Ruby Shimmer (re-write)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

"Pardon my interruption, my lord. However, tonight's main course has just been completed."

"Thank you, Lawrence." Uncle Phineas answered back just as formally. He then turned back to address the rest of us with another wide grin that I now realized was an exact copy of Grampa's own.

"Shall we head over to the table for dinner then, everyone?"

With a series of agreeable nods and approving grunts, our entire group followed his lead to the beautifully decorated dining table. And just moments later, we were all choosing seats with each heir placed at the right side of their designated Elder with I myself taking the only available seat located on my uncle's left side.

Curiously enough, as I proceeded to sit down, I quickly realized that there was something rather off about the older man's aura when it came to his own position at the table.

Uncle Phineas had taken the seat at the head of the table, and although he was sitting in the same high-backed chair as the rest of us, he seemed to have a much more regal air about him.

It was as if he were actually seated in the throne of a wise, old king.

Once we were all seated completely, Lawrence had come back into the room. Without saying a word, the tuxedo-clad man sharply clapped hands twice, effectively summoning a group of several young men, all of whom were wearing the same black tailcoat and slacks as their elder.

They then placed a single covered platter in front of each of us, while a few young women, who were wearing what I now recognized as being the normal maid's uniform for the mansion, began pouring and serving tall glasses of red wine.

However, I myself have never been much of a drinker, so when they tried to place a glass in front of me, I immediately requested something without alcohol in it instead.

I was a bit worried that this might have come across as being rude, especially when the maid who had tried to serve it to me walked away with nothing but a short bow of her head and re-entered the kitchen without saying a word.

But, the real reason for her doing so was that she only needed to step away for a few minutes in order to replace the wine with a glass of chilled sparkling cider.

Fully relieved after learning the truth, I instantly thanked her for her swift response. She then walked away once more, only to be replaced by one of the young men who, along with his companions, removed the tops of the platters all at once, revealing the meal underneath in puffs of steam.

The meal itself consisted of sizzling plates of bacon-wrapped steak, roasted garlic and herb potatoes, and lemon butter-glazed asparagus.

And the smell alone had my mouth watering and my stomach growling loudly in hunger, which only caused my entire face to heat up in total embarrassment.

"Sorry." I said in a meek voice as I hung my head as low as I could, unable to bring myself to make eye contact with anyone, let alone find out what kind of stares they might be giving me either.

"It's quite all right, my dear." Uncle Phineas replied with a kind tone. One that actually made me feel safe enough to look up and see that he was also giving me a surprisingly understanding smile.

"Re...Really? But..."

"Relax, my dear. If anything, I'm just glad that you seem to approve of our chef's cooking.

Well then, everyone. Please join me in raising a glass to salute Miss Melanie Hawthorn.

It has been many years since Lord Damien Davenport and his wife, Lady Victoria, left the League in order to pursue a more peaceful life.