She had hoped that somehow, she would have found a way to remove the obstacle – the duke – but the only one who could do that was likely thousands of miles away, sailing across the continent.
Perhaps if he had told her sooner, before his departure, she might have been able to dissuade him from taking a decision that would ultimately steal her peace. Which was likely why he opted not to tell her.
For a moment, she had briefly considered relaying the situation to her father, but she knew he would not care in the slightest about her brother’s need to shield her.
And God forbid, he decided to involve himself in her life now – what if the outcome was worse?
Nora had tried to get some sleep, hoping that the morning would come with renewed inspiration on how best to handle the matter. Or at least enough strength to face what was to come.
But she had only woken up angry and ravenous – in her fit of annoyance, she had skipped her meals the day before in silent protest. After she had consumed a filling breakfast, she set out to receive some comfort from her close friends.
Jane had noticed the anxious way she kept fussing and had proposed a promenade around the park, so they had begun to walk. Nora wanted to tell them outright, but she felt disturbed by all she had heard, and she worried her friends might see reason within her brother’s madness.
“It is so upsetting! I have never been more infuriated in my life!” Nora groaned helplessly.
“We can tell,” Penelope stated dryly. “Look, it is quite clear that something is eating you up from within. You will not find a solution by harboring it to yourself. We have never judged you or each other, and you should know that you – your worries and secrets – are safe with us.”
Her friend’s words were soothing to her nerves, and it did not take long for Nora’s shoulders to slump in defeat. With a deep breath, she said,
“My brother has ruined my season.”
Jane blinked, confusion clouding her lovely eyes. “How so? It has only just begun. Two nights ago, you were excited about the prospects –”
“That was before I learned that he had appointed the duke of Ironwell as my guardian in his absence.”
Her friends stared at her, glanced at each other before turning back to her with gobsmacked expressions.
“He did what?” they chorused.
Nora laughed, the sound as empty as her hope that the matter would be resolved somehow in a way that would benefit her.
“Oh, it gets worse. I would have assumed that the duke would rather do anything else, but he seems intent on fulfilling his role dutifully. He has promised to be by my side and involve himself as deeply as possible in my affairs. For the entire season.” Nora added, feeling even more as though she was losing her mind.
“B-But why? Why on earth would he even –” Jane sputtered, making noises of confusion.
“I have always said your brother was a pest. Now he has proven that he can be one, without even being by your side.” Penelope sighed, shaking her head.
Penelope had never seemed to like Cecil for some reason, and Nora’s brother derived an unhealthy amount of joy from teasing and arguing with the girl. Usually, when Penelope began to badmouth Cecil, Nora would defend him, but as of that moment, she was very cross with him.
How could he do this to her? He knew how much the season was to her. He knew – likely better than anyone – that she wanted things to work in her favor. And if he had any concerns, he should have addressed them with her, rather than going behind her back to enlist his friends as a nanny for her.
It was demeaning and irritating. And how dare that duke make her feel as though her brother’s concerns were justified? She had not done anything to warrant such ideas, much less to demand that she be watched so closely.
Nora was angry at Godric for treating her like a child he could dismiss, however he felt.
“I cannot help but agree,” Nora grumbled. “The moment he arrives, I am going to strangle him. He will perish by my hands. I cannot believe he’s done this!”
Her last statement was punctuated by a wail of dismay, and Penelope quickly wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
“Do not despair, my wonderful, beautiful friend. Surely there is still a way to put your plans in motion. You do not need his permission to do what you want.” She said gently.
“Perhaps not, but he will be there regardless. Watching me and following me. He is intent on being involved in everything I do for some reason, and I cannot stand the thought of it.” Nora shuddered in disgust.
She had hoped that she would have the freedom to be candid with potential suitors, to properly address those who were really interested in her, and not those who only saw her as a means to an end.
But with the latest addition to her entourage, she would be lucky if any men even came close to her.
“Hm… I think you have been given a rare opportunity, Nora,” Penelope mused thoughtfully, before she turned Nora to face her, both hands braced on Nora’s shoulders. “The way I see it, he has added himself to your list of potential suitors. This is an excellent opportunity to see if he would make a suitable husband!”
