"I have a lot of siblings, ser," Noah muttered sheepishly, when Mr. Meijer addressed him. He could hardly bring them all in. Though he would see if that would work with James now that the invitation was given. James was the youngest and kind of an idiot, so he needed protecting.

It was awkward to stand there and have these two men talk about him, and so he was almost relieved when Mr. North dismissed him. Not that he didn't want to hear the conversation. He nodded and went into the house, but once he had closed the door, he dawdled in the hall, trying to catch what was being said.