Page 37 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
Nigel shook his head. “Was it like this for you? Did you worry that you might leave mother? That you would leave me without a father? Did you even care?”
Nigel sighed and began to pace the room. Mentally, he ran through the remaining events of the season. He seemed completely unable to resist Olivia, but he was sure that if he perhaps took some time away, then he would be able to regain some semblance of composure.
Yes. This is the way it has to be. There is no future for us, and I cannot, I will not do to her what father did to mother.He glared at the portrait of his father. “I will not break her heart!”
A knock at the door made Nigel jump, and a moment later, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. The tall, smiling figure of Alexander Rokesby stood before him.
“Rokesby!” Nigel walked towards him and embraced him, clapping him on the back. “I had not expected to see you! I thought you planned on avoiding the season.”
Alexander laughed. “I had thought so too, but Rose had different ideas.”
“I had not expected you to be so beholden to your wife’s wishes.” Nigel shook his head.
“When you are married, we shall see how well you deny your own wife. Until then, I plan on living a happy life, and that means doing as my wife asks,” Alexander said.
“A prospect I am finding more unlikely by the moment.” Nigel ran a hand through his hair, determined not to think of Olivia.Especially when her brother is right here.
“Then your search for a wife is not going well?” Alexander looked concerned.
Nigel shrugged. “As well as can be expected, I suppose. But let us not dwell on it. Would you like a drink?”
Alexander held up a hand in negation. “No, thank you. I fear I cannot stay long.”
“Oh?” Nigel raised an eyebrow. “Why ever not?”
“I promised Arthur I would take him to Hyde Park when he wakes from his nap, and he will be grumpy if I don’t.” Alexander smiled fondly.
“Well, I would hate for you to anger my Godson.” Nigel canted his head towards his friend. “Though I am afraid you have still not explained why you are here.”
Alexander fished around in his coat pocket and with a grimace, produced an envelope. Nigel took it from him and glanced at it curiously.
“Open it.” Alexander gestured to the letter opener on Nigel’s desk.
He did as he was asked, and an invitation fell to the floor. Nigel picked it up, feeling his heart sink as he read the words:
The Duke and Duchess of Emberly,
Cordially invite you to the Emberly Ball.
Join us for an evening of revelry and wine on the 25th.
Nigel gaped at Alexander. “You are throwing a ball?”
“Rose insisted.” Alexander looked pleadingly at Nigel. “Please, tell me you will come.”
Nigel hesitated.Olivia will definitely be there, after all she is his sister.“I am not s?—”
“Please Maxton,” Alexander begged. “I need you there. You are my oldest friend and much of the ton… Well, you know what they are like. Please, it would mean the world to me if you came.”
Nigel sighed. “Very well. If it truly means that much to you.”
“Wonderful. Thank you, Maxton!” Alexander clapped him on the shoulder and then made towards the door. “I will see you in three days!”
The door slammed behind him, and Nigel slumped into a chair.So much for my plan.Perhaps it won’t be so bad. After all, it wasn’t like Olivia would seek him out. There would be hundreds of people at the ball. And Nigel wasn’t an animal.
I can avoid her for one night.Besides, even if he couldn’t — what was the worst that could happen?
Chapter Thirteen
