“yes, peters?”
“i am sorry to interrupt, my lord, but i am informed that mr mahmoud would like a word with you.”
“now?” lord chandler glanced over at his nephew, who like himself, was seated comfortably in a club chair in front of one of the world’s last functioning marble fireplaces.
“apparently so, my lord.”
“how strange. well, i can’t very well refuse him. show him in.”
peters left and reentered with an unsmiling mr mahmoud, who was unaccompanied by aides, servants, or bodyguards.
his lordship and his nephew both rose to greet mr mahmoud. at a nod from his lordship, peters departed.
“well, mr mahmoud,” his lordship announced in his most jovial manner, “something has come up that could not wait until the official get together, eh?”
“there is something that i would like to discuss with you privately, my lord,” mr mahmoud replied evenly.
“permit me to introduce my nephew - the duke of dent. quite a healthy looking specimen of frankish young manhood, isn’t he?”
“indeed,” mr mahmoud replied politely. “i am delighted to make your acquaintance, your grace. i am sure we can have a very pleasant conversation - after my private conversation with lord chandler is completed.”
“david has just returned from the caucasus,” continued lord chandler, “and has many interesting observations from his trip.”
“i am sure.” mr mahmoud nodded to the young duke.
“it is a great honor to meet you, sir,” the duke addressed mr mahmoud smoothly. “i am sure i would like to plague you with a great many questions, more than courtesy might perhaps permit - “ he smiled. “when the opportunity arises.”
“i do not doubt, your grace, that you could tell me more than i could ever tell you.”
and on that note the young duke left the room, leaving the two elder statesmen to their parley.
lord chandler motioned to mr mahmoud to be seated. “well, sir, may i offer you something? or shall we get down to this unforeseen business.”
mr mahmoud took the offered seat, seemingly more at ease now that he had achieved his desired object of getting lord chandler alone.
“i remember you had some excellent cherry brandy when i last visited. that and some of your excellent frankish coffee would be very welcome.”
concealing his impatience, lord chandler rang for peters.
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