Cedric found his brothers at breakfast.
Which was unusual, because Arthur ate at his desk more than at the dining table and Bennett ate whenever he remembered to. Neither of them was typically at the dining table at the same time unless something was scheduled.
Cedric sat down and looked at them both.
"I heard Noel left," he said.
He said it in a way that was true and slightly painful.
"He left three days ago," he continued. "His grandfather's arrangements were ready. He was sailing to Italy." He picked up his coffee. "I thought you should both know. In case either of you had it in mind to do something before he left."
Arthur cut his food and said nothing.
Bennett looked at his plate.
He also said nothing.
Cedric looked between them.
"That's it," Cedric said. "I'm not going to lecture you two. He's gone. It's probably for the best given what Arthur was planning."
Arthur's knife moved against the plate.
"What do you think I was planning?" he said.
