Philip was caught up in his puns, but he hadn`t been loud. He hadn`t caught his blunder until it was too late, although he didn`t let anything show. They were going to have a conversation and straighten the two things out, that was clear. And they`d have a laugh about it later, or not. That was just how it went. So he decided to ignore it. Things would be as they would be. However, after he understood his blunder, he didn`t confirm or deny anything about the Circle or Chambers` real name or nickname, and merely continued his deadpan as if all of that had been part of an elaborate joke which Mary just happened to have understood, only breaking character to look appreciatively and with a humorous expression at Chambers once he returned with the drinks. He`d said everything he thought he needed to say about spice and didn`t elaborate further, now it was covert damage control time.
"A shadow boxer! Why how gallant of you, Sir, thanks. Nice twist, with the ice and lemon."
he said to Chambers, emphasizing the drink he brought to thank Chambers for it, while playing off his blunder and transitioning out of deadpan as he returned, seeing him slightly flustered. No doubt mostly because he`d inadvertently badly trolled him, and the connection to the Circle was potentially there too, indirectly, thus letting the whole team down.
Gosh, I hate all this double blinds thing, but that`s the life, part of the deal. No doubt they`ll have a field day with this. But let`s see if he got my hint. Then again, they seem to be buying the deadpan. he thought to himself.
Chambers` hint at knocking him out from the shadows wasn`t lost on him, but he decided to play it off and apologise properly later. For Not here, not now. he thought. It was all fun and games, until it wasn`t, after all.
"Call it a cart-wheel rollercoaster ride. Your offer would seem to be another one, next friday it is."
he said to Sarah, returning the jest and answering her question, while affirming he was interested in the following friday. He decided to stay out of the singing and plant discussion though, he`d already complemented her he thought, so why do it so obviously again this time. After all he already had her number and she pretty much agreed to see him (and Chambers) again the following friday.