Like most pedigree of the upper-class, Claude was perfectly aware of the negative stigma surrounding people like Oliver.
Members of the working class were often mislabeled, and looked down upon for whatever reason. 'Mere prattle without practice', Claude often thought to himself. Then again, in the world of chandeliers and caviar, ignorance knew no bounds. - Logical thinking and human decency were far too nouveau riche by their standards.
Of course, Claude was neither a saint nor a martyr. To say he was better than his wealthy counterparts would be a misunderstanding.
Claude was simply a man who regarded every new encounter as an opportunity; a new beginning, no matter who he might meet, or, in this case, "elegantly" collapse against.
Claude stood quietly, watching as the younger man struggled to speak at first. All the while, the earl's sharp eyes examined him from head to toe, his brows furrowed in a somewhat concerned expression.
