Page 21 of To Have & To Hold

Oliver stayed silent for a moment, his eyes observing in a way that made Nathaniel feel as though all of his unspoken thoughts were on full display.

“You have gotten yourself into quite a situation here, my friend,” Oliver finally spoke.

“I know,” Nathaniel agreed. “But I am going to do the right thing. I am going to marry her. Her guardian should be expecting me within the hour.”

“What do you know of Lord Moorfield?”

“Not much,” Nathaniel shrugged. “I have heard his name spoken sparingly and without affection.”

Oliver scoffed. “That is putting it mildly. The earl is not exactly known for his warmth. He has a few scandals attached to his name, and even fewer friends.”

Nathaniel had expected as much. He asked his solicitor to gather information on the man, and he was hoping he would know more before having to offer for Emilia’s hand, though he knew his intentions would not change regardless of what he learned.

“Whatever his sins, that does not mean his ward deserves to be left in disgrace,” he said. “It is not her fault that life left her in the care of such an unpleasant man.”

“Do you know what the relation is between them?” Oliver asked.

Nathaniel shook his head. “All I know is that her father, Lord Talbot, died when she was very young. I asked Fawley tofind out whatever he could. I am going to stop by his chambers this morning to look over the contract he drafted. Hopefully he can give me a clearer picture.”

The silence that settled between them was comfortable. Nathaniel did not regret bringing Oliver into his confidence, despite the time they had spent apart. There was more than enough history between the two of them to make up for the distance.

“I am proud of you, Nathaniel,” Oliver finally spoke. “You are making the honorable choice; you always do.”

Nathaniel forced a laugh. When he had become duke, many people challenged him as heir, and even more who doubted him capable of bearing the title. He worked hard to shoulder every responsibility, care for those who served him, serve those he cared for, and ensure that the Duke of Kenswick remained a title that was respected and feared. But he had also been raised to choose honor in all circumstances.

His father had been a man of strength and character, and Nathaniel clung to his memory as though it were the most valuable thing he possessed. Every decision he made was weighed not only against his position but also his conscience.

A conscience that would not allow him any rest until he mended the fractured ties with his friend—even if it meant shedding light on his weakness.

“Oliver,” he began.

Oliver must have sensed the shift in Nathaniel’s tone and raised a hand to stop him. “You do not have to say anything.”

“I feel as though I do,” Nathaniel swallowed the emotion threatening to rise in his throat. “I did not intend to be so distant for so long. But the more time passed, the harder it was to come back.”

Oliver shook his head. “I am not here for an apology. I am here because I miss my friend. My oldest, dearest friend who was there for me during the darkest parts of my life, and has never asked anything from anyone in return.”

Nathaniel’s throat tightened.

“But I know how you feel about sentiments, so I will spare you from any more,” Oliver continued.

Nathaniel smiled, feeling lighter than he had in months. “Thank you, Ollie. I am sorry I tried to have the footman send you away. I most likely would have stopped him before he threw you out.”

Oliver laughed, “It is alright. I would have simply knocked down the door.”

Nathaniel chuckled in return, knowing how much truth his statement held.

“I should be going,” Nathaniel said. “Lord Moorfield will be expecting me.” He rose from his chair, and Oliver also pushed himself to his feet.

“Would you like me to come with you?”

“No.”

“Should I come anyway?”

Nathaniel scoffed, “No. But if you have a desire to be helpful, you can stay here and keep an eye on Charlotte. Or better yet, take her home with you. Grace seems to have been a positive influence on you; maybe she will be good for Charlotte.”

Oliver smiled, his eyes brightening at the mention of his wife. “I would, but part of the reason I am here so early is that Grace needed a respite. She is not feeling well this morning. A headache, I believe.”