Chapter 45 #3
She was quiet for a good thirty seconds, but then she nodded. “You’ll be frustrated by the lack in some cases.” That had a definite tone of some bemusement.
“I have been told by more than one source that Father’s notes were abysmal, a lack of desire to commit to anything in text.
I fully expect I’ll have to reconstruct from the public notes and various discussions with available parties.
” Claudio was resigned to that work, though it would likely also be illuminating in worthwhile ways.
“It will keep me busy. Out of trouble. Possibly even out of the gossip columns, once the current nonsense settles down.”
That last, or maybe the tone of his voice as he said it, determined but also refusing to be bothered, also apparently amused her.
He was sure he was reading her accurately enough.
It just was not an emotion he was used to seeing her show.
“You seem to be handling things well so far.” Her hand turned over, palm up.
“You are well informed about the gossip a little while ago, from some of our number? The specifics of who said what among your new colleagues?” She wouldn’t have said it if she thought he didn’t know. Claudio was sure of that.
“Oh, quite aware. And of how Gabe chose to handle it. I have my own thoughts on the matter. We’ll see how they deal with things tomorrow, shall we?” That ‘we’ made it clear it included her. He put a touch of emphasis on that.
“As you wish.” Mother— Silvia— took a breath. “How are you able to step into this so confidently? Beyond, obviously, information from multiple sources.”
“That certainly helps, and I’m grateful for it.
” Claudio considered his words. “I have had a theory for some time. The Lady, on Sunday, said it was a good working one, so long as I did not force certain pieces to fit. I’d like to discuss it with you once I’ve settled in.
” That would not surprise the people who knew, but he’d want to talk about how to have the discussion, and whether anyone else wanted or should be present for it.
Silvia was quiet again, then she nodded. “Let me know when you are ready. I’ll make the time.” Then she cleared her throat. “I’d like to find a regular time for supper with you and with Matthew, if he’s willing. That seems a thing to say now, so you do not wonder.”
“I wonder, actually, if you have other comments about it. Now that you’ve had a little time to consider.”
“It is not what I expected from you. Even after the divorce. Though I had wondered for a long time whether you and Orion...” Her voice trailed off.
“On that count, Orion is firmly like Isembard, fond of women, and only women.” The fact that he could say that with a straight face amused.
“He’s gone well out of his way to make Matty welcome, and I appreciate that no end.
” He left unspoken the fact that she had some catching up to do on that front.
“But I’ll check with Matty and see what might work for him. ”
“Have you met his family?” It sounded like an idle comment, but of course it wasn’t.
“His mother was waiting when we left the Ministry this afternoon. He’d planned to go speak to his parents on Thursday.” He shrugged. “I’ll find out more when we’re done here.”
She inclined her head just once. And then said, “I think that is all that I needed or wanted for today. Tomorrow, you may have the floor for twenty minutes, more if you like. Let me know. I assume someone will be showing you your office?”
“Gabe and Orion were sorting that out between them.” He could be amiable about it.
He knew that it would have been Alexander’s until last week.
Alexander had implied that he’d left something for Claudio’s consideration, but not what.
He’d find out. Then he added carefully. “During the Challenge, the Lady bid me come back up here in a month and speak with her. Once I had my feet under me. So you’re aware. ”
“Then you shall do that. Let me know what you need then. We’ll make sure the time is free.
People do come up now. I do. I thought it a shame that people stopped for so long.
” At least some of that was Father’s fault, but Claudio wasn’t going to say it here and now.
It’d spoil the progress they’d made. “Shall we go down? You must have things you need to do as well.” Silvia gestured at the door.
“Always.” That was true, Claudio still had a tremendously long list to get through. Starting with finding out how Matty was, after dealing with his own mother.
Silvia made a slight nod at the tapestry, which disappeared in a wisp of fading light. “Would you write up your notes for me when you get a chance? In a form I could share, though not for tomorrow’s meeting. I expect you’d want more time than that.”
“Time and setting a thing or two up, yes. But certainly for the following week.” It wouldn’t actually take him more than an hour or two.
Working with Gabe had taught him admirable efficiency on that front.
Then he rolled down his sleeves, refastened them, and shrugged on his jacket before picking up his satchel and offering his arm. “Shall we?”
They went downstairs in silence, navigating the twists of the stairs without need for comment. On the first floor, he walked her to what he knew must be her office, but left her at the door with a small nod. “Good night, Silvia.”
“And to you, Claudio. Tomorrow.”
He walked away, refusing to look back at her, but entirely unsure what a good half of the last hour or more meant. He would have to sort it out as he went. There was nothing else for it.