“A mark is too generous of a term. I prefer the term blemish.” She rolled her eyes.
“Oh, dear Lord. You seem very into him. I don’t blame him for thinking that you are after him.”
“That is such nonsense.” Deborah’s eyes widened. “What makes you say such a thing?”
“Because I have never heard you talk in such an impassioned way about any man before. It is a miracle they even get a sentence out of you. And yet, you seem to have a lot to say about the Duke,” Nicholas replied.
Deborah bit down on her lip. “That is ridiculous.”
“Is it really?” Nicholas challenged. “Is that not the story of all those romance novels that girls like you like reading?”
“Do not bring my books into this,” Deborah warned, narrowing her eyes at him. “Besides, I do not read romance novels. You should know that about me.”
“Well, then, if you did,” Nicholas drawled, “you would realize that the Duke and you belong in one.”
“I take it back.” Deborah shook her head. “You are most definitely still the most obnoxious person that I know.”
“Maybe so.” Nicholas shrugged. “But you, dear sister, know fully well that disliking someone is not the same as being apathetic towards them. Your words tell me one thing, and your reactions tell me another. I think I am going to keep a close eye on you and the Duke now, only because it seems like something is brewing here.”
“Your boredom has led you to have delusions about my imaginary feelings towards the Duke,” Deborah said dismissively. “Tell me, have you not yet found a pretty lady here to spend your time thinking about?”
“Hardly.” Nicholas’s voice was tinged with disappointment. “The only two women here are Emma and her mother. And I do not think today is the day that I develop an interest in being a homewrecker, nor do I wish to spend my time chasing older women.”
“My sympathies,” Deborah replied sarcastically. “Knowing you, it must be difficult for you.”
“Please,” Nicholas scoffed. “I know you like to think of me as a ladies’ man who needs to chase women all the time. But let me tell you, I attract them towards me. Chasing is never necessary.”
“Whatever you say.” Deborah laughed.
It was at that moment that Tabitha entered the bedroom. She had an annoyed expression on her face.
“What is the matter, Grandmother?” Deborah asked immediately. “You do not seem so happy.”
“I was just spending time with the mother of the bride,” Tabitha said. “I am not sure if I find her to be very agreeable.”
Nicholas and Deborah shared a look.
“What makes you say this, dear grandmother?” Nicholas asked immediately. “I never expected to hear such strong words from you.”
Tabitha sighed. “It is just that we seem to clash on everything. Modesty is set in her own ways, and her strictness along with her unwavering rules suffocates the joy from life. I had some opinions about how I wish the wedding should take place. However, she did not seem as though she is willing to compromise.”
Deborah reached out and placed a comforting hand on her grandmother’s shoulder. “That is truly challenging.”
“It is obvious that it is just a clash of two strong personalities,” Nicholas chimed in. “The two of you are strong women in your own right, and it is perhaps difficult to see common ground when both of you think you are right all the time.”
“She may be the Dowager Duchess, but I have more years of life experience on her,” Tabitha said. “That has to count for something. Besides, I am the eldest from the groom’s side, and therefore, my opinion should be given more weight.”
“I agree with you, Grandmother,” Deborah nodded. “However, perhaps things will improve with time. It has only been one day, and the two of you can get to know each other better as time goes on.”
“I think we should resolve the matter internally,” Nicholas suggested. “Telling Peter about it would just burden him with stress.”
“I agree,” Deborah said. “Tomorrow, I will try and mediate a discussion between the two of you.”
“Oh, that sounds like a fantastic spectacle,” Nicholas said, amused once again. “I will come and watch.”
“Trust you to derive entertainment out of anything.” Deborah elbowed him softly.
“Of course.” Nicholas grinned. “That’s what Grandmother has taught us all our life. Finding joy in everyday life.”
