"All right, stop playing around."
Edwin's voice interrupted Stiano's thoughts and made Audrey, who was still striking all sorts of poses before the mirror, stop as well. "Go get ready. It's getting late."
"Oh."
Audrey stuck out her tongue and, still somewhat reluctant to stop, unfastened the driver from her waist.
Then she picked up an unremarkable mahogany jewelry box from a Louis XIV-style low cabinet beside her.
She opened the box. It was lined with deep purple velvet, but empty.
She placed the driver and the Memory units inside, then closed the lid.
Holding the jewelry box, Audrey curtsied to Edwin and Stiano before skipping out of the study, calling for her personal maid as she prepared to change for today's formal occasion.
The study fell silent once more.
Edwin and Stiano moved to the reception room outside.
The decor here was even more imposing. Turner landscape oils hung on the walls, while the Persian carpet beneath their feet was thick enough for their ankles to sink into.
Before long, the reception room door was pushed open.
Count Hall entered. He wore a finely tailored black double-breasted formal suit, a golden pocket-watch chain tracing an elegant arc across his waistcoat.
A polished, appropriately cordial business smile rested on his face, but it froze for an instant when he saw Stiano sitting upright on the sofa.
"Edwin, this is?"
He first nodded in greeting to Edwin before turning his questioning gaze toward Stiano.
"This is Mr. Stiano, a friend of the Steam Church."
Edwin's introduction was succinct. "He will be responsible for our safety during the upcoming itinerary."
The faint surprise in Count Hall's eyes was swiftly replaced by understanding.
Under the current circumstances, Edwin's very existence was a massive whirlpool.
He was the Kingdom of Loen's greatest industrial magnate,