Betrothed

Chapter 4: Nikki

I cannot believe that that bastard hit Allie. She never did anything but listen to him. I think as I sit in the open back seat of the Wembley's carriage on my way to pick up Maddie. I told the footman that I was on orders from Lady Alyssa to go summon Lady Madeline Queshire so that he would drive me there. We are pulling up to the Queshire castle now. I get out and go knock on the front door. No more than fifteen seconds later the door opens and I find myself staring into the most beautiful blue eyes that I have ever seen. The owner of those blue eyes, a big tough looking gentleman, looks down at me. I get all tingly inside.

"Can I help you?" He asks me. I look up at him.

"Yes Sir, I am here to summon Lady Madeline Queshire on orders from Lady Alyssa Wembley. Is Lady Madeline available? My Lady said that it was urgent." He nods, and turns as I see an older looking maid walking past.

"Katherine," He addressed her, "Would you please tell Madeline that her friend Lady Alyssa has summoned her." The older maid nods, "Of course Lord Quentin she tells him. I cannot help but to stare in amazement. The Queshire castle seems a lot more pleasant then the Wembley's. The blue eyed beauty turns back to me.

"Madeline should be down shortly," he tells me. "and that gives us just enough time to get acquainted with each other. Who are you?" He asks me and I start to get nervous, never has a Lord spoken to me for the purpose of conversing with me before.

"Well my name is Nicole Milburn." I tell him, "I work for Lord Wembley and his daughter. And who would you be if I may ask?"

"My name is Lord Quentin Queshire; I am Lady Madeline's older brother."

"Oh, well it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance My Lord." I say as I curtsy slightly. He chuckles.

"You do not have to do that Nicole." He says. "You know I would wish to get to know you better. Would you care to meet me at the waterfall of the creek in the forest behind Harrison Tavern at 13:00 tomorrow?" I am shocked; he wants me to meet with him, ... in the forest. My mind tells me that it is a very bad idea, that he could be a crazy murderer for all I know, but my heart is screaming for me to get to know this beautiful man before me.

"That sounds delightful." I reply before thinking. I mentally slap myself. What have I just gotten myself into? He smiles.

"Well then I guess I will see you tomorrow." Just then Maddie appears, "It was a pleasure to meet you Nicole." Quentin says with a nod. Maddie looks at me then at him and then back at me again.

"You as well Lord Quentin." I reply and with that Maddie steps out and Quentin closes the door. Maddie turns to me.

"So you are meeting my brother tomorrow?" She asks me mischievously.

"Uh, you heard that?!"

"Yep! And personally I think that you two would make a great couple. Ah! What if he wants to court you! Then we would be sisters in law and you would not have to work for Allie's father anymore. Speaking of which, why did Allie summon me?" She asks, reminding me of the reason for this little visit. I look at her and tell her the whole story on the ride back home, but the whole time I keep thinking about her brother instead.