Raymond’s POV.
Sitting on the high-backed armchair in the sitting room, I swirled the amber liquid in my crystal glass, listening to the superficial chatter with exhaustion. Julian was handling Evelyn’s unsubtle flirtations with his usual polite diplomacy, sliding out of her conversational traps before she could spring them.
“You really ought to let Julian catch his breath, Evelyn,” my mother remarked, taking a slow sip from her glass. “He has barely had a moment’s peace since walking through the front door, let alone time to endure your relentless hovering.”
Evelyn’s sharp laughter rang out insufferably. “Oh, Ramona, darling, don’t project your own dullness onto Julian. Some men actually enjoy attentive company. Not all of us are content fading into the furniture.”
“There is a vast d
