If there were one phrase designed to make the entirety of the LaVelle family go quite still, after the young man's introduction, it was that very one. He declared his interest in pursuing a courtship with Miranda, the daughter of their foremost house, and a pocket of stillness and silence settled around the family as they stared, first at him... and then at their Lord.<br/><br/>For his own part, Miranda's father did not go still, but lifted his wine glass for a long draught, studying Lawrence over its rim and savoring the mouthful before he swallowed. "This indeed something that bears discussion," he said quietly, "So first I would ask you - what prompts you to make such a request of me, milord Chester?"<br/><br/>Despite his quiet demeanour, the LaVelle's mind was moving quickly - turning over what he had heard of the Chesters, their assets, their power, setting it against what could be gained with alliance with other suitable families of the realm, trying to work out whether this might be advantageous.