Post by Joanna Montefiore on Aug 31, 2014 20:49:50 GMT -5
Joanna had not had much of an opportunity to welcome Niccolo home in the flurry of his arrival and the arrival of his betrothed. Lady Elena had been installed in the suite prepared for her as the future Duchess, though she had not been granted the Duchess's suite despite their mother's decision to vacate it. She approved of that, not that her opinion had been asked. There was still a slim chance that the betrothal would not resolve into marriage, after all.
Having obtained Allegra's opinion on the lady, now she wanted to hear what her brother's opinion was. She had not anticipated that he would select Elena, leaving her surprised and a little puzzled. Allegra spoke rather highly of the lady's perceived influence over Niccolo, no poor thing in Joanna's mind, but how had Elena been able to wield such over her brother in so brief an acquaintance? Intrigued, she sought her brother out in his study, knowing that he would have risen early and taken his breakfast with a mind to catch up on the correspondence, reports and matters that required his particular attention that arose during his absence.
She paused to ensure that her older sisters were still asleep; Allegra was not in her room, not that Joanna deemed that any surprised. Her younger sister came and went like the wind. A brief check on her mother and father confirmed they were comfortably enjoying their morning meal as well. Promising the housekeeper that she would come to the kitchens directly once she was finished with Niccolo, Joanna hurried off to the study, knocking to gain admission and her brother's attention.
Niccolo Montefiore