“Nothing a drink can’t fix, of course…What is it? Did something happen?” Simon asked. He paced closer to the desk, eyes glued to a paper in his hand, but once again refused to sit down.
Richard shook his head. “No, Your Grace. The dressing gong was rung, and I thought perhaps you were too occupied to hear it. You should eat something. I was told you haven’t eaten anything since yesterday morning.”
Simon raised a hand in the air, preventing Richard from saying anything else. He knew it was going to turn into a lecture of worry and concern. But ever since the accident, his appetite had diminished. He hadn’t even noticed his growling stomach since he chose to silence it with alcohol instead. Food was the last thing on his mind.
“Well, I’ll see to it later. I can’t seem to find my appetite right now, so tell them to store it—the food, somewhere.”
“All right,” Richard paused before he cleared his throat with a sharp focus. “Lady Ellie has been sitting waiting for you for over an hour now.”
Simon flinched at the sound of her name, his eyes darting to his stiff fingers. Of course, she was. She didn’t know what was happening. As much as he wished to see her and talk to her again, he also knew it was for the best if he remained as far away as possible, just as he had sworn.
“I see… Unfortunately, would you let her know I won’t be able to join her.”
“Are you sure that—”
“I’ve made up my mind. I’m all right, just had too much to drink, so my stomach is quite full. And I simply don’t have time to be meeting with my guest currently.”
Simon finally moved behind his desk, sitting down on the chair, one leg over the other. His movements would confuse anyone as they remained unnatural, stiff, and hesitant, but he was far too distracted to care. And Richard was hardly one to judge.
“I’m also here with some good news. I was told the storm is coming to its end,” Richard continued, “Walter confirmed that it should subside within the next days. Which means everything can turn back to normal. I shall start making the preparations for your usual schedule from now.”
Although his dread should have been replaced with relief, it only intensified. Naturally, it would be far easier to forget about Ellie and occupy himself with his usual activities when she wasn’t around to torment him. But he had grown accustomed to her presence at the Castle, and he wanted to know how her recovery was going—something it would be impossible to do once she left without raising a few eyebrows.
“That’s good news indeed,” Simon paused. “Would you mind leaving me alone for now? I have a few things to attend to.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.” Richard bowed and exited the study.