Edward is caught up in an argument - help him!

By the time you reached the dining room, it was immediately clear that something was wrong.

The usual murmur of polite conversation had been replaced by an uneasy silence.

Several guests stood awkwardly near the fireplace, pretending not to watch.

Others had abandoned any pretence entirely.

At the centre of the room stood Sir Edward and Nathaniel Blackwood.

Neither man had raised his voice.

They didn't need to.

"You overstep yourself, Blackwood."

Edward's tone was calm, but unmistakably firm.

Blackwood offered a faint smile.

"I just voiced an opinion."

"You questioned Lord Ashcombe's judgement in his own house."

"I questioned a decision. There is a difference."

For a brief moment, neither man spoke.

The tension in the room seemed almost tangible.

Lord Ashcombe stood nearby, saying nothing.

Several of the older gentlemen exchanged uneasy glances.

No one appeared eager to involve themselves.

You stepped quietly to Sir Edward's side.

He glanced towards you only briefly before returning his attention to Blackwood.

"You have every right to disagree," Edward continued. "You do not have the right to make a spectacle of your host."

Blackwood folded his hands behind his back.

"I've always believed honesty preferable to flattery."

"So have I."

Edward took a measured step forward.

"But honesty without courtesy is just arrogance."

A few guests shifted uncomfortably.

Someone quietly cleared their throat.

Blackwood's smile thinned.

"You seem unusually invested in Lord Ashcombe's affairs."

"I've been welcomed into his home."

Edward's voice remained perfectly controlled.

"I intend to repay that hospitality with the respect it deserves."

The room fell silent once more.

For the first time, Blackwood's composure appeared to falter.

Only slightly. Only for a heartbeat.

Then he inclined his head.

"As you wish."

Without another word, he turned and walked towards one of the windows overlooking the gardens.

Conversation did not immediately resume.

It lingered in uncertain silence until Lord Ashcombe finally clapped his hands together.

"Well."

A weary smile crossed his face.

"I believe luncheon has waited quite long enough."

A ripple of relieved laughter spread through the room.

Guests gradually returned to their seats.

The moment had passed.

As you helped Sir Edward into his chair, he spoke quietly enough that only you could hear.

"I dislike quarrels."

"I know, sir."

"But sometimes..."

He glanced briefly towards Blackwood.

"...silence becomes the greater mistake. It’s a sign of weakness."

You nodded.

"I thought you handled yourself well."

Edward looked at you for a moment.

"So did you."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Thank you for standing beside me."

The remainder of luncheon passed without further incident.

Blackwood scarcely spoke another word.

Yet more than once, you caught him watching Sir Edward from the opposite end of the table.

As the guests slowly dispersed after the meal, you found yourself wondering what the exact issue had been of the quarrel.