Shaking himself, Nigel dismissed the thought. There was no point dwelling on what could never be. He wandered through the hall and found himself outside the drawing room. He knocked on the door.
It opened, and he found himself staring into the surprised face of Olivia Rokesby. He had not planned on seeing her but found he couldn’t help but smile as she opened the door.
“Well, this is rather a surprise. I came here expecting a duke, and instead I am faced with a lady.” Nigel grinned. “Unless there is some witchcraft at play
Olivia shook her head, smiling, “Duke Glassley, you do seem rather determined to accuse me of witchcraft. Why, when we danced at my debut, you said the same!”
“Well, what else can have convinced dear Rokesby to end his eight-year isolation and attend a ball?” Nigel laughed.
Olivia joined in Nigel’s laughter. “I simply gave him a… nudge… After all, what brother could deny a sister’s request? It was simply brotherly affection — not witchcraft.”
“I fear, dear lady, that you will never convince me otherwise.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “You confuse witchcraft with determination, good sir.”
“Whatever it is, I must thank you, for you have returned a good friend to me.” Nigel gave her an exaggerated bow. “I am forever in your debt.”
Olivia laughed and shook her head. “You owe me no debt. In truth, I am rather glad that my brother is not perpetually brooding about the house. And I rather suspect that his company is not quite the gift you portray it.”
Nigel grinned. “Ah, well the company of a brother to a sister is rather different than that between friends. And I am glad to give you a reprieve when needed.”
“You are too kind.” Olivia gestured into the room behind her. “I assume you are here to see my brother?”
Nigel nodded. “Yes. I was told he might be here.”
Olivia shook her head. “No, though I imagine he will be soon. After all, he cannot go more than an hour without checking in on Rose.”
As if on cue, a voice boomed out, “Maxton! It has been an age!”
Nigel felt a hand smack into his shoulder as his friend smiled down at him. Though Nigel was tall, he was still a head shorter than Alexander, who towered over most people.
“Rokesby. It is good to see you.” Nigel glanced behind Olivia at Rose and her mother. “Dear ladies, you must forgive my rudeness. Lady Emberly, it is lovely to see you as always. And of course, Lady Cotswalts.”
Lady Cotswalts smiled warmly at Nigel and said, “It is lovely to see you too, Duke Glassley. I am sure we can forgive your indiscretion, after all it has been quite some time since you saw Lady Olivia.”
“Indeed. Nearly a year ago.” Nigel nodded at Olivia.
“Has it really been that long since Arthur was born?” Alexander shook his head and then looked to his wife. “Rose, are you well my dearest?”
Rose smiled. “Yes, I am quite well. And I am sure I will continue to be well the next time you check on me.”
Alexander laughed, and Nigel felt a tiny twinge of jealousy in his chest. It mingled with happiness.I am glad that he has found someone who brings him such joy.
“We are going to the club — so you shall be spared your husband’s over-protectiveness for some hours.” Nigel made a bow to the women in the room.
“What a relief.” Rose’s eyes twinkled mischievously as Alexander kissed her on the forehead. “Now go, and I shall see you when you return.”
“Try not to bring my brother home for some hours,” Olivia called to them as they left.
“I shall do my best,” Nigel answered.
As they set off down the lane, Nigel glanced at Alexander. “Family life seems to suit you rather well.”
Alexander nodded, smiling. “It does indeed. Though I had not expected it to.”
“I am glad you have found such joy. Truly, Rokesby, you deserve it.” Nigel clasped Alexander’s shoulder and smiled.
“Thank you.” Alexander beamed. “I am sure you will find your own happiness soon enough.”
