Chapter Seven #2
“I truly do not know,” Nathaniel admitted. “I saw her again, and it was as though things just started happening around me and I had no control over what I was saying or doing.”
“What do you mean again?” Oliver’s brow furrowed. “Had you met Lady Talbot prior to last evening?”
Nathaniel sighed heavily. He had revealed more than he had intended, but the weight that lifted from his chest at finally speaking the truth loosened his tongue. If there was one person in this world he could trust, it was Oliver Blackburn.
He glanced over his shoulder towards the breakfast room door to ensure it was closed before continuing. “You can not tell Charlotte,” he whispered. “If she finds out, it will only encourage her romantic fantasies.”
Oliver leaned back in his chair again and smirked. “This is going to be good.”
“It was two summers ago, after Sarah ended our engagement.” Nathaniel began, ignoring his friend’s remarks.
He would most likely regret sharing the story later, but right now needed to have a clear mind before meeting with Lord and Lady Moorfield. Perhaps speaking it all out loud would be beneficial.
“I needed some time alone, so I sent Charlotte to stay with Adeline, but I could not bring myself to sit at Rosemore Hall alone.”
“And you had forbidden me from coming to stay with you, forcing me upon the Fenwicks,” Oliver interjected.
Nathaniel narrowed his gaze at him. That summer with Sarah and Matthew at Sommerton had led to Oliver falling hopelessly in love with his wife. “You should be thanking me for that.”
“I am forever indebted to you, Your Grace.” Oliver smiled. “Please continue.”
Nathaniel shook his head. “I returned to London,” he continued, letting his eyes fall closed as memories from that summer came flooding back.
He had kept to himself, even more so than usual.
He had seen no one, and as far as he was aware, no one had known he was in town.
But as he sat in the study of his townhouse for those few weeks, listening to the bustle of life pass him by on the streets below, it had seemed less lonely than complete isolation at his empty estate.
“One morning, I was on the Thames…”
“Swimming?” Oliver raised a brow.
“Rowing,” Nathaniel corrected. “And suddenly she was there.”
“In your boat?” Oliver questioned.
“In the river.”
“Swimming?”
“Drowning,” Nathaniel’s jaw clenched, trying to hide the frustration from his voice, but also couldn’t help the flicker of amusement he felt; Oliver hadn’t changed at all.
“Where did she come from?” Oliver asked, leaning an elbow on the table.
“I do not know,” Nathaniel shook his head.
“It was raining and foggy. I could barely see a few feet in front of me. I heard splashing, and when I got close enough to realize there was someone in the water, I jumped in. I swam her to shore, but there was no one else there. She was completely alone, entirely ungrateful, and ran off immediately. I never thought I would ever see her again. I did not even know her name until last night.”
Oliver’s lips pressed together as he nodded slowly, as if he was trying to piece together all the little parts of this unusual puzzle. “Why did you follow her into the garden?”
Nathaniel rubbed a hand over his face. “ I thought she was Charlotte,” he murmured. “The dresses they were wearing were nearly identical. When I was speaking to you and Grace, I thought I saw Charlotte sneaking out onto the terrace….”
“But it was Lady Talbot.”
Nathaniel nodded again. “The moment I realized she was not Charlotte, I should have returned to the ball. But I was so shocked when I realized who she was, I could not bring myself to leave.”
Oliver stayed silent for a moment, his eyes observing in a way that made Nathaniel feel as though all of his unspoken thoughts were on full display.
“You have gotten yourself into quite a situation here, my friend,” Oliver finally spoke.
“I know,” Nathaniel agreed. “But I am going to do the right thing. I am going to marry her. Her guardian should be expecting me within the hour.”
“What do you know of Lord Moorfield?”
“Not much,” Nathaniel shrugged. “I have heard his name spoken sparingly and without affection.”
Oliver scoffed. “That is putting it mildly. The earl is not exactly known for his warmth. He has a few scandals attached to his name, and even fewer friends.”
Nathaniel had expected as much. He asked his solicitor to gather information on the man, and he was hoping he would know more before having to offer for Emilia’s hand, though he knew his intentions would not change regardless of what he learned.
“Whatever his sins, that does not mean his ward deserves to be left in disgrace,” he said. “It is not her fault that life left her in the care of such an unpleasant man.”
“Do you know what the relation is between them?” Oliver asked.
Nathaniel shook his head. “All I know is that her father, Lord Talbot, died when she was very young. I asked Fawley to find out whatever he could. I am going to stop by his chambers this morning to look over the contract he drafted. Hopefully he can give me a clearer picture.”
The silence that settled between them was comfortable. Nathaniel did not regret bringing Oliver into his confidence, despite the time they had spent apart. There was more than enough history between the two of them to make up for the distance.
“I am proud of you, Nathaniel,” Oliver finally spoke. “You are making the honorable choice; you always do.”
Nathaniel forced a laugh. When he had become duke, many people challenged him as heir, and even more who doubted him capable of bearing the title.
He worked hard to shoulder every responsibility, care for those who served him, serve those he cared for, and ensure that the Duke of Kenswick remained a title that was respected and feared.
But he had also been raised to choose honor in all circumstances.
His father had been a man of strength and character, and Nathaniel clung to his memory as though it were the most valuable thing he possessed. Every decision he made was weighed not only against his position but also his conscience.
A conscience that would not allow him any rest until he mended the fractured ties with his friend—even if it meant shedding light on his weakness.
“Oliver,” he began.
Oliver must have sensed the shift in Nathaniel’s tone and raised a hand to stop him. “You do not have to say anything.”
“I feel as though I do,” Nathaniel swallowed the emotion threatening to rise in his throat. “I did not intend to be so distant for so long. But the more time passed, the harder it was to come back.”
Oliver shook his head. “I am not here for an apology. I am here because I miss my friend. My oldest, dearest friend who was there for me during the darkest parts of my life, and has never asked anything from anyone in return.”
Nathaniel’s throat tightened.
“But I know how you feel about sentiments, so I will spare you from any more,” Oliver continued.
Nathaniel smiled, feeling lighter than he had in months. “Thank you, Ollie. I am sorry I tried to have the footman send you away. I most likely would have stopped him before he threw you out.”
Oliver laughed, “It is alright. I would have simply knocked down the door.”
Nathaniel chuckled in return, knowing how much truth his statement held.
“I should be going,” Nathaniel said. “Lord Moorfield will be expecting me.” He rose from his chair, and Oliver also pushed himself to his feet.
“Would you like me to come with you?”
“No.”
“Should I come anyway?”
Nathaniel scoffed, “No. But if you have a desire to be helpful, you can stay here and keep an eye on Charlotte. Or better yet, take her home with you. Grace seems to have been a positive influence on you; maybe she will be good for Charlotte.”
Oliver smiled, his eyes brightening at the mention of his wife. “I would, but part of the reason I am here so early is that Grace needed a respite. She is not feeling well this morning. A headache, I believe.”
Nathaniel laughed, “I can imagine.”
Oliver threw an arm over Nathaniel’s shoulder as they walked out of the breakfast room. “I will stay here with your sister until you return. Has she gotten any better at chess?”
“She has developed a master strategy. I can no longer win against her.”
Oliver shook his head. “You certainly have your hands full, my friend.”