[He's simply being superficial. It's easier to hide any hints of frustration underneath a smile and a veneer of calm than by completely closing down. Barnaby didn't know this man...but he did know that he had a rep. He didn't know who all in the village knew anything about him.]

All Passions? I heard there was a couple of tailors in town but I haven't had a chance to speak with them about commissions yet. They wouldn't be without compensation either, of course.