Chapter 103: The Unfeeling Groom
First life of Bernice Balliol Agnes
"Miss, why do you keep staring out of the window? Are you waiting for someone?" Nanny asked, causing a faint smile to appear on my face.
"No, Nanny! There’s no one I know, no one who comes to meet me. I’m just looking, hoping someone might come and befriend me," I replied, my smile tinged with a touch of sorrow.
"Oh, my dear, why do you always seem so sad? We are here for you. You have us, your little brother, and your father," Nanny reassured me.
"Yes, I do, but Excalibur is always busy with his studies, and Father is occupied with his work. We only manage to meet during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and even those moments can be scarce due to their work," I replied, my voice tinged with melancholy.
"Don’t be sad, Lady!" Nanny said, pulling me into a warm hug.
"Miss, the lord has requested your presence," a maid announced, entering the room.
"Father? Why? Is it urgent?" I inquired.
"I’m not sure, miss, but the North Duchess has arrived to meet with the lord, and I overheard them discussing you. Your father has asked for you," she explained, leaving me bewildered.
"The North Duchess? What brings her here, and what could I possibly have to do with her?" I muttered as Nanny selected a new outfit from the closet for me to wear.
"But, Nanny, why the elaborate dress? I’m not in my pajamas. I’m already dressed well to meet with guests. You needn’t go to so much trouble. They are merely visitors," I protested, trying to stop Nanny’s fuss.
"I understand, Lady, but she is a noblewoman, and you shouldn’t appear unkempt in front of her," Nanny insisted as she helped me into the new attire. Other maids attended to my makeup and hair, leaving me thoroughly baffled.