Noel wanted to complain to his father about the mistake he had made but his father stood up.
That was the signal that the conversation was now over. The decision has been made and it is time for everyone to move on.
His mother stepped forward immediately.
"Aren't you going to punish him?" she said. "After what he did to Lucien—"
"Enough," his father said. He didn't look at her. He straightened his coat and looked at Noel. "The ball is in six days. Make sure you have something appropriate to wear." He waved his hand once. "You can leave for the company."
Noel stood there.
He had about four things he wanted to say, starting with 'I don't want this guard' and ending with 'especially not this specific guard,' but his father was already moving toward the door with the finality of a man who had said what he came to say and considered the matter settled.
He kept his mouth shut as they filed out.
.
The corridor outside was quiet.
