Chapter 53: Her

On the night before Desmond was set to marry Leonor, he sat with Gideon in the main hall of his estate near the southern edge of the capital, discussing a few last-minute letters given to him before he left Montclair. They would leave for Burien early in the morning so the wedding wouldn't be too late. 

Gideon could tell how unsettled the duke was each time he uttered a word or moved one of his hands. 

Because of his appearance, Gideon sometimes forgot that Desmond was a mere 23 years old. 

The Duke had the seriousness of someone who lived a full life enough to be jaded and weighed down by responsibility. His words were eloquent and mannerisms were practiced. He was made for nobility despite his rocky upbringing. If anything, being in an orphanage after being born into privilege had done him well. He knew how to interact with a multitude of people. Unlike many noblemen, he had a compassionate nature.