Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Foundling

~ Iunday, 13th of Aprilis, 11831 ~

It was the day of the Frog Moon and a promise of rain hung in the air. Pierre stood beside his open window, taking in the scent of the day as he dressed for appearances as well as the weather. Today would be his first official venture as duc of the lands and he needed to look the part.

"This one, Your Grace?" Wolfram was still helping him as his valet, refusing to let anyone else do the work. Given that he could not refuse a personal aid without seeming odd, and the boy was one of few who knew of his conditions (though more seemed to learn every day), the duc was begrudgingly accepting.

"Yes. Thank you, Wolfram." He turned around and let Wolfram dress him in a thick travel cloak, but worked the clasp in the front by himself. Not deterred, the boy took the time to get his top hat and light grey gloves.

"Now," Pierre said, turning around and looking over the boy. "Return to your room and dress yourself in the same manner."

"Why, Your Grace?"

"You are coming with me, of course."

"But, Your Grace—"

"I will not be having it be said that I stole Uncle's student merely so he could dress me. You are my apprentice in several things, accompanying me to inspect the hospital is your right."

"Thank you! Merci, Your Grace." With a genuine smile the boy left quickly so they would not be late.

Pierre took his cane and checked the dagger before he left the room to wait in the hall. His steward was already there with some papers in his arms, though he stood without reading them, instead glaring at Pluta who was at his feet.

"Ah,Vivien, Pluta, good morning," Pierre said. "I will return in the early afternoon, hopefully. If not, I am certain you know what to do. Is there anything pressing I should know before I leave?"

"No, Your Grace, everything is well." Vivien looked up to his duc and then back down to the papers. "You have nothing very important here that I cannot sign off on. Information on taxes, an inquiry about when exactly you will become duc, and a reminder about today though I can see you do not need reminding. Lord Elwin and Lady Rhianu send their regrets that they will not be able to be here for the next council meeting as Summerfinding will be here soon. Beside this, if something dire comes up I can send for you."

"Very well, thank you."

Pluta ran over to Pierre after Vivien left. "He does not understand what I am saying, but he knows I am speaking to him. It bothers him," she said smugly, moving to rub herself against Pierre.

"Do not," the doctor said, stepping back, "Please." Usually he did not mind the affection, or the fur she left, but today was not an ordinary day. She sneezesd in reply and walked over to the other side of the hall, purposely turning away from him and beginning to clean herself.

Pierre sighed. A steward who did not like any reminder of his cræft and now a Familiar that was offended. Perhaps it was for the best that he would be spending most of the day out.

"How do I look, Your Grace?"

Wolfram was back, holding his arms out to show off his best clothes. It was similar to Pierre's outfit, more grey than the lord's black, and put on without the help of another. The young man adjusted his collar and frowned, not really liking the restrictive nature of a proper suit that felt too small. The top-hat he wore was not quite the right size either. He had a small surgical bag that he was not sure would be needed, but he would rather have his tools than not.

"You look fine," Pierre said and tugged at Wolfram's ascot so it was no longer crooked. "You seem to have grown some from the last time you wore this. On the way back we can stop by a tailor's and have new measurements taken if you wish."