29

Beaumont's expression is flat and unsmiling, though not hostile. He's a little shorter than you, and he says nothing as he watches you curiously.

"There was no prep work!" Pascal exclaims. "Well, never mind. You need to be in Vercher House. And, luckily, we're all going the same way—"

"I thought our school was all about going above and beyond," says the boy. "Isn't it?"

Pascal looks flustered. "Yes, yes, that's very much what Archambault's about. But let me introduce—"

"Yes," says the boy, cutting him off. "I'm Lord Laurie Beaumont, of the Beaumont Financiers. You can call me Beaumont, everyone does."

His name tickles at the back of your mind, but you cannot recall where you heard it. Beyond, of course, the Beaumont Financiers being one of the wealthiest banking companies in the world.

Beaumont shifts the satchel under his arm and holds out a hand.