Godric Millington, duke of Ironwell, snorted.
“Formality has never existed between us, Wightman. Perish those airs immediately.”
Cecil laughed, holding a hand out, “It is good to see you, Millington. Truly.”
Godric nodded, allowing his gaze to slip past his friend, back in the direction he had come. There stood three young ladies, one of whom he recognized instantly as Cecil’s younger sister, Nora.
When his friend had asked to speak to him, Godric had surmised it had something to do with her. Cecil did not care for much other than his siblings, and for the longest time, Nora had been his sole focus and priority.
And while Godric admired his friend’s commitment to his family, he could not help the uneasy feeling swirling within him at the thought of what Cecil had to say.
“Likewise. I am fortunate to have the honor of meeting with you, right before your journey commences.” Godric said good-naturedly.
“Ah, as am I. While I am looking forward to the wonderful sights that await me, I cannot help but miss the people I will be leaving behind a tad.” Cecil replied, his eyes roaming back to where his sister and her friends were still standing, nibbling on miniature cakes.
Godric was not one for small talk, but he wanted to hear his friend out, extending him some courtesy he wasn’t known for, rewarded when Cecil spoke up again.
“Truthfully, I asked to see you because I have a favor to ask of you. I will be gone for quite a while, and beforehand, I have taken care of my duties and responsibilities. However, there is one small… or rather large detail I could not perfectly handle. I need you to look after my sister in my absence, please.”
Godric’s objection was immediate. “Absolutely not. I am not some glorified nurse or governess. I have duties of my own – none of which I can brush aside to play nanny. She has her father to look after her.”
Cecil scoffed, shaking his head.
“Hardly. Our father doesn’t care about the children he had a hand in birthing. He never has. And my sister – Nora, is smart, but she is far too trusting and naïve to be left to her own devices.Especially with how insistent Tobias Crane – Nora’s previous betrothed – is proving to be.” He expressed himself seriously.
Godric sighed. “I understand your concerns, truly. And I am honored you think me so reliable. But this is simply a task I cannot fulfil.”
“But you are the only one trustworthy enough to do this. The only one I know who will keep my sister safe, while ensuring she also behaves.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Wightman. But that was a respectable try.”
Cecil groaned. “I will make it worth your while.”
It was Godric’s turn to snort. “I hardly think so, since it is unlikely that you have something I would want.”
“Oh, but I do. I have something I know you want badly, and I know it is something that will please you greatly.”
There was an inflection in Cecil’s tone that made Godric pause. They did not sound like empty words, and he had never known Cecil to speak thoughtlessly. Whatever it was he had collected with Godric in mind, it was likely to be greatly appreciated.
“Fine,” Godric agreed begrudgingly. “But you now owe me a favor as well, aside from what I am to get as my reward for accepting this ludicrous request.”
Cecil grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Absolutely. Thank you, friend.”
Godric nodded, glancing in Nora’s direction. To his surprise, she was looking back at him, and he could not help but notice how different she seemed since he had last seen her.
Her fair skin gleamed beneath the soft, bright light that lit up the ballroom, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She was beautiful, and her expression innocent, which explained her brother’s concern.
Godric sighed, already regretting his decision, because it was clear now.
This was going to be rather difficult.
CHAPTER TWO
“Icannot believe the time has come already,” Nora mused silently to herself as she walked down the street.
It was shaping up to be a lovely day, with the morning gradually ticking by, graced with warm weather and a peaceful atmosphere. Nora had promised to see her brother before he departed and was now on her way to see him at his estate, relishing in the quiet walk there.
She missed him greatly already, not fond of the idea of being apart from the sibling who had watched after her all her life.
