Miles in Love - Lois McMaster Bujold [302]
"Fine. You go tell him, then."
"I . . . would really rather not, all things considered."
Ivan's finely tuned shit-detectors began to blink red, in some corner of his brain usually not active at this hour. "Oh? What things?"
"Oh, you know . . . delicacy . . . consideration . . . family feeling . . ."
Ivan made a rude noise through his lips.
" . . . the fact that he controls a valuable vote in the Council of Counts . . ." By went on serenely.
"It's my Uncle Aral's vote Dono is after," Ivan pointed out. "Technically. He arrived back in Vorbarr Sultana four nights ago. Go hustle him." If you dare.
By bared his teeth in a pained smile. "Yes, Dono told me all about the Viceroy's grand entrance, and the assorted grand exits. I don't know how you managed to escape the wreckage unscathed."
"Had Armsman Roic let me out the back door," said Ivan shortly.
"Ah, I see. Very prudent, no doubt. But in any case, Count Vorkosigan has made it quite well known that he leaves his proxy to his son's discretion in nine votes out of ten."
"That's his business. Not mine."
"Do you have any more of that coffee?" By eyed the cup in his hand longingly.
"No," Ivan lied.
"Then perhaps you would be so kind as to make me some more. Come, Ivan, I appeal to your common humanity. It's been a very long and tedious night."
"I'm sure you can find someplace open in Vorbarr Sultana to sell you coffee. On your way home." Maybe he wouldn't leave the sword in its scabbard . . .
By sighed, and leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms as if for a lengthy chat. His foot stayed planted. "What have you heard from your cousin the Lord Auditor in the last few days?"
"Nothing."
"And what do you think about that?"
"When Miles decides what I should think, I'm sure he'll tell me. He always does."
By's lip curled up, but he tamped it straight again. "Have you tried to talk to him?"
"Do I look that stupid? You heard about the party. The man crashed and burned. He'll be impossible for days. My Aunt Cordelia can hold his head under water this time, thanks."
By raised his brows, perhaps taking this last remark for an amusing metaphor. "Now, now. Miles's little faux pas wasn't irredeemable, according to Dono, whom I take to be a shrewder judge of women than we are." By's face sobered, and his eyes grew oddly hooded. "But it's about to become so, if nothing is done."
Ivan hesitated. "What do you mean?"
"Coffee, Ivan. And what I have to pass on to you is not, most definitely not, for the public hallway."
I'm going to regret this. Grudgingly, Ivan hit the Door-open pad and stood aside.
Ivan handed By coffee and let him sit on his sofa. Probably a strategic error. If By sipped slowly enough, he could spin out this visit indefinitely. "I'm on my way to work, mind," Ivan said, lowering himself into the one comfortable chair, across from the sofa.
By took a grateful sip. "I'll make it fast. Only my sense of Vorish duty keeps me from my bed even now."
In the interests of speed and efficiency, Ivan let this one pass. He gestured for By to proceed, preferably succinctly.
"I went to a little private dinner with Alexi Vormoncrief last night," By began.
"How exciting for you," growled Ivan.
By waved his fingers. "It proved to have moments of interest. It was at Vormoncrief House, hosted by Alexi's uncle Count Boriz. One of those little behind-the-scenes love-fests that give party politics its name, you know. It seems my complacent cousin Richars heard about Lord Dono's return at last, and hurried up to town to investigate the truth of the rumors. What he found alarmed him sufficiently to, ah, begin to exert himself on behalf of his vote-bag in the upcoming decision in the Council of Counts. As Count Boriz influences a significant block of Conservative Party votes in the Council, Richars, nothing if not efficient, started his campaign with him."
"Get to the point, By," sighed Ivan. "What has all this to do with my cousin Miles? It's got nothing to do with me; serving officers are officially discouraged from playing politics, you know."
"Oh, yes, I'm