Anything But Simple

The old man's demeaner changed. "Marriage proposal? With the current level of our Cartwright family, how are we so worthy?"

"Yes, it is true that we typically wouldn't extend the opportunity to join our family so readily; but we have our reasons."

It was clear that the Grand Duke wouldn't speak more of his intentions at this time. Butler Oswald understood it was not his place to ask further. Although the Cartwrights were considered to be a noble family, they accumulated most of their wealth within the past couple generations, while many other families within the country traced their nobility for several centuries and many had a hand in establishing the current royal family's reign. The Travers were one such family and Grand Duke Raimond's was another. Although the Travers were considered an extension of the royal family, albeit distant, they still garnered the same privileges and honor. On the other hand, the Raimonds, held an even higher position than them! Their family had been tailors to the king since the creation of the Drecia Kingdom. They held many fabric and seamstress shops under their names, yet they remained absent for most of the political happenings within the country. The fact that they sat here today, within the household who was nowhere near their prestige seeking a marriage alliance, was quite shocking to say the least.

Butler Oswald quickly gathered his thoughts. "I will directly relay your intentions to the Earl and Countess once they return from their journey. As I am a mere servant, I do not have the right to discuss this matter further with you, especially since this directly concerns the future of Lady Florin."

"I understand. Thank you for meeting with me."

"Grand Duke, you are being too kind. I am simply fulfilling my duties." Just then there was a soft knock at the door. Butler Oswald stood up to answer it. An elderly woman stood there. After bowing slightly towards Grand Duke Raimond, she spoke quietly to the Old Butler. Afterwards, he turned back towards the Grand Duke. "If I am not being too presumptuous, I would like to invite you for breakfast this morning. The Young Miss hasn't eaten yet and will be down shortly."

A glint flashed in Grand Duke Raimond's eyes, but he concealed it quickly. Hesitating, he responded, "I will have to trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all. I will lead you to the dining room." With that, the two men followed the elderly woman into the dining room. The woman bowed once more and despite her older age, left as quickly as she came. Grand Duke Raimond sat down in his seat, taking in his surroundings. The Cartwrights had a clear sense of style. Everything within their home was extremely elegant but had a sense of humility to it. The warmth of the wooden furniture was brought out nicely with touches of lace and gold accessories. Everything was in its place, as if every ornament was created solely for their home. "I will be taking my leave, Grand Duke Raimond. I have some business to attend to. However, if you need me or any other servants, please don't hesitate to reach out and we will do our best to fulfill any request."

"Thank you for speaking with me today. I will make sure to tell your master knows how lucky he is to have you looking after him."

"It is an honor to hear that from someone as esteemed as the Grand Duke. Lady Florin will join you shortly." After saying that, Butler Oswald walked out the dining room and headed back towards his personal study. He had to immediately alert Earl Cartwright of the incoming storm. This marriage proposal was anything but simple.

Butler Oswald wasn't the only one on high alert. After the initial appearance of the Grand Duke, Nora immediately went to stand outside of Florin's room. She had a feeling that man had come here for her! Benson met Nora shortly after placing Grand Duke Raimond into Butler Oswald's care. With just one look, he could tell how anxious she was. "Relax. The old man is handling it."

"Why do you think he is here today? He had to have known that the masters aren't home and that's why he came by."

"You're always so suspicious. The Grand Duke isn't known for to be aloof. That family usually doesn't pay attention to most things. How would they know the Earl's traveling schedule?"

"I don't know, but after that incident yesterday, I feel this is only the quiet before the storm."

"You think too much." Benson chuckled as he patted Nora on her head.

Smacking his hand away, she frowned. "And you don't think enough!"

"That's why we are perf—" before he could finish his statement, the sound of footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs. Without turning around, Benson removed the grin from his face, stood up straight and placed his hands behind his back.

"Mr. Benson," the strict voice rang out. Benson flinched when he heard who stood behind him. "I didn't know your duties would bring you outside the Young Miss' door. Has Butler Oswald also turned you into a guard?"

"No, Housekeeper Ninette. I just came to let Miss Nora know that breakfast will soon be ready."

"Ah, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I will take it from here." The older woman face was stern. Her no nonsense attitude made it difficult for anyone to refute. Benson finally turned around and gave Ninette a curt nod, immediately passing her as he almost ran down the stairs. This lady was truly a bully!

Back upstairs, Housekeeper Ninette looked at Nora. "I thought I told you to stop wearing your emotions on your face. How are you going to take over once I retire if you are an open book? We work at the discretion of a noble family. You will come across plenty of secrets and unsightly things. However, it is your duty to not make others aware that you have eyes and ears." Her voice was still stern, but the concern could not be hidden.

Nora immediately straightened up. "I apologize Housekeeper Ninette. I will work harder in the future."

"Mm." Housekeeper Ninette then knocked on Florin's door. "Young Miss, it's us." She pushed the door open without waiting for a reply. The two ladies walked inside Florin's room and Nora immediately locked the door behind her. They saw Florin sitting at her desk while staring intently at a book. She turned slowly and looked at the them both. "Little Flo, we have a problem."