A scholar who for some unknown reason ended up teaching history at a "public school," a teacher who was well-versed in ancient history and seemed to have a good relationship with Nina, his arrival was an unexpected situation for Duncan—but also an opportunity.
Mr. Morris's expertise in his professional field would inevitably help Duncan solve many problems, and establishing a good relationship with such a professional might bring unexpected conveniences in the future— a reputable old scholar inevitably had certain connections in the City-State.
Nina didn't know why her Uncle Duncan had suddenly agreed to a home visit, nor did she think much about it, feeling unusually happy.
This illusion even made her feel as if her life was really changing for the better, gradually... returning to the past.