An invitation without explanation
Count Lucien and Countess Celeste Vautrin possess old European wealth, private estates, and resources comparable to those of Cornelius Kraus himself. They have no need of his fortune and are surprised to be invited to an evening concerning his estate. Their curiosity centres on why he involved them at all.
Lucien and Cornelius enjoyed a long friendship built on mutual respect, discretion, and a shared appreciation of beautiful properties. Cornelius had recently invited the Vautrins to stay at one of his vacation estates.
The architecture and old-money circle: the Belleroses, the Vales.
Elegant, worldly European count with a story for every occasion
An elegant, worldly count with a story for every occasion. Lucien is gracious and enjoys conversation across social classes, a quality Cornelius valued even as he wondered whether the Count trusted people too easily.
Expansive, gracious, and genuinely interested in everyone, from the butler to the champion. Tells a long anecdote at the slightest invitation, usually set in a different country. Addresses women as "Madame" and men as "my dear fellow." Trusts too easily and knows it.
Dazzling collector of rare jewels and modern art
A dazzling collector of rare jewels and modern art, with a discreet and expert eye for what distinguished European families own and what they have quietly sold. Her wealth gives her the freedom to wait, and a quiet question from the Countess reveals more than a public demand.
Economical with words and generous with silence. Notices jewellery, cut, and provenance before faces, and says so when it is kind and withholds it when it is not. Asks one precise question, then changes the subject. Nothing surprises her out loud.
Your private objectives, secrets, and leads are in the confidential dossier that opens with the word you receive at the door. Nothing on this page is secret.