“That is my final word on the matter.”
Nora huffed but did not argue further. Without another word, she went inside to freshen up and prepare for the afternoon, trying to ignore the way her pulse had quickened at the prospect of spending even more time in Godric's company.
“I cannot believe he insisted on coming along,” Penelope said, glancing over her shoulder as they walked down the street in the direction of the modiste’s shop.
“I am frankly surprised he let me step out of the house at all. I feel as though I am very close to being confined to the walls of my home for all eternity.” Nora sighed tiredly.
Surprisingly, Godric had not wanted to stick as closely as Nora expected him to. He had greeted her friends in his usual, well-mannered airs, and then he proceeded to trail after them, lingering a few feet behind.
Her friends had been stunned by his presence, but to Nora’s disappointment, they were not opposed to it. They kept looking over their shoulders, shooting fascinated glances at him.
“He is very handsome,” Jane whispered, not for the first time. “And so mysterious. That serious expression, those intense eyes...”
“He looks like he could murder someone without blinking,” Penelope observed, though she sounded more intrigued than frightened. “I am fascinated by him.”
“Please stop talking about him as though he is not right there,” Nora hissed, her cheeks burning.
“He is too far away to hear us,” Jane assured her, eyes lighting up the next moment as she leaned in. “But Nora, you must tell us – have you made any progress with your mission to make him show some emotion?”
Nora thought about the night in his study, about the way he had touched her, the way he had made her beg and writhe and ultimately shatter in his arms. If that was not emotion, she did not know what was.
But she certainly could not tell her friends about that.
“He remains as unmovable as a rock,” she said instead, putting on a smile as they entered the modiste’s shop.
The older woman greeted them warmly, urging them to browse for whatever it was that they liked and to call her attention if they needed anything. She glanced at the door where the dukestood, but said nothing about his presence, much to Nora’s relief, as she did not wish to explain why he was there.
After the modiste had given them some bolts of fabric to peruse, leaving for a moment to get some more, their previous discussion continued.
“Pity,” Penelope said. “I expected you would have better luck.”
“I told you that the idea was silly from the start. He has been impossible to speak to, and all my efforts to get him to feel something – anything have only led me to disappointment. I am honestly not sure he is even human.” Nora complained.
Jane’s gaze subtly shifted in the duke’s direction once more, and she sighed dreamily.
“At least you have been so close to one of the most handsome men in London. Many would kill to be in your shoes.” She remarked.
“They are more than welcome to it,” Nora grumbled, only half meaning the words that had left her mouth.
They continued browsing, and minutes later, Nora found herself drawn to a particular design that was on a mannequin – a gown with a daringly low neckline and delicate cap sleeves. The fabric was a vibrant, dark blue, and although it was beautiful, she would have preferred the dress in a different color.
“I would like this design,” she told the modiste, pointing to the figure that wore the dress and the material she wanted it made of. “In this green silk.”
“An excellent choice, Miss,” the modiste said approvingly. “It will look stunning on you.”
Before the woman could begin taking measurements, however, a deep voice interrupted.
“That design is too revealing. Choose another.”
Nora whirled around to find Godric standing much closer than he had been moments ago, his expression disapproving.
“I beg your pardon?”
“The neckline is too low,” Godric stated flatly. “It is not appropriate for an unmarried young lady.”
“I am the one who will be wearing it,” Nora said through gritted teeth. “And I am the one paying for it. Your opinion is neither required nor desired.”
Penelope and Jane hovered close enough to interfere if necessary, but far enough that they could witness the argument without missing a thing.
