Chapter 177: Saved from noble assault
The luncheon was held at a glass-walled conservatory on the north wing of the Bellmont estate, neutral ground, technically, but nothing about the guest list was neutral. Nobles in summer linen and designer loafers milled about beneath hanging ivy chandeliers, sipping citrus cocktails with inherited ease. The air smelled of florals, polish, and power.
Lucas stood near one of the tall windows, half-listening to an elderly countess ramble about philanthropy while counting the seconds until he could bolt back to Trevor. Or even just his room. A corridor. A bush.
Cressida had abandoned him, gracefully, like a general releasing a soldier onto a battlefield, after smoothing his collar and whispering, "Try not to bite anyone too early."
Alistair was somewhere nearby, being charming on autopilot and pretending he wasn’t watching Lucas like a hawk with excellent tailoring.
"...and with your academic background, I imagine the Lorette Institute would welcome you with full honors," Lord Holland was saying, pausing just long enough to flash his teeth. "Your... reemergence has inspired quite the discourse. Some of our trustees believe you’d make a valuable addition to the private board, perhaps as a guest speaker. Or even patron, should His Grace be so inclined."
Lucas blinked. "I studied out of a textbook in a basement kitchen." He lied with too much confidence.
"Yes, but now you’re a Fitzgeralt."
Lucas sipped his drink. It tasted expensive. He wanted to throw it.
Another noble, this one younger, leaned in with far too much familiarity. "If you’re not interested in Lorette, we’d be honored to offer you a seat on the advisory panel of the Arelian Cultural Exchange. You speak several languages, don’t you? We’d of course cover the travel, accommodations, wardrobe, plus a stipend..."
"I’m getting married publicly," Lucas said flatly.
"That’s not a disqualification," the young man said brightly, oblivious or opportunistic.
Lucas tilted his head and smiled without warmth. "To the Grand Duke of Fitzgeralt."