Noblesse oblige

Part 20

Chapter 20

"Hurry it up," Camicazi snapped her fingers twice as several attendants came out of the manor carrying trunks that she had loaded with Aster's clothes; all of Aster's clothes. She pointed towards a black carriage parked with the others that had the Jorgenson coat of arms on its sides and ordered them to load them up.

"Does she have to do that?!" Aster asked in a whisper to his cousin who along with the good doctor were just standing outside of the manor, on the lawn, watching while Lady Jorgenson worked her magic.

"Do what?" Astrid asked while fiddling with her fan. She had already finished the very extensive letter by the time Camicazi had returned and it now safely rested in the breast pocket of Aster's coat, wax seal and all.

"You know, make a spectacle of this!" Aster gestured with his hands slightly towards the gathered crowd of guests that had formed and his fuming but silent parents as they all watched the trunks being loaded up. Indeed, Camicazi hadn't wasted time in being discreet, instead she had proudly made a spectacle of it and Astrid could admire the tact even if Aster didn't notice it yet.

"Aster you obviously don't realize it but Lady Jorgenson is in fact doing you a favor here." Astrid said but kept her voice low so others around them wouldn't overhear.

"How is this a favor?! I'll be the talk of the Socialites for weeks!" Aster was a bit frantic but after tonight Astrid really couldn't blame her cousin. Finding out his parents thought he was disposable to having Camicazi probably tear through his room in ruthless efficiency and now having to leave the manor may have been a bit too much. So Astrid tried to explain it as easily as possible.

"That's exactly the point Aster. You'll be the talk for weeks," Astrid pointed out. "There is such a thing as good gossip too." Her cousin blinked at her and then frowned a bit as Astrid proceeded to explain. "First of all, with the gossip mill going people will speculate why you left the manor in the first place, meaning your parents can't try to force you to do anything in broad daylight and under the public eye. Also with Camicazi calling the shots as it is right now...." Here Astrid inclined her head towards Cami who was talking with her coachman as the trunks were almost all fastened to the carriage roof "means that you have the power of a Duchy backing you, or at least it would seem that way to outsiders. Your parents are too low on the totem pole to go toe to toe with the future Duchess Jorgenson and incur her wrath."

"Okay...." Aster nodded.

"And this will open up new avenues for you as well." Astrid then said. "Have you ever heard of the saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend?" She asked and her cousin nodded. "Good because I'm assuming your parents' dealings have made several enemies and they would be willing to work with you if you show you aren't under their influence. Also Duke Jorgenson's investors might approach you as well if they notice his daughter-in-law favoring you, though if any of them do I would suggest you speak with Camicazi first since she would know whether they are trustworthy businessmen or not."

"And it wouldn't hurt your marriage prospects either, being affiliated with a high ranking nob-AGH!" Astrid shouted as a green blur zoomed at her out of nowhere and latched onto her face.

"Mffttykshoplodkdk!??!?!" Astrid's voice was muffled as what appeared to be a green Terrible Terror carrying an envelope had found her face to be a good landing site. She hobbled around as Ruffnut tried to pry the Terror away. Finally the little dragon gave in but didn't look happy.

The little green dragon huffed in Ruffnut's arms and let out a tiny flame before sticking out its long tongue and peering at Astrid.

"Well that's one way to receive Terrormail," Ruffnut joked as Astrid loosened the envelope that bore her name which was tied to the little dragon. She quickly opened it after taking note of the wax seal which was the crest of the royal family. Ruffnut blinked as Astrid's face turned suddenly serious while she read it.