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“Oh, she bestowed upon me quite the vehement reprimand when she found me speaking to Olivia earlier. Her assumptions were rather bold.”

“Do you blame her? She was unaware of your relation.” Alex shrugged, a mild defense in his tone.

“Nevertheless, her intentions were most thoughtful, I must admit,” George observed, leaning against the counter in the salon and crossing his legs at the ankles. “How long have you known Miss Lovell?” he inquired.

“Oh, we met an hour or so, a little over perhaps. She arrived earlier today.”

“One would presume she was an old family friend by her manner,” George chuckled softly.

“Some people possess a natural ease about them, I suppose,” Alexander commented.

“Although I’ve only just made her acquaintance, she strikes me as quite the decent lady, unlike her father,” Alex muttered, seeming to be in thought.

“The Baron?” George raised an eyebrow.

“Indeed, he was most insistent on securing an invitation for his family, much to Aunt Jane’s chagrin. I assure you, the man’s persistence was nothing short of aggravating.”

“It almost sounds as if he forced the invitation from you, Alexander,” George teased, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

“The gentleman seemed not merely to want but to need the invitation. Thus, I obliged.” Alexander shrugged.

“You are too magnanimous,” George clucked his tongue, not surprised by his friend’s kindness, a trait he had known in him since childhood.

“Ah, but our world is sorely lacking in goodness and consideration. Those of us capable must uphold those virtues, don’t you agree?” Alex said, his tone turning reflective.

“Indeed, but we must also remain vigilant so as not to be exploited,” George counseled. “As you said, in a world where goodness is scarce, it is all too easy for kindness to be taken advantage of.”

“You are such a cynic,” Alex laughed.

“One of us needs to be.” George shrugged. Alex still saw the world as a place that could become better. He could not disagree more with him.

A short while later, as he was passing through the hallway, he came across Olivia who appeared to be in somewhat of a hurry.

“Ah, finally! Just the person I was looking for,” she sighed, stopping before him with a look of relief.

“Is everything all right?” he inquired, noting her slightly flustered demeanor.

“Oh, all is well. Just Aunt Jane throwing another of her tantrums,” she replied, her tone a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

“Dear Lady Amberton decided to change the colors of the napkins at the last moment.Afterthe table has already been set,” Olivia added, her expression one of someone beleaguered by the whims of an unpredictable mother. “She doesn’t want the ivory napkins anymore. She thinks they’re overdone and that they ‘drain’ the dining room of color,” she continued, waving an impatient hand in the air as she mimicked her aunt’s words.

George noticed the two tawny napkins she held, one lighter and one darker shade of the color. “And I presume those are the replacements?” His gaze followed them.

“She thinks these are more cheerful and unique. But she cannot seem to decide between the lighter and darker shade. And she doesn’t particularly trust my judgement either. She says my sense of color is as tame as my personality,” Olivia replied, a hint of sheepishness in her voice.

“Will Aunt Jane ever change?” George chuckled, recalling the wonderful moments they all had with her. She was the closest thing to a mother all three of them had, and she was dearer to them than anyone else.

“Hopefully not,” Olivia gave a fond laugh, echoing his sentiment.

“Well, I told her that I’d seek a more mature opinion. Thus, I came to find you,” she added, holding up the napkins to him expectantly.

“I would suggest the darker shade,” George responded after a moment’s consideration. “The candlelight is sure to complement it perfectly and make it stand out as she wants,” he added, envisioning the setting.

Olivia pursed her lips in thought. “But if she wants more cheer, don’t you think the lighter shade would be better?” she suggested.

“Ah, but the lighter shade would only clash with the candlelight. The room would look too garish. And knowing Aunt Jane, she likes to be ostentatious without appearing to make an effort,” he replied, his knowledge of her tastes apparent.

“Ah, spoken like a true artist.” Olivia seemed genuinely impressed. “And you couldn’t have been more correct about Aunt Jane. For someone soglamorous, she sure is obsessed with subtlety,” she added with a chortle. “I am glad I have you, George. Alex is hopeless with colors.”