Betrothed

Chapter 8: Maddie

I feel scared for Nikki as she tells Allie and me that Lord Maxwell summoned her to his bedroom. Lord Maxwell is unpredictable and I do not believe that any of us know truly how low he could sink. Then I remember Nikki and my brother earlier this morning.

"Allie, do you want me to share some good news that might make you feel better?" I ask her because I know that she will be delighted, Quentin was like an older brother to her as well before he left.

"Sure" She sniffles back in reply.

"Well for starters, my brother Quentin has returned home." I see Allie smile at this. "And guess who he has taken an interest in!"

"I do not know. Is it perhaps Lady Isabelle Matthewson again, I know that he was fond of her before he left." I think about her answer; Quentin did seem fond of Isabelle but I have a feeling that Nikki would be a much more suitable match.

"No silly. It is Nikki!" I exclaim.

"What! Quentin has taking a liking to Nikki! How do you know? Did he tell you?"

"No, When Nikki came to summon me Quentin opened the door for some reason and when I came downstairs I overheard him asking Nikki to meet him in the forest behind Harrison Tavern tomorrow at 13:00!"

"This is great news Maddie! Your brother is the perfect gentleman and Nikki deserves to be happy with him after all that she has been through. How did she respond?"

"Nikki said that she would be delighted to meet him. I think that she has taken a liking to him as well."

"Maddie we have to get your brother to court her! Thank you for telling me."

"Yes, I agree completely, they would make a great pair. However, I should get going. Feel free to summon me any time you need, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you again for coming Maddie." Says Allie as we hug. After that I leave Nikki's room and head upstairs.

***

As soon as I step in the door to the Queshire castle I head strait to Quentin's study. I know that He will be in there, he always is. I enter the room without knocking; Quentin looks up from his book.

"Madeline, do you ever knock?" He says.

"Oh, my apologizes older brother, I forgot."

"You always forget." He says as he walks over and gives me a hug. As we pull away I decide to jump strait to the point.

"So what was that between you and the Wembley's girl when I came down stairs earlier?" I decide to take the approach where I pretend that I do not know Nikki until I find out enough information.

"Oh...um... I was just inquiring why Alyssa needed you."

"And what did she say?"

"She just repeated that it was urgent and that she could not tell anyone what it was about. Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to see how you would respond and you lied. I knew it! You have taken a liking to Nikki and that is why you asked her to meet you in the forest behind Harrison Tavern." Quentin looked as pale as a ghost at what I said. I suppose he did not think that I heard any of their conversation.

"Who? Madeline I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, she was an attractive young maid, however Father would not approve of me marrying someone of a lower class."

"Exactly, Father would not approve and that is why you are meeting in secret. Do not worry I will not tell, personally I think that you and Nikki will make an excellent pair." I tell him with the biggest grin on my face.

"Nikki? Madeline who are you talking about?"

"Oh, she did not tell you her name?"

"Okay, I admit I do find myself attracted to the maid from earlier, however she introduced herself as Nicole, not Nikki. And how would you know if she and I would make an excellent pair anyways?"

"Nicole is Nikki's real name, obviously. Well really only Allie and I call her Nikki, she prefers it though. As for you question Nikki is one of my best friends along with Allie, sorry Alyssa. Please do not tell Father or anyone else for that matter though because if you do then all three of us will be in deep trouble."

"Okay Madeline I will not tell if you promise not to tell about my meeting her tomorrow."

"I was not going to tell anyway, like I said, you two will make a great pair. If you want me to promise though than here, I promise not to tell anyone about your meeting Nikki tomorrow in the forest." I turn and start to leave for supper. I turn back just as I am about to exit the door.

"And Quentin, tomorrow when you meet in the forest, call her Nikki not Nicole, she will appreciate it." With that I leave. I cannot wait to hear all about what happens tomorrow.