The irony was that with how slow they were forced to travel, news of what type of Event Earl Wignell Hosted was in the papers by their second week of carriage travel. 
"Neither of us was correct," he wore reading glasses, the paper they'd bought at the latest boarding house folded so he could get to the details they wanted first. "For those with a nose for a humour filled scandal, Earl Wignell's initial Hosting was a delicate bouquet to enjoy. Although summoned from an extended Tour of the Southern Island by his brother's tragic passing, Lord Wignell's mandatory inclusion on this Season's already full Social Calendar was a resounding success. With almost no time to plan for a full Summer Court, he still presented a most adventurous treasure hunt themed picnic. Blankets were found in (almost) perfect family colours for all attendees, each Family given a treasure map that led to a bottle of champagne, and a spot of entertainment provided when a pair of young men ended up capsizing in the pond. Lords Calvin Briggs and Danilo Polumenta had been in the midst of helping the still grieving Count Malani family retrieve their treasure. Both young men were in high spirits despite their ruined attire, an issue swiftly rectified by Lord Wignell, and I am delighted to share that the Wignell blue looked resplendent on both." He had a wonderful oratory tone and Edwina almost didn't realize the article was discussing her brother. 
"I can promise that Calvin was NOT in high spirits about it," Edwina had argued at the time. 
Unfortunately for them, the rest of the carriage ride was too slow to be anything but mindlessly dull, and somehow also too quick for anything of more newsworthy excitement to occur and help distract them. Edwina had been given a month of preparation time after her invitation had been received, not including the additional two weeks required to travel, and by the time they arrived at the massive university grounds, she was filled with apathy and agitation in equal measure. 
"You reminded me of how I felt when I first came here," Lord Daro laughed at her obvious dichotomy. "The Zappeas Duchy has always been friendly to my family, so I was accepted to attend the university as a general student without a Master. And despite my familiarity with the university grounds, I still had the same trepidation that you are enduring. But, Lady Edwina, I promise you that you belong here, and I know Master Gentileschi will see it too." 
His confidence in her was grounding and staggering all at once, "thank you Lord Daro." She fanned herself now that there was no wind from movement, "though I do suspect it will take me some time to get used to this heat." 
The temperate zone of Taroton varied from cold and blustery for the most Northern parts, to hot and dry at its Southernmost part, and East and West had as much diversity too; the Western heat was combined with a dreadful humidity, and the Eastern coastal storms Edwina had grown up with were no treat either. There was little seasonal change, just a waxing and waning of what was already endured, thus why the Marriage Season occurred when it did; the Southern and Western nobles could flee their dreadfully hottest season and enjoy the almost mild Capital. Unfortunately, it also meant that the university, located in the Southern Duchy of Zappeas, was hot enough that Edwina understood a roast's experience. 
"Let us guide you inside before that fair, North-Eastern skin of yours is burned," Lord Daro's light teasing didn't help Edwina catch her breath any. "The porters will be careful with your artwork; they are the caretakers of the university itself and all items of cultural or historical value are of utmost importance. 
"So, they value the products of university, not the people that produce it?" Edwina frowned at the thought.
"They have been specifically tasked with the preservation of knowledge while others are tasked with the protection of the living," Lord Daro's clarification made Edwina's eyebrows rise.