Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

The conversation hadnt been all badjust mostly bad. Reggie had shifted between being mildly curious and outright bored by the chatter going on between his father and Sir Garfield. While the business conversation held his attention, the technical conversation went past him. There was continued huge investment to be made, and profits to be had, in the railroads, and that was where most of the conversation between the two older men had focussed. Occasionally they diverted towards the advent of motorised vehicles and their potential impact on the moving of goods on a large scale, and both men agreed that their investments in the rail system would be largely unchallenged. They could both, however, see the potential benefits of such machines, even though their apparent uses were, at this time, somewhat limited. Reggie had even been allowed to join in the conversation on occasion, much to his surprise. Hed been asked for his opinion on investments in railways, and had been asked for his opinion on the motorised vehicles. Hed given his thoughts dutifully, of course, and in a thoughtful and measured tone. He just knew Sir Garfield knew of his poor reputation he didnt feel the need to enhance it by being obtuse during the conversation. Still, his input was limited he thought hed spoken maybe five sentences at best. Not much at all for the amount of time hed been shackled to the two older men. Hed started to think about how he might excuse himself from the conversation, and the room in general, when he heard or at least thought he heard raised voices outside the door to the drawing room. Female voices, at that, it seemed. He quickly glances around, saw that he did not appear to have been imagining it a few other heads had also turned towards the door and were for a few seconds, at least listening to the voices outside. He was sure hed heard a name as well, but that could be just his imagination working hard he had to confess to himself at that moment, that hed been thinking about the young Miss Strathmore perhaps more than he should have been, even though her company was far preferable than that he was now being compelled to endure. The timing was almost fortuitous there was a pause in the conversation between his father and Sir Garfield probably induce by his father lighting a second cigar. Reggie knew he had to take his chance. He turned to his father first, his expression taking on an air of determination. Father, he began, his voice soft and deep and as sincere as he could manage. If you will both excuse me, I believe I might take my leave at this moment. Sir Garfield looked almost relieved, he thought, but his father didnt appear so forgiving. What business have you here that you need take leave, Reginald? I suspect, father, Reggie replied carefully, that the nature of the business I find myself desiring to pursue may strongly relate to another matter whose strong conditions you have placed squarely upon my shoulders. His fathers raised eyebrows suggested to Reggie that the import had not been missed. Very well, Reginald, Sir Bartholomew replied with a curt nod of his head. I trust that you are successful in this matter. Thank you, father, Reggie replied honestly. He might have gone anyway, but being given permission to leave when leave had been sought was always preferable. He turned to face the other man. Sir Garfield, a pleasure talking with you. I hope your business ventures continue to meet with success. It had been good to meet you, Reginald, Sir Garfield replied smoothly. Reggie didnt believe the other man meant it. Instead, he bowed his head respectfully to Sir Garfield, then again to his father, before taking two steps backwards from the pair before turning and walking towards the door of the drawing room. He noted that several pairs of eyes followed him, as if checking to try and see whether he was leaving voluntarily or forcibly, but he ignored them. If his suspicion was correct, he would find outside a young woman whose company was certainly more tolerable than that of the people in this room. He reached the door of the drawing room and pulled it open in a measured manner, stepped through the doorway and pulled the door closed behind him. He was a little surprised although admittedly pleasantly so to find Elsa standing not too far from the door hed just stepped through. She was lookingsomewhat less enthusiastic than she had been when hed seen her not so long ago. He felt he should enquire about her mood, but wasnt sure he knew her well enough that asking would be proper. After all, theyd spoken for maybe ten minutes before shed been called inside that hardly qualified as friendship. Andhe wasnt quite sure how to proceed, anyway. Hed almost forgotten how to be a correct gentleman when a lady was less-than-happy. He was becoming aware that there was a silence growing between them he had to say something. Miss Strathmore, he began hesitantly. I trust that the downcast expression you make is not from anything unsavoury? Gosh, that was badbut the words were out, and no way to retract them.