[b][color=0054a6]Adrian[/color][/b]

"Dear son. I didn't presume you would arrive during tea time." The Dowager countess scrutinized his outfit, a plain polo shirt coupled with a pair of beige-coloured trousers. "And you look... modern." 
Adrian knew that [i]modern[/i] meant unsuitable for someone whose every privilege originated from the deeds of his predecessors. And therefore his mother expected him to dress just like his grandfather. (His grandfather, who had claimed to have fought the [i]German threat[/i] in both world wars, despite never having set foot on the battlefield. The medals and rewards were benefits of his title, not actual proof of his military service.)
"My pleasure to see you, too, mum", Adrian retorted and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek. Unlike himself, his mother was dressed to the nines in her Edwardian-esque dress. Slowly, she put down her afternoon tea and asked her two guests, young girls, presumably ladies, to leave the room for a short period of time. Adrian watched them giggle and bat their eyelashes at him, before following his mother's plea.  

"No wonder people compare our life to Downtown Abbey", Adrian realised whilst looking over [url=https://www.meetingedinburgh.com/dyn/scld/1508202261977.jpeg]the impressive drawing room[/url], as if he saw it for the first time. Without waiting for his mother's permission to sit down in his own house, he settled himself in the sofa opposite to her. 
The Countess sneered. "Are you trying to say that I am comparable to the old Lady Grantham?"
"Not at all. I was just complementing your arrangement of the furnishings. But wasn't Lady Grantham just a great, witty character?"
Ignoring his comment, his mother clutched her hands in her lap and tilted her head to the side. "Why are you here?" 
"We both know why I am here. To talk about [i]us[/i]."
"[i]Us[/i]? We haven't had a mother-son conversation in years."
"No, not [i]us[/i]. Azariah and me."
"Oh, you are already an [i]item[/i]?"
Adrian closed his eyes for a second, before shaking his head. "No, of course we're not", he said with vehemence.
"Then why do you know her name?" The countess impercebtibly raised her eyebrows.
"Melbourne has told me", Adrian lied. "And it is not like she isn't famous enough to be known." He gave her an awkward smile, hoping that she wouldn't call his advisor. She didn't. 

"Then tell me, what is it that you need to know? Your wedding will be soon and everything has been sorted out, you shouldn't have to worry about it anymore." 
Adrian stifled dissent. "Well, does she know my name for instance? Does she know who I [i]am[/i]?"
"Who you are? A wonderful British gentleman looking for a well-mannered and well-educated bride, what else would she need to know? As long as she pay-  I mean plays her part, everyhing will be fine. Your title will only help with persuading her to stay." 
"Thank you, mother." Adrian knew everything he needed to know. He gave his mother a respectful nod and then left the drawing room. On his way out, he couldn't resist to pause next to the girls, who were patiently waiting in front of the door. "By the way ladies, you are more than welcome to try the delicious tea in my private rooms later." Leaving the chuckling girls behind, he headed back to his rooms, deciding to take a shower before his guests would show up. 

To: Azariah
From: Adrian
Subject: Re: Is this for real?

Azariah,

8pm sounds good, but I have changed it to 10. Heeding my advice, the manager will arrange a private dining room for us. The discretion will save us from unsolicited photographs whilst enjoying the evening. I can also guarantee you that you will reside in the best [i]rooms[/i] available. This will not effect your expenses in any way, as it is just a small favour I asked for. 
I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Adrian