“Doesn’t anyone know why electronics don’t work in your atmosphere?”
“Not that I’m aware of,” Bree replied.
Nica thought it was strange that no one had found an answer to such a big question, but it wasn’t her business so she let it go. She turned back to the window and watched the people and carriages they passed. Once she started paying attention, she was surprised at how dressed up everyone was. Which reminded her.
“If you don’t want to see me wear the same three pairs of jeans all summer, I’ll need to do some shopping. I sent my luggage ahead to Jasan before I left New Ugaztun when I didn’t hear back from you, so I don’t have much with me. From what I can see, people here dress a bit more formally than what I’m wearing.”
“Oh no,” Bree said, her face flushing red with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Nica. I should have thought of that and warned you ahead of time.”
“Since I didn’t get your response to my message until after I sent my things to Jasan it wouldn’t have made any difference,” Nica said. “There aren’t any nice clothing stores on passenger liners, so I’d still have to shop.” Bree nodded, but she looked distinctly uncomfortable. “What is it, Bree? What’s wrong?”
Bree hesitated, then looked Nica in the eye, and answered her question. “I know how rude my brother was to you, Nica, and it surprised me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him behave that way before and I couldn’t begin to imagine the reason for it. When you mentioned shopping just now I realized…I mean…well, I’m not certain, but I think it might have something to do with the way you’re dressed.”
Nica eyed Bree’s perfectly tailored black slacks, stylish sandals and elegant cream silk top, then glanced down at herself. She was wearing her most comfortable pair of jeans which were, admittedly, faded and well worn, but they were clean and had no holes in them. Her feet were incased in an equally comfortable and broken in pair of sneakers, and a simple cotton top. She’d spent a lot of time on passenger liners since she’d first gone away to school at the age of sixteen, and experience had taught her that packing a few soft, comfy items that you didn’t really care much about in a small bag, and sending the rest ahead via a reliable freight carrier was the smartest way to travel.
“Are you telling me that your brother dislikes me because I’m wearing jeans?”
“I don’t know for sure, but yes, I think that’s part of it,” Bree said uncomfortably. “Like you said, people are a little more formal here than what you’re used to.”
“I see,” Nica said carefully, trying hard not to be offended. Ian Fadden’s behavior wasn’t Bree’s fault, after all. Nevertheless, she was feeling less and less inclined to stay at Fadden House by the minute. “Maybe we should make different arrangements after all, Bree. I could rent a house for a few weeks, or I could get a nice suite at a hotel and you could stay there with me. My treat.”
“Absolutely not,” Bree said firmly. “I spent three months as your guest on Jasan three years ago, and this is the first chance I’ve had to return your hospitality. I can’t do that in a hotel. I’ll speak to my brother, Nica. This situation is my fault. I should have told Ian a few things about you before you arrived, but it never occurred to me that I’d need to.”
“I’ll make a deal with you, Bree,” Nica said, leaning forward in her seat so that she was looking directly into Bree’s wide gray eyes. “I’ll stay in your home until and unless something happens to make the arrangement untenable for myself, or you, or your brother. In return, you must promise not to tell your brother anything about me unless he specifically asks first.”
“I’d never tell anyone your secrets, Nica,” Bree said, looking hurt.
“I know you wouldn’t,” Nica said soothingly. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what…?” Bree’s eyes widened. “You don’t want me to tell him…but Nica, I’m sure that he’d change his mind if he just knew…one or two things about you.”
“That’s just the sort of regard I despise most, Bree,” Nica said.
“I know it is, and I understand that, but I’m talking about things that are common knowledge anyway. He could find out on his own easy enough if he wanted to.”
“Exactly,” Nica said. “Better still, he could have just asked. I wouldn’t lie to him, and I certainly don’t expect you to. But I don’t think he’ll ask. He’s already formed his opinion of me, and he did it without benefit of information. It’s not my responsibility to correct his errors.”
“I know,” Bree said with a sigh. “All right, we have a deal. I won’t lie to him if he asks, but otherwise I won’t say a word.”
Nica tilted her head sideways as she studied her friend. “Bree, why didn’t you tell your brother anything about me or my family when you spent the summer with me? Or even just this past week when you knew I was coming?”
“I was a little angry with Ian when I got home from Jasan because he never once asked me about my trip, or if I enjoyed it or anything at all,” Bree said. “It was like he never even noticed I was gone. So I promised myself I wouldn’t say a word about it unless he asked me first. He never did. When I told him you were coming for the summer, he was just glad I’d have someone to keep me busy and out of his hair. I waited for him to ask about you, but the only question he asked was what time your shuttle landed.” Bree shrugged and smiled, but Nica wasn’t fooled. She could see the hurt in Bree’s expressive gray eyes.
“I’m sorry, Bree,” she said. “I’m being selfish. If you think it’s better for you to tell your brother a few things about me, then of course that’s what you should do.”
“No, I think you’re way is the right one. Don’t get me wrong, Nica. Ian really is a very good man. He doesn’t mean to be rude. He just gets overwhelmed with responsibilities sometimes and forgets about…other things. I know he’s given you a poor first impression, but when you get to know him, you’ll see he’s not so bad.”
Nica had serious doubts about that, but kept her opinion to herself. “I’m here as your friend, Bree, and I want us to have a good time. Your brother and I do not have to like each other, but I promise that I will be nothing less than civil to him. Other than that, let’s just let things come as they come, without any promises to worry about. Deal?”
“Deal,” Bree agreed with a little too much relief.
Chapter 4
Nica and Bree had just filled their plates from the sideboard the following morning when Ian joined them in what Bree called the morning room. It had one entire wall made of glass that overlooked a garden filled with flowers of every color and description.
Nica chose a chair across from Bree, and pretended not to notice when Ian glared at her jeans. She had a strong desire to wear nothing but jeans during her stay, just to annoy the man. But she couldn’t do that to Bree.
“Good morning, Bree, Miss Vinia,” Ian said stiffly before turning to pour himself a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, Brother,” Bree replied, smiling happily.
“Good morning, Mr. Fadden,” Nica said, watching as he chose a seat at the opposite end of the table.
“I apologize for missing dinner last night,” Ian said. “It couldn’t be helped.”
“That’s all right,” Bree said. “Nica and I had a good time catching up on each other’s lives. I’ve met several of her relatives over the years, and it was nice to hear how they’re all doing.”
Ian nodded absently, barely hearing Bree’s response. He glanced at Nica from behind his coffee cup, then set it down with a decisive click. “As you know, Bree, the Cartwells always throw the first ball of the summer season, which happens to be tonight. If the two of you would like to attend, you’re quite welcome.”
“What about Flora?” Bree asked, frowning.
“She’ll be joining us, of course,” Ian said. Bree shook her head.
“I don’t understand, Ian,” she said. “How can you take us, and Flora? For that matter, how can you take both of us at all?” Bree caught Nica’s l
ook of surprise and explained. “When an invitation to a ball is received by a single person, it’s automatically assumed that the recipient may bring one guest with him, or her. A date, a relative, a friend, it doesn’t matter. But they may not bring more than one. To do so is a major breech of custom and manners. For a big, formal ball like the Cartwell’s throw every year, it’s especially important not to flout the rules. So, I don’t see how Ian can ask both of us, and Flora too.”
“I don’t mind staying back,” Nica said. “I don’t want anyone to have problems because of me. You should go Bree, of course. I’ll be fine.”
“That’s not necessary, Miss Vinia,” Ian said, hiding his surprise at her gracious gesture. “I ran into Mrs. Cartwell last night and she asked if you were coming, Bree. I explained that I’d invited Flora, and that you had a guest, so she gave me a separate invitation for you and Miss Vinia. She apparently carries a few extra around with her just in case. It was very kind of her.”
“It certainly was,” Bree exclaimed, surprised and excited by Mrs. Cartwell’s thoughtfulness. “Don’t worry, Ian, I’ll be sure to thank her specifically when I see her,” Bree said, then looked across the table at her guest. “That is, if you’d like to go, Nica.”
“Of course, Bree,” Nica said. “And I, too, shall be sure to thank our hostess for the invitation.”
“It’ll be so much fun,” Bree said with unrestrained excitement now that she knew for sure they could go. “I’ll have to go shopping, Ian. I was waiting for Nica to arrive to purchase new gowns for the season since I never expected to go to the first few events. But I can’t wear an old gown for the Cartwells’ ball.”
“No, you certainly can’t,” Ian said seriously. “That would be seen as an insult. You may purchase whatever you like, of course.” He gave Bree a meaningful look, glanced quickly at Nica, then back, letting his sister know that he would not object if she treated her guest to a new gown. He told himself that he really had no choice. They couldn’t very well show up at the Cartwells’ with a guest dressed in jeans and sneakers. “You might also like to share the…customs…of formal engagements with Miss Vinia so that she isn’t unnecessarily embarrassed.”
Bree flushed bright red and her smile vanished. She reached for her fork and moved some food around on her plate. “Of course, Ian,” she said in a subdued tone.
Ian frowned at his sister, then looked at Nica who was staring steadfastly at her plate. He was about to ask Bree to explain her reaction when his butler entered the room. Joseph stopped beside his chair and bowed, holding a silver salver with a note on it. Ian took the note, nodded to Joseph in dismissal, and broke the seal.
“I’m afraid I must leave you now,” he said a moment later, pushing his chair back. “Enjoy your shopping today, ladies. Please be ready to depart this evening at seven sharp.”
“All right, Ian,” Bree replied without looking up at him. Ian left the morning room, wondering about Bree’s odd behavior. If he didn’t know better he’d say that she was deeply embarrassed. He shook his head and slipped the note into his pocket before accepting his coat from Joseph and hanging it over his arm. He didn’t know what Bree could possibly be embarrassed about. Her guest had behaved properly so far. As far as he knew. He must have misinterpreted her reaction. Yes, that was certainly it, he thought as he stepped outside and waited for his footman to open the carriage door. He climbed in and sat down, then retrieved the note from his pocket and unfolded it. He read it again, forgetting all about Bree and her guest.
***
Bree waited until she heard the front door close, then she forced herself to look up and meet Nica’s gaze. “I’m so sorry, Nica,” she said, mortified by Ian’s behavior.
Nica smiled and shook her head. “There is no reason to apologize, Bree. He was actually being very generous, when you think about it.”
Bree knew full well that Nica was the one being generous. She could hardly believe that Ian had suggested that she teach Nica manners. And right in front of Nica! His assumption that she didn’t have the money to purchase her own clothes was one thing, but Nica had behaved with perfect decorum since her arrival, as she always did. He had no cause to insinuate that she had no manners. His manners, on the other hand, could definitely do with some major improvement, she thought angrily.
“I imagine the dress for a ball is quite formal?” Nica asked, trying to cheer Bree by changing the subject.
“Oh yes, very,” Bree replied, but the excitement was gone. “We probably should get an early start since we’ll want to rest for a while after shopping. These balls go on till the wee hours of the morning. If you’re sure you want to go, that is. I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you changed your mind after the things Ian said.”
“Of course I’m not going to change my mind, Bree,” Nica said. “I’ll just run upstairs for my handbag and then we can go.”
“All right Nica, but I swear, if my brother insults you one more time, I’m afraid my temper is going to get the better of me.”
Nica smiled, the first real smile Bree had seen since her arrival. “You’re a great friend, Bree, and I love you for wanting to protect me. Just remember that I can hold my own if necessary.”
Bree’s mouth fell open in surprise, then she started laughing. “That’s right!” she said when she could catch her breath. “How could I forget that?”
Nica arched a brow and stood up. “I’ll just be a minute,” she said, then hurried up to her room, Bree’s laughter following her all the way.
A few hours later Nica and Bree all but collapsed on opposite sides of a corner table in Bree’s favorite restaurant. It had been a busy morning, but they’d both found dresses for that night’s ball, plus a few more for future events, and all the necessary accessories. Nica had even made a good start on building a decent summer wardrobe. They’d sent their purchases ahead to Fadden House and planned to follow as soon as they had a long, leisurely lunch.
“We did good this morning,” Bree said after they’d given their orders to the waiter and he’d returned with a pot of tea.
“We did,” Nica agreed, filling Bree’s cup, then her own. “I like the stores here. It’s usually much more difficult for me to find things I like.”
“I know, me too,” Bree agreed, reaching for the sugar.
“Who’s that woman sitting in the corner, the blonde?” Nica asked without looking up from her tea.
“That’s Flora Layton,” Bree said softly, already knowing who Nica meant without having to look. “She’s having lunch with her mother and brother. Why do you ask?”
“Because she’s been glaring at us since we came in,” Nica said.
“Don’t take it personally,” Bree said. “She glares at just about everyone.”
“That’s kind of sad,” Nica said.
“Yeah well, if you knew Flora, you wouldn’t feel a bit sorry for her,” Bree said, wrinkling her nose with distaste. “So, what have you been doing the past two years besides work and study?”
“What else is there?” Nica asked, glad for the change of subject.
“Too much to list so I’ll be specific and start with men.”
“What about them?” Nica asked, wrapping her hands around her cup.
“I guess that’s my answer,” Bree said with a sigh. “It’s been years, Nica. When are you going to forgive yourself and get on with your life?”
“Forgive myself for what?” Nica asked. Bree scowled. Nica relented. “Sorry Bree. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked. Old habits, you know?”
“Yes, I know,” Bree replied. “I forgive you. Now that you’ve remembered that I’m your best friend, please answer the question.”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re pushy?”
“Yes, you, many times,” Bree said. “Stop stalling.”
“Fine fine fine,” Nica said, sighing dramatically. “What was the question again?”
“Forgiveness of self,” Bree said.
“It’s not about forgiving mys
elf, Bree,” Nica said. Bree arched a brow. “Okay, it’s not about forgiving myself any more. I’ve gotten past that.”
“And replaced it with…what?”
Nica tried glaring but, as usual, it had no effect on Bree. If she wanted to enjoy her lunch, she needed to just answer the damn question. “It’s guilt, okay? I feel guilty.”
“What in the Thousand Worlds do you have to feel guilty about?”
Nica shrugged and dropped her eyes. “Not feeling guilty.”
Bree stared at her for a long moment, then shook her head slowly. “Nica, you are so messed up.”
“Yes, I know,” Nica said. “It’s official. Can we move on now?”
Nica's Legacy (Hearts of ICARUS Book 1) Page 5