Chapter 20: Sitting Down to Dinner

Isaac pulled Lavinia into his arms, throwing a disdainful look over his shoulder at Cyril. Lavinia took his chin in her hand and pulled him back to look at her.

"Leave it. I didn't expect you to be the jealous type."

"I'm not. He has," Isaac paused to collect himself. "A unique effect. Perhaps it's how long I've known him. He knows the exact right way to irritate me."

"Not to mention, he is an incubus," said Lavinia. "That can't help the situation."

"You're not worried about his sister?"

"No, she seems occupied at the moment. Not even looking at you."

Isaac rolled his eyes and spun Lavinia so he could see the high table. He noticed his mother and Cordelia were still standing together. They had been joined by another man with a carefully shaped beard. He drew Mrs. Astor's attention entirely. She seemed to almost be interrogating him. His resemblance to Cordelia was uncanny and Lavinia assumed he must be her father. They were no longer paying attention to Isaac.

"Now