Rita's expression lightens at that, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "Was it obvious?" It doesn't sound like he has any objections to her choice. Maybe...

"What are you going to do?"

In the meantime, Francis shrinks back, looking vaguely offended... but after thinking about it for a moment, he seems to decide he likes the scritches, and shoves his face against Childermass's hand.