He was old magic. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with on the social circuits of half-a-dozen capital cities. It was said that they might reverse a fashion, make a playwright, or declare an early end to a tedious Season. They were patrons of the arts -- scientific, magical, and creative -- and stood on terms of intimacy with the scions of several Royal houses. Despite all that -- or because of it -- they were popular hosts: full of wit and fire, certain to have an opening night box at the brilliant new play, after which they would preside over an animated table of friends in a little known gem of an eatery. It was therefore not at all unusual, when the daring new opera "The Fall of Neab" opened at Chelsington Opera House, where her family had kept a box for several generations, that they should host a party. Nicholas -- Lord Charles to most; Nick or Nicky to some few intimates; and Nicky Dear to one alone -- had early discovered that the hidden tax on old money was the absolute necessity of sharing the more public extravagances with others -- and as many of those others as possible.
