Orin Vale let the delegates finish their first cups of tea before taking them outside.
This was courtesy. It was also strategy.
A man who had just suggested White Crown’s reserve looked excessive dropped his glove on the service walk. He retrieved it quickly, put it on, and became more interested in the insulated pipe beside the rail.
Felix had arrived the previous evening after several days traveling from the garden leg. His borrowed outer coat was adequate. His expression suggested he regretted declining the thicker gloves.
“Pleasant walk,” he said.
“Short,” Orin promised.
“An excellent local custom.”
The pipe carried heat toward inhabited rooms. Farther along, a separate branch supplied medical stores. Another maintained safe working conditions at the winter approach.
