"Not until the Winter Season," Will responded to the question, easily moving with the change of subject.

The natural statement in return would be to ask if Conrad was hosting any lectures, but Will was rubbish at the whole social contract, give and take of small talk. He gave that change of a subject all of thirty seconds before he paused in his note shuffling, tilted his head, and lifted his eyes.

This time, his gaze remained on Conrad's face; most people found they liked it better when Will didn't watch them.

"What are you trying to avoid, Conrad?" 'Why are you in my lecture, and lingering?'