more confusing and interesting. Shiraz is originally referred to as an Iranian city, Shiraz, and the wine produced there, but that is context from ages ago. Currently, it’s a slang term to refer to wine produced by the Syrah grape, grown in mostly America, Australia and New Zealand. Its very acidic, very chocolatey and has dark flavors as a dark red wine. It’s not popular in the UK, which could be a hint towards Bryony’s background- she might not have grown up in the UK. It could be a taste preference, sure, but it could mean she’s from a region where Syrah (or Shiraz) is more popular, like the U.S., France, or Oceania.
Malcolm is an old soul. Scotch is a very popular drink among those in the UK and Malcolm does not oppose traditionalism in that sense. He’s probably been drinking it all his life and doesn’t plan on changing it now. It’s also very possible that he was, in fact, several drinks ahead of the others at the table as Bryony noted. Not much to say there other than Malcolm loves scotch and scotch loves him right back. It is, however, interesting to note that he knew the pairings for shiraz and insisted he also have a glass (as well as everyone else at the table). He’s either an alcoholic or a connoisseur.
Francesca’s drink order suits her character absolutely perfectly. The meeting at the Boat and Bridger, while in a rustic and hospitable setting, was completely professional and work-focused. The hesitation in her voice before she answers indicates she was tempted to join her colleagues in drinking during the meeting, but she decided against it. Francesca is now acting director, in a meeting with Malcolm Landry who was the previous acting director and Warren Godby, a scientific breakthrough. She needs to be at her absolute best during this meeting and no matter how mad Malcolm acts or how frustrated she gets with the sadistic Bryony, her mind must be clear and alert, and she knows that. I absolutely adore Fran.
Hester. Poor Hester. I didn't even know she was there until she spoke, they all overlooked her and barely addressed her throughout the entire meeting, only bothering to talk to her when she had something to offer. Bryony seemed interested in her when she finally recognized her existence, but before then, it seemed like no one even noticed she was there. We don’t know what she would have order, if she would have, even, because Clive’s eagerness to show off got in the way. God, these people are dicks.
