Richard sent the letter with Darth Vader closer to evening, so that Mr. Weasley would have time to return home by then. The boy had no doubt that the wizard would attend the meeting.
The London house had been chosen because it had only one housekeeper on staff, and she could be dismissed for the duration of the negotiations. One never knew how Mr. Weasley might behave. He might start discussing Muggles and magic.
All that remained was to invite Detective Potter to stand by nearby as a bodyguard and to notify the driver. Naturally, the housekeeper had to be instructed about the guest, his arrival at the house, and the need to prepare dinner.
On Friday, Richard moved his fencing practice to the morning. By noon, he was already on his way to London.
There was little time left for preparation. At the young Grosvenor's request, the driver-bodyguard purchased several surveillance cameras, which he hastily installed on the first floor of the house. He ran the cables up to the second floor and connected the system to several televisions that had also been bought as part of the camera set.
Literally half an hour before the guest's arrival, Richard began briefing the men and the housekeeper gathered in the living room.
"Madam Stein, set the table and then you may retire to your room. The guest and I will serve ourselves."
"Yes, sir."
Jane immediately headed to the kitchen and began laying the table in the dining room.
"Mr. Potter, Steve—I have a business meeting with… ah… a hypnotist. There's a slight concern he might attempt to influence me somehow, though that's probably just paranoia. Still, just in case, stay alert."
"A hypnotist, sir?"
For once, Richie managed to get actual words out of the driver. Until now, the boy had thought his bodyguard mute.
"A hypnotist," the detective confirmed instead of Richard, absently touching his half-healed bruise. "I've dealt with that sort before."
"I will watch him closely, sir," the bodyguard said calmly.
"Since the meeting is confidential," Richard continued, "you'll leave us alone. You'll observe from the second floor."
The cameras were not equipped with microphones, so Richard wasn't worried about the conversation being overheard. Of course, there remained a slight chance that someone could read lips. If it was Scott, that wasn't a problem. But if it was Steve, that would be unfortunate. Still, personal safety was more important than preserving the secret of magic.
"John, please don't embarrass me. Today, try to avoid familiarity. No 'Master Richie.' Address me properly, according to etiquette: 'Lord Grosvenor.' I need to demonstrate my status to the guest. You understand—at my age, it's difficult to conduct business because adults don't take children seriously."
"Of course, my Lord," John replied with a respectful bow. "I understand. Just as in the summer at business meetings."
"Excellent. John, you'll greet the guest, escort him to the dining room, and then proceed upstairs. Is everything clear, gentlemen?"
"Yes, my Lord," John answered for everyone.
The detective and the driver merely nodded to indicate they understood.
"In that case, to your positions," Richard commanded. "We have only twenty minutes left."
The bodyguard and the detective went upstairs. With a wave from Jane, the men soon found themselves supplied with a tray of tea and various refreshments, so they would not lack for comfort.
Richard walked to the nearest mirror and examined whether he looked impeccable. Taking out a comb, the boy carefully arranged his hair. Then he adjusted the sleeves of his snow-white shirt and subtly rotated the platinum cufflinks set with massive rubies, straightened his tie, and smoothed the lapels of his brand-new, custom-tailored suit. He made sure he looked flawless—and very expensive. The ruby tie clip alone, along with the cufflinks, was worth a hundred thousand pounds. The three-piece suit of the finest material had cost another few thousand.
No sooner had Richard assured himself that his appearance was perfect than there came a knock at the door—despite the presence of a doorbell.
The boy immediately understood it was the wizard. As far as he had gathered, mages did not use electricity, and from that sprang many habits—one of which was that wizards typically knocked rather than rang the doorbell.
John went to open the door, while Richard took his place near the dining table, which groaned under the weight of various dishes.
From the hall came an unfamiliar male voice:
"Er… I'm here to see the Lord."
"Welcome, sir," John replied primly. "Allow me to take your cloak… This way, please."
Arthur Weasley, in person, appeared as a tall, thin man with a receding hairline, red hair, and blue eyes. He was dressed rather modestly: a worn gray wool suit and a washed-out white shirt with a black check pattern. He looked good-natured and slightly bewildered—but only until the moment John announced:
"Lord Richard Grosvenor, Mr. Arthur Weasley to see you."
"Mr. Weasley," Richard said, inclining his chin slightly. "A pleasure to welcome you. Please, make yourself at home. Do sit down."
(End of Chapter)
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