Richard's only problem was explaining to Stephen that he'd have to park in the middle of nowhere, and that the young gentleman would disappear inexplicably after crossing the Weasley family's property. Richard couldn't refuse the services of a driver-bodyguard, putting Mr. Potter in his place, as the boy's father had insisted.
After some reflection, Richie decided it wasn't his problem. Since his father had decided so, he should deal with his subordinate himself and explain his odd behavior however he wanted.
The county of Devon is a long way away, a little longer than London. Since the goal was to buy gifts, it was decided to travel via Birmingham, the center of the West Midlands region and the second most populous city in the UK after London.
In short, you can find anything your heart desires in Birmingham. Besides being an industrial city with developed food, metallurgy, and engineering industries, it's also renowned for its jewelry. Jewelry crafted from precious metals and stones bearing the anchor hallmark is widely known and distributed worldwide. There are many restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and shopping centers. Steve took the young Lord to one of the latter, naturally the most prestigious.
Visiting in England is in some ways similar to the Japanese tea ceremony. There are rules for everything, unwritten anywhere, but if you break them, at best you'll be considered a barbarian, and you'll never see them again. But every rule has an infinite number of exceptions.
It's best not to show up empty-handed. Forget flowers or chocolate. Bring a bottle. A bottle of wine or champagne. But no one will refuse a gift either.
Although Richard was still too young to drink alcohol, he had acquired a fairly good appreciation of wine. This was a requirement of his status as a Lord. He bought expensive French wine, Scott, because it would not have been sold to a child.
In case the Weasley family turned out to be teetotalers, Richard bought a box of premium exotic tea-a universal gift for those who don't drink alcohol. It also served as insurance, should it turn out that wizards don't drink tea. He could enjoy his own favorite beverage, as any British hostess would happily serve a guest whatever they brought.
The boy bought gifts, not particularly expensive, appropriate to the number of family members expected to be home at the time. A chronometer for Arthur. Board games for the children. He had to rack his brains over what to buy for Mrs. Weasley. But a solution was eventually found-a bottle of pleasant-smelling perfume, not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either. Such a gift, though unusual, should please most women.
Steven could have easily missed the house, but Scott told him when to stop. The driver didn't show the slightest surprise.
Richard sat in the car for a while longer to make sure he arrived on time for the visit.
"Kid, how are you going to get there?" asked Detective Potter.
"Mr. Potter, I was invited alone," Richard replied. "It wouldn't look good if I came with someone else."
"I thought so!" the detective grinned. "But, boy, we're responsible for your safety. So you'll have to put this thing on."
The detective pulled a small microphone and a battery-powered radio transmitter from his leather briefcase.
- Listening device? - Richard suggested.
"Yeah. You'll have to walk around with this thing. Don't worry, I'll be listening in on the conversations. No information will get past me. But if something happens, we can help you."
- I understand, sir. Safety first.
The detective grinned happily.
"Well done, boy! It's great that you don't cause us any problems. It's a pleasure working with someone like you."
The detective moved into the back seat and helped discreetly place the microphone under Richard's clothing.
The house really was as surreal as the photograph. Five chimneys jutted out of the red tile roof, all at random. A sign reading "The Burrow" hung slightly askew on a pole near the entrance. A pile of rubber boots of various colors and sizes sat on the side of the porch, next to a huge rusty saucepan. Plump lapwings scurried around the yard, pecking at something.
As young Rich approached the threshold of the house, the door swung open. Arthur Weasley stood there, wearing a brand-new black suit, inexpensive but well-made.
"Good evening, Mr. Weasley," Richard bowed politely.
This time, Arthur looked more confident. His home walls gave him courage.
- Welcome to The Burrow, Lord Rich. Please make yourself at home. Allow me to introduce my wife, Molly, and my children, Ron and Ginny. My dear children, please meet Lord Richard Rich.
Molly Weasley was a short, plump woman with red hair and brown eyes, a kind face adorned with a sweet smile. She wore a green dress, belted with a lime-green sash.
Ginny was a short, slender, beautiful girl with bright light brown eyes and straight red hair. She was wearing a blue dress and was hiding shyly behind her brother, all the while eyeing the guest with intense curiosity.
Ron Weasley looked like an ordinary boy, with fiery red hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in a well-worn brown wool suit, cut in an old style from the early twentieth century, which, judging by its appearance, had been worn by generations of children. The boy eyed his guest curiously. His gaze ran enviously over the suit, lingering on the bags in Richard's hands.
Despite their poverty, none of the Weasleys seemed ashamed of their home. It was a wonderful place, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
Atomic structure of graphene:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene