Chapter 19 #2
Perhaps he had truly washed his hands off her, because he believed she would only get in the way of his plans. This only made her sadder, because she had hoped that she would have at least been important enough to him reconsider what he was doing.
But it would seem that he had made his decision, and his choice had not involved her in the slightest.
Nora remained at home, barely eating and sleeping, caught in a cycle of overthinking about matters she knew she could not solve.
Then one morning as she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, there was a knock at her door.
“Go away,” she yelled without looking up, expecting it to be a member of the household staff.
The knocking persisted and although she was trying to ignore it, the sharp sound was beginning to get on her nerves.
Grumbling, she crawled out of her bed and walked to the door, unlocking it and flinging it open.
“What? I believed that I told you – Cecil?”
Her brother grinned at her, his arms folded as he asked,
“Is that anyway to greet your precious older brother whom you missed immensely for a few weeks?”
Nora stared at him, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Once he opened his arms, she slipped into his embrace, burying her face in his neck. Her brother laughed as he held her tightly, his arms giving her warmth that she missed dearly.
“You’re early,” she murmured when they eventually pulled apart and entered her room to talk.
“Oh, you noticed. I expect that you did not miss me in the slightest, given that you did not respond to any of my letters.” Cecil mock frowned, sitting at the edge of her bed as she climbed into it.
“Would there have been a point when you were travelling? My letters would have never gotten to you.” She huffed, feeling simultaneously relived and exhausted.
“The thought would have counted, little sister.” Cecil tutted in annoyance.
“But I suppose there is no point talking about that now. Has your season been promising thus far? Have you managed to charm some poor bloke into declaring that he wishes to give you the world if only you just marry him? Do I need to introduce myself to someone?”
Nora shook her head, the melancholy setting over her again.
“No… there is no one. The season has been quite disappointing, and I have grown tired of it.” She told him, her words containing some truth.
Briefly, she imagined telling Cecil what the man he had left her in custody of had planned to do, how he had used them both because he needed to avenge his family.
But she did not know how to start such a conversation, or how to put such a matter delicately enough without spurring her brother on to start a fight with Godric.
The more she considered it, the worse she felt and the less likely it seemed as though a calm resolution would be achieved.
“Are you all right? You seem as though you are suffering from some bout of heartbreak,” Cecil stated, seemingly teasing her.
But the fact that he had gotten so close to the truth shocked her and she quickly tried to divert his attention elsewhere.
“I… I am just tired. I did my best to find a suitable husband this season. I tried to be as courteous as possible, hoping to meet good men worthy of me. But my search fell short each time. And Tobias Crane had told me that would not find a better man than him… I fear I was cursed.” She laughed humorlessly.
“There is no such thing,” Cecil scolded lightly, lying down next to her and wrapping an arm around her.
“That man is a fool and I am going to break his legs the next time I see him. You are a wonderful young woman, and any man would be blessed to have you as his wife. Do not despair, there will be other seasons. And if you seek assistance to find a match, we could always ask our in-laws and sisters for help. You know that they would do anything for you. We all would.”
“I know. But I had hoped that I would be able to do this on my own. I feel hopeless and… forget about it. I do not wish to talk on this matter anymore.”
“Understood, Your Highness,” Cecil teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Do not worry. All will be well.”
Nora managed to muster a smile as she looked up at him and she said,
“I am glad you are home. I have missed you terribly.”
“Oh, I am sure you did,” Cecil told her with a self-assured grin. “Though I am surprised to hear that Godric wasn’t better company for you. Did he simply brood as he followed you about? Perhaps that was how the suitors were scared off.”
At the mention of the duke’s name, Nora’s heart sank and she lowered her gaze, mumbling quickly,
“He was sufficient company. That was really all there was.”
“Are you sure? If he did not hold his end of the bargain, I might have to collect my offering, seeing as I spent quite a bit –”
“I am sure, Cecil. Let us not speak about it anymore.” Nora snapped, still refusing to look at her brother.
Cecil patted her head gently and pulled her even closer to his chest.
“All right, sister. You are all right. Do not worry about a single thing henceforth. I am finally home.”
Nora burrowed herself further into her brother’s arms, relishing in the warmth and security he offered and within minutes, she fell asleep.