"I appreciate the hospitality."
Peter smiled faintly.
Michael hesitated for a second. "Is there anything else I'm needed for?" he asked.
Peter paused just a moment too long—long enough to register the subtext.
"No, Lord Mic Nor," Peter said smoothly. "That would be all. Shall I arrange for a carriage?"
Michael gave a grateful nod. "Please."
Peter turned with a small bow, gesturing for Michael to follow. As they made their way through the estate's finely carved halls, Michael didn't speak. He didn't need to. The silence suited him, allowed him to process everything.
The meeting had gone far better than expected. He'd walked in simply hoping to fulfill obligations and maybe deflect a forced marriage.
The mansion's main doors were opened for them as they exited.
A pair of carriages stood at the courtyard, the Duke's colors emblazoned on their sides.
Peter gestured toward one, and a driver quickly jumped down to open the door.
