Chapter 8 Summary

That evening Amelia is puzzled by Emerson's inclination to allow Lucas to play the part of host, a role Lucas enjoys and lords over everyone, especially Walter and Michael. Lucas has created a luxurious dinner atmosphere; complete with flowers, silverware, crystal, whiskey, and wine. Amelia expresses concern about drinking when the evening requires them all to be sharp, but Lucas claims that alcohol makes his senses even sharper. Walter is derisive and the two men are acrimonious throughout dinner. Lucas is at the top of his game, claiming to have tried to bring Evelyn's boxes packed by their grandfather to her, but Baring in Cairo refused to release them to Lucas as they were addressed to Amelia. The proprietary manner Lucas adopts toward Evelyn is designed to anger Walter and fluster Evelyn. He appears not to see that his behavior is caddish. His...