“Not too different to Arcvale, to be honest. Without the five levels underneath it, of course.”
“That is hard to imagine, Lucas. For us Arcvale natives not to have the slight rumble of a trammelbuggy beneath our feet or the soft whine of an aethercoach orchestrating one’s day? Inconceivable.”
“True,” he nodded, sipping his wine. “But there are other compensations, as I learned when I left. I never really missed the unique things about Arcvale. There was so much to see and do in Sectorvale. Also, the landscape is different too, more open space. Homes aren’t built so close to each other but organised tidily to achieve the optimum combination of space and land utilization.” He paused. “There is so much beauty there, Verity. You can’t imagine the sights and colours, the sun setting in a fiery blaze over the mountains in the far distance, the pure green of the fields in the Holdings...magnificent.”
“Really?”
“Yes, thereisa big difference between here and there, but not an unpleasant one at all. And of course there are fewer residents in Sectorvale. Without a Forge, or anything like it, there’s no need for a big population. The focus is more on education, and so on. Sectorvale Academy is well-regarded.”
“So how do people travel from one place to another there?” Verity watched him as he finished off the last oyster and cleaned the last of the lemon juice from his fingers.
“With trammelbuggies and aethercoaches.” He grinned at her. “An effective method of transportation works wherever one happens to live. But in Sectorvale, they’re all wheeled, and drawn mostly by horses, although there are more than a few plans in the works for laying automation tracks.” He leaned back. “Interesting projects.”
“And let me guess...you’re involved in the financing?”
His answer was forestalled by the arrival of their pie, and Verity’s mouth watered once again as the rich, savoury fragrance wafted through the air.
“Oh my Lord,” she murmured. “I’m not sure I’ve ever smelled anything quite so good.”
“I have,” he muttered, trying his best not to slop half the pie onto the table as he transferred it to her plate.
“Really? I can’t imagine what...”
The completion of the transfer signalled a break in the conversation, and the two of them dove into the flaky golden pastry, discovering tender beef surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables. The buttered greens that came with it, were an additional gustatory delight.
A strangely comfortable silence fell as they ate, something Verity found both unusual and delightful. She watched Lucas surreptitiously, a man enjoying his meal, relaxed and—for once—at peace. It occurred to her that this was the first time she’d really had chance to see anything other than the intense financial genius side of him, when he was totally focussed and engaged in what he loved to do. Now the firm lines of his face had softened, and he smiled more often. A warm and exciting smile that did odd things to her insides.
He leaned back and touched his napkin to his lips. “Well? Does it come up to your expectations?”
“Ohyesss,” she murmured softly. Then she cleared her throat and recalled herself. “Delicious. Absolutely delicious. Although I will say I’m thankful we only ordered one, because I don’t think I can manage another bite.”
Lucas chuckled. “Agreed.”
At that point, the music changed from a gentle background melody to something quicker, brighter, and with more drums.
She reached out and put a hand on Lucas’s arm. “Before you even consider the notion, I will not dance. After that pie, I’ll be lucky to drag myself off this bench.”
He laughed, a genuine, full-throated laugh, dark eyes alight and lips curved.
“Thank you for saying that. While I have nothing against lively music, I’m not about to get up and jump about to it.” He paused. “No matter how much I’d like to hold you in my arms...”
Oh Lord, I’m in trouble now...
Their waitress, who was obviously making the rounds of vacant tables while the patrons kicked up their heels, nodded at them as she picked up the plates. “Looks like you enjoyed it...”
“Oh we did indeed,” replied Verity. “Best pie I think I’ve ever tasted.”
“Glad you liked it. So...how about some dessert?”
“Gah.” Verity managed a shake of her head. “Noooo...”
“We’ll each have a brandy. That’s every bit as good as dessert.” Lucas glanced at Verity. “If that’s acceptable?”
“Sounds lovely.”
“Two brandies, coming right up.”
Verity took the opportunity to give herself a mental smack upside the head, reminding herself that this was not a romantic dinner for two, but a post-business meal after a long and arduous day.
