Mabel's Gift and a Father Concern
Duke Caius sat in his cluttered study, lost in contemplation, the numerous papers on his desk forgotten as he delved into deep thought.
Vincent, his devoted assistant, hesitated to interrupt, knowing well the mercurial moods of his lord, who often got lost in thought for hours. Finally, he decided to break the silence.
"Your Grace, should I bring tea and refreshments?" Vincent inquired with caution.
Duke Caius was known to have a particular fondness for Vincent's tea and rarely reject the invitation.
"No, Vincent," Duke Caius replied, his focus elsewhere. "I need to address something."
In his thoughts, Duke Caius mulled over the matter of Verniges House and the possible motives behind their approach to Mabel, particularly the true identity of Sullivan.
"Find every scrap of information you can regarding Verniges House and Sullivan Verniges," he instructed with a sense of urgency.