Liam had cut bread for Julia then himself. Most of this was all for the appearance, he was a new husband who was doling affection for his new wife. Mostly in subtle ways, as was expected in the courts. A grazing touch here and there, a refilling of her mug, small smiles and smirks. And while perhaps it was for the benefit of those gossip mongers who would dare try to sully something as beautiful as a union between two young people, Liam could not deny that he did enjoy doing all these things. After all, Julia was very sweet, easily likable, and by the gods was she beautiful.
First to go where the rather tasteless- in his opinion -eggs, followed by the far better tasting fruit, and lastly, the ham and bread followed. When he was done, he topped off his own mug- and Arthur's -before sitting back in the chair, one hand resting on Julia's leg, like it had done previously. She didn't seem to mind it the first time, and Liam hoped she didn't mind it this time either.
Ben absolutely dominated the conversation, once formal business discussion had run it's ground, he started into financial observations on other Mercantile businessmen. Sharing acquired information with a once rival, now business partner. And there was alot to tell, even more that he wasn't telling. But more importantly, Ben was keeping the conversation off Liam and Julia. Ben also didn't like Arthur, never had, never would. But Julia was the right choice for Liam, and vice versa. Ben would act the part of a friend and colleague for his nephew, at least until he was able to cast off the facade.
Now that everyone was done eating, Liam was able to make his own move. "If you will excuse us, I want to show off the Library before things get too busy later." Ben paused only to shrug them away with nonchalance before continuing with his spiel about that damnable company, Torva Trading Company, and it's monopoly in Connloath. Not wasting the opportunity, Liam stood and held his arm out to Julia, ready to whisk her away.
