Illicit Affairs(ONC2021)

Chapter Seven

"Lord Clarke is formal," Emma explained, synching Nina's stays. "I know Lady Agnes is easy in her titleship and lenient with societal rules but Lord Clarke is not."

Nina stood quietly as her Lady's maid dressed her in a deep red dress with puffed-out sleeves and coached her on the arrival of Ethan. As the seconds ticked down, she couldn't help but wonder how much of a tyrant Ethan was. From everything, she heard he seemed stiff and humorless.

"Now, it seems as though he may stay for the duration of the debutante season, which will be new for all of us. Normally, Lord Clarke only comes back to Hyland for small periods of time before he's off on his next travels. I suppose with his new responsibilities of finding you a husband that he will be twice as diligent and content in his stay."

Emma stopped halfway through pinning Nina's hair into a high intricate bun. She smiled at her through the mirror, a deep sad smile that seemed to say good luck.

"He can't be that bad. Can he?" Nina huffed.

Finishing up, Emma took a step back and sighed. "He is brazen and strict but there is kindness in his heart, one that has been broken many times by the hardships of society. You will be fine and he will be amiable. I can only suggest that you make acquaintance with another girl of a high title so that you may retire to her estate for tea when you become overwhelmed."

Nina smoothed her hands over her dress, taking in everything she'd been told thus far on her enigmatic uncle. The two girls then made their way downstairs and Nina couldn't help it as her mind began to wander.

What if Ethan didn't like her? What if he refused to help her find a husband? What if he wed her to an old rich man to settle a debt?

"No." Nina thought, shaking her head. "He's a good man. No matter what anyone says, he's a good man unless he shows you otherwise."

Nina was soon settled on the fact that she would have to survive the debutante season alone. Ethan was expected to provide little to no help in her marital endeavors and solace in another girl wasn't guaranteed. Each young lady was now fighting for the same thing; the perfect husband. Not just a good man. Not just a good title. Not just a good husband. Whatever man Nina managed to get her hands on would have to be perfect in almost every way, otherwise, she would risk a miserable life.

All too soon, Nina was aware that they had made it to the front steps of Hyland. Maids and all of the high-ranking staff were lined up. Everyone looked so crisp and perfect. Agnes was standing at the bottom dressed in a bright yellow ensemble. Emma joined the other maids and Nina made her way down to her grandmother.

As she descended the stairs she caught a glimpse of a flour powdered shirt. She didn't look but she knew it was Benjamin, standing proudly next to Chef Louis. She wondered if he was looking at her. Did he like her dress? She didn't, the red was too deep and purple and made her look like an old widowed woman with no taste.

"Are you nervous?" Agnes asked as they stood together.

"Mostly yes, though I'm anticipating he'll be kind considering."

"He'll be tired upon his travels. So speak lightly and ask little questions and you will be just fine, Lamb."

"What if he despises me? Or dislikes me so much he leaves once again?" Nina voiced her worries in a rush as a grand carriage came driving up.

"You will be just fine, Lamb," Agnes repeated.

The congregation watched in anticipation and a footman came around and opened the door. It felt like minutes before a sharply tailored man with dusty grey hair came out into the sun before them.

Nina silently let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. His eyes looked kind. Creased with smile lines and wrinkles in the corners, they were a deep shade of yellow and green.

Agnes and Nina both bowed their heads and smiled, welcoming home the master of the house.

"My dear son!" Agnes ran up and embraced Ethan warmly. To Nina's surprise, he smiled and hugged her back.

"I've missed you on my travels mother."

"As you should," She said, pinching his cheeks.

Ethan then turned and stepped towards Nina. "And you must be miss Adelina? I've heard many great things about you through my correspondence with my brother, he filled many letters with his praise of your character."

"Thank you, My Lord." Nina pulled out her skirts and bowed.

"Stand up. There'll be none of that. You can simply call me Ethan as you'll be staying with us for quite some time. I do regret that I couldn't come to your parent's funeral, I am quite sorry for the pain you must be in."

Nina smiled, a relieved easy one. "Thank you. Though I'm glad you'll be taking me in."

Ethan nodded and started up the stairs, barking orders. "I'll expect the castle to be spotless and ready for the ball by noon! And Nina, we've much to talk about in regards to your depute. I'm sure you know that Agnes will be escorting you to your depute with the queen but as for the ball, I will expect you not to hang on her shoulder. Mingling in this first season event will be crucial for your standing in the coming performances."

Nina and Agnes almost ran to keep up with him but they nodded dutifully and followed. He is kind, Nina realized, but he knows exactly how he wants things to be and God be damned if she got in the way of that.