A few days after his return, he led Penelope and Jane into Nora’s quarters with a frustrated exhale of,
“Speak some sense into her, before I feel inclined to burn down that duke’s estate.”
“Oh, Nora,” Jane sighed, climbing into Nora’s bed and wrapping her arms around her dear friend. “We have been trying to see you for days now. Why have you not let us?”
“Her mind has been occupied with other affairs it seems,” Cecil mumbled, irate. “I do not know what happened while I was gone, but I do not like that she has begun to think it is wise to keep secrets from me.”
“How typical. Even while watching your sister struggle with whatever challenge, she is feeling, all you can think of is yourself. It must be so difficult for you – being left in the dark,” Penelope snorted, moving to sit at the edge of Nora’s bed, taking hold of her hand gently.
“That is not what I –”
“Darling,” Penelope cooed to Nora softly. “I understand that you might be having a hard time with the burdens you bear, but you must know that you are not alone. We are here to support you – Jane and I, including the dunce you call your brother. Whatever it is you might need, simply speak and you will have it.”
Jane nodded, stroking Nora’s hair. “Take your time. Your recovery and health matters to us more than anything.”
“That is not right at all. We must get to the bottom of whatever – or whoever was responsible for putting her in this state! They cannot go unpunished. It simply will not do,” Cecil shook his head, moving to keel beside Nora’s bed. “Sister, you know I only wish to protect you. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Let me ensure that there will never be a repeat of such nonsense again. Tell me, Nora. What happened?”
Nora shook her head weakly, her voice small as she said, “Nothing happened.”
“I do not know why you insist on lying to me? I have asked – begged, even – but you refuse to tell me the truth. Why? Why are you protecting that bastard?”
Nora stayed silent and Cecil sighed, the muscles in his jaw clenching slightly.
“I cannot help you unless you tell me the truth. I cannot fix this unless you let me.”
“Why do you think it needs to be fixed? Perhaps she just needs some time to deal with whatever plagues her mind. Perhaps your consistent hounding and badgering is not as helpful as you perceive it to be.” Penelope stated, looking as though she was losing her patience.
“What do you propose we do, then? She has been like this for days since my arrival. And no matter how hard I try; she has ignored my questioning and I do not know what else to do.” Cecil snapped back.
“Have you tried asking her what she needs? You are so caught up in ‘fixing’ and delivering retribution to the culprit, not concerned with what your sister actually requires from you at this time. You will only make things more difficult for her like this. She needs your support and your patience! Not your thirst for revenge.” Penelope huffed; brows knitted together in annoyance.
Nora did not like seeing her loved ones so upset because of her. She knew that Cecil had his suspicions on why she was acting this way but she felt too ashamed to admit it, even though they could talk to each other about anything previously.
But still... she felt burdened by what she had done. For what she had allowed to happen. She had been foolish, had let her heart be swayed so easily and offered up her family to a stranger who valued his need for vengeance more than anything else. And if Cecil knew the truth... she was afraid he would never forgive her.
Or Godric – a silly afterthought that proved how foolish the duke had made her.
So, all she could do was remain mum and hope her brother would give up on his crusade for justice she did not need or deserve, allowing her the space and time she needed to overcome this challenge.
“Have you been compromised?”
Nora’s heart sank as her brother’s words sank into her mind, and she raised her gaze to meet his. All at once, his feelings and concerns seemed to flash across his face.
He was worried, scared that she would not be able to marry again – especially not after her reputation had become slightly dubious following the dissolution of her first engagement.
Cecil was likely concerned that without a husband, he would be forced to take on sole custody of her and she would become a burden to him. And he would have to live with the dismay of believing his absence was the cause.
Nora wanted to refute the claim, to convince him that wasn’t the case – even though it would mean lying through her teeth to someone who was incredibly precious to her. But she couldn’t.
Could not speak, could not move as her heart beat only grew increasingly louder.
“All right – you’ve done enough. Get out.”
Cecil’s gaze slid over to Penelope as she stood and put herself between him and Nora’s bed, forcing him to rise to his feet.
“I beg your pardon. What gives you the right –”
“You have been of no help whatsoever to her. And as such, I believe it is in her best interest that you leave immediately, before you add to her grief.” Penelope said with a glare, folding her arms defiantly.
