It was Leif's words more than his tone and glare that made Audric frown slightly. Rather than pursue the line of questioning, he said only, "I see."
To his butler, who was, immediately, on hand to take Leif's cloak and luggage, Audric said, "Show Lord Arrant to my study." He took a few steps down the hall, then turned to add cheerfully, still in motion, "I'll meet you upstairs! Try not to get into any trouble between here and there!"
Leif would hardly be alone in the comfortable study more than five minutes. Calent had taken most of his possessions (the study, of course, being his favorite room), leaving Audric to decorate it as his wife saw fit...and Nera, apparently, had only interjected enough to add a few womanly touches. The study itself was comfortable, although the paperwork on the desk seemed a touch disorganized, perhaps. A fire burned merrily in the fireplace, throwing heat into the room, although the room was lit brightly enough that the additional light seemed unnecessary.
Audric joined Leif a few moments later, trailed by one of the kitchen staff. A pair of sandwiches was set down upon the table on a single plate, while the servant set the tea nearby.
"Will there be anything else, Duke Molneux?"
Audric gave his head a slight shake. "Nope! Thanks for the help!" Once the servant left, he closed the door softly in the man's wake and gestured for Leif to take a seat. "I had them nearly convinced to let me take the sandwiches and the tea, until the housekeeper started in about the mess I'd make if I dropped it..." He gave his eyes a roll and his head a slight shake as he sank into his chair. "If it were left up to them, you'd be waiting eight hours for them to make you something for dinner."
He leaned back in his chair, obviously leaving the food and drink to Leif.
