Page 64 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“I do not know.” Alexander answered, gently taking Nigel by the arm. “Sit down, your swaying is making me feel unwell.”
Nigel let himself be guided into a chair. “Why are you - hic - doing thiz?”
“Doing what?” Alexander asked as he looked for the rope that would summon a servant to the room.
“Being… Well… why aren’t you murdering me?” Nigel canted his head, grateful that there only seemed to be one Alexander in front of him.
“Do you want me to kill you?” Alexander shook his head.
“I have not made my mind up.” Nigel had meant it to sound like a joke, but it came out entirely earnest.
“Would you tell me about it?” Alexander said after a moment, pausing in his search for some way to summon a servant.
“About what?” Nigel canted his head, managing to suppress a burp as he did so.
“The curse,” Alexander answered. “Maybe I can help.”
“I… I don’t think anyone can help. I’ve talked to everyone. Prieests. Curse breakers. Mediumsh. I even asked my cousin, Lord Biston, for help.”
“Lord Briston.” Alexander corrected. “What help could he offer?”
“He said… said he knew some bottomists.” Nigel gestured vaguely. “You know, the people who work with plants and such?”
A small smile played at the corners of Alexander’s lips. “You mean a botanist?”
“That’s wha’ I said!” Nigel frowned at Alexander. “God, I need another drink.”
“I think not.” Alexander raised an eyebrow at Nigel.
“You’re not my mother.” Nigel pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.
“And I shall thank the God above that I am not,” Alexander stated. “I am going to find a servant and have them bring you something to sober you up. I trust Dandelion will keep you safe in my absence?”
Dandelion gave an enthusiastic bark as Alexander left the room. Before Nigel could process anything that had just happened, a knock sounded at the door.That was quick.
It was not Alexander at the door but a young servant who was carrying a tray laden with a decanter of wine and a teapot. Nigel tried to recall his name. It was the footman his cousin had recommended.Damn it, what was his name?
“I have brought the wine you requested. And your nightly tea,” Mr. Jaspers said as he entered the room.
“Ahhh. Thank you, Mr.…” Nigel was too drunk to feel embarrassed at forgetting the man’s name.God, I hate that tea.
The tea had been something the footman had brought with him, claiming that his aunt had taught him something of herbs, and that it would aid with Nigel’s sleepwalking.
“Jaspers, Your Grace.” The footman took a few steps into the room and then froze as Dandelion let out a warning growl.
For some reason, she had taken a dislike to the man though Nigel could not understand why.Perhaps the tea smells foul toher too. Still, it is hardly Jasper’s fault that it is so unpleasant. Perhaps I should be better about drinking the stuff.
Nigel had been very irregular with drinking his tea but had not wanted to hurt the boy’s feelings so had been pouring the often forgotten brew into his chamber pot. A wave of guilt washed over him.
“Hush Dandelion. It’s only Mr. Japsers. Sorry Jazspurrs.”Nigel slipped a finger through her collar and gestured for Mr. Jaspers to put the tray upon the table. “I am sure she will get used t’you… eventually.”
It is so embarrassing having to hold my dog back from a servant.Mr. Jaspers smiled a tight smile, clearly wary as he approached Nigel, and laid the tray on the small coffee table in front of him.
Dandelion’s growls grew louder and more insistent, her hackles raised as she curled her lips into a snarl.
“Dandelion, really, this’s quite embassaring… embarrassing,” Nigel murmured, feeling the room gently sway as he tried to keep a hold of the dog.
Mr. Jaspers poured a steaming cup of tea out for Nigel and placed the decanter of wine on the table. He made to do the same with the teapot, but Nigel waved him away.
