Why? It is the most interesting thing that has happened all week. He looked at Nora with genuine curiosity rather than hostility. Did you actually not know he was going to do that? I had no idea, Nora said.
Remarkable. He considered this. My sister Gwen would have fainted. Gwen? You would have fainted.
Lady Gwen Barton, seated beside him, was 19 and had the appearance of someone who spent a great deal of energy trying to look unbothered. I would not have fainted, she said. I would have sat down. There is a difference. This produced a small wave of genuine laughter around the table, which broke some of the tension, though not all of it.
Nora got through the rest of breakfast by keeping her eyes on her plate and her responses short. When it was over, she excused herself and went to the library on the second floor, which she had discovered the day before was the one room in the manner where she was unlikely to be found by anyone who was looking for her. She had been there approximately 20 minutes reading without actually absorbing any of the words when the door opened and the Dowager Duchess Heloise walked in. Nora stood. Sit down, the Dowager said with a wave that suggested standing was unnecessary.
She moved through the library with the unhurried ease of someone who had been walking through this room for 50 years, which she had. She settled into one of the two leather chairs near the window and looked at Nora with clear, sharp eyes. You did not come here expecting any of this. The dowager said. It was not a question.
No. Nora said. And you are not sure what to make of my grandson. I am still deciding. The dowager made a small sound that might have been approval.
Good. Anyone who was sure of Calder within 24 hours would concern me. She looked at her hands briefly. I arranged this selection because he needed to be pushed. He would not push himself.
He is very good at managing things and very reluctant to want things. Do you understand the difference? I think so. Managing is safe. The dowager said.