A Perfect Match

5

The next morning the girls Nora had met in the park the day before would be arriving for tea. She informed the duchess of the invite, and she insisted she join them. The Dowager Duchess had not realized how empty and lonely life at the Ducal estate could be without Percival and Nora there with her. She had grown attached to Nora since her arrival. She was sure her grandson had as well. Now all she had to do was open her eyes to see he could never have a normal life with Ada and she was the perfect match for him.

Caroline had received a letter from Ada letting her know she would let Percival go. She would be glad if he found happiness with Nora. She had told her she loved her like a daughter and that she would be happy for the couple if they made a commitment. This would free Percival now all Caroline had to do was convince her stubborn grandson Nora was the best occurrence to happen to him. She, knew Nora was the one for him when she heard them arguing. They were having a disagreement about his duty to the crown. She informed him that being an assassin was only one of his duties the other was being a Duke. Caroline laughed when she heard her tell him "Just because he was in love he had no right to ignore his duty to his community.

No one had the nerve to talk to a Duke in that manner. If they did they didn't live to talk about it. she was exaggerating but the chips would fly if someone did so. Caroline had been pleased Nora took none of his guff. She overheard her telling him if he did not mind his business she would not invite him to watch the shooting contest this afternoon between her and his Grandmother. Then walked out of the door leaving him ranting to himself.

Percival sat in his study wondering where the girl got so much cheek. No one not even his Grandmother talked to him like that. Big B had called him on the carpet occasionally but never as harshly as Nora had done. He would never let her know he had enjoyed sparing with her, and he would never let her know she was right he had ignored his Duchy, and he needed to remedy that.

The four girls and their mothers arrived promptly at three fifteen. They were greeted in the parlor by the Dowager Duchess and Nora. It had been a long time since Nora had talked about seasons and wardrobes. She was never one to care since she did not want to get married. The mothers were talking to the Dowager about the changes in the village and what needed to be done for the poor of the community. To the surprise of everyone the Duchess offered to patron their efforts to help the poor. Not only with money but with her time. Before, they arrived Caroline had decided to rejoin the world of the living. She had volunteered to sponsor the girls during their time in London for the season. Nora was surprised by the offer. Since she had been in Cornwall she had learned the Dowager Duchess had not left Restormel Manor and Cornwall since her son had died nine years before.

By the time, they left she learned that Mr. Paul Richards house guest was good looking. The girls had a glimpse of the mysterious Mr. Farnsworth. He was not as allusive as Mr. Richards he had a passion for Cornish pastry's and clam chowder and went out to dine at least four days a week which gave Nora an idea if she could get the Duke to stay home.

Nora and the Dowager Duchess arranged to meet in the foyer to the firing range. Caroline was down first she was wearing clothing she had designed for missions that were comfortable and serviceable. Since Nora was not down yet she decided to add some kindeling on the fire that Nora had set earlier. She went to the study to visit Percival. She knocked on the door and a disgruntled "Enter" was called out. She entered the study with a smile and a playfulness in her heart.

He looked up to see who entered and saw his Grandmother in her mission clothing. He knew what that meant, and he knew she was here to gloat they were going down to shoot. He was mostly finished but he did not have to tell her that. He would let her bluster and then go and join the women when they were in the middle of their contest. He had thought about it all day if he went down with them he was not sure he wouldn't be intimidated by his presences. He wanted to watch without her knowledge. He waited for his Grandmother to start her gloating, but she smiled and made her announcement.