‘Yes, sir,’ they say in perfect sync.
‘Good.I would speak with Lachlan alone.Thank you, everyone.’
When the door is closed behind Fenwick, Alistair cocks his head at Lachlan through the screen.‘What do you make of him?’
Lachlan has been preparing for this.‘He’s sharp, pragmatic and intelligent.He’s doing a good job at running the household.’
‘But?’
‘But…’ Lachlan forces himself to say what’s necessary, ‘nothing, sir.He’s genuinely a good fit.’
‘He questioned your authority.’
‘As would I in his situation.He’s prioritising security and safety.That always requires a clear understanding of command.’
‘I am told you have become close with Jessamine.’
‘As you asked, sir.’
It’s make or break.
Penhalyx will either correct him and outline distance going forward or, as Lachlan suspects, he’ll be pleased.The older man gives a mild smile that speaks of approval.Lachlan is learning his expressions as time goes on.
‘Indeed, which is why I am confident that Jessamine can attend the party.You will escort her, Julian too.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘And how is my son?Did he enjoy his taste of rebellion on his eighteenth?’
‘I retrieved him safely, sir,’ Lachlan points out, focusing on the positives.
‘But not quickly.’
‘Your son is very smart, sir.’
‘He is, isn’t he?No luck in persuading him out into the muddy fields for fresh air and stimulation?’Amusement drips from each word, emphasis subtle.Lachlan stays neutral like always.
‘Not yet, sir.’
‘Well, best of luck to you with that, but there are other ways you might exhaust and stimulate him,’he says and this time there is no mistaking the emphasis, the cruel amusement, nor the look of expectation that Lachlan is starting to think won’t ever go away.
He plays dumb.‘Yes, sir.’
‘Julian will be expected to socialise.I want him gracious and charming.Are you capable of inspiring this behaviour in him?’
Penhalyx has never asked for this before.
‘Yes, sir,’ he answers, all while a new dread builds inside him.
‘Then dress sharply.I like my toy soldiers to shine.’
CHAPTER EIGHT
Julian’s attitude has evolved.It won’t ever go back.
His eighteenth birthday has unlocked something.
Lachlan wonders if the music and dancingawokeit, or maybe Lachlan letting him stay for that extra one hour and five minutes.
