Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Twenty-Nine ༻¨*:·.

Upon the death of their father, Win and Mick were obliged to stay with their aunt since she was the only relative they have in the royal capital. Although it was only for a few months until the Marquis decided that Win should be sent to an academy where he could be well educated, he did share some moments with his cousin Brigette Rose.

It was Win's temper that made Brigette aloft of him but there were times when Win was feeling less frustrated, that he would allow Bridgette in his room and they will converse for hours about various subjects. Once Win began his study at J. Adams Academy their proximity gradually grew, however, it was mainly due to Lady Luisa who never said anything agreeable about the Montgomery brothers, particularly Win, whom she feared would soon inherit the title of Baron of Montgomery.

Win never quite understood his aunt's obsession to enter the court and did his best to stay as far away from the topic as possible. However, he did not also wish to feel estranged from the only relative he knew apart from his only brother. As he studied Brigette's countenance, he could tell that she was not completely satisfied or joyful about the result of her debut. According to his sources, his cousin did receive a fair amount of suitors, however, none of them was to her liking, and those she did like were not someone her parents, especially his aunt, would approve of. Win knew that it was an outright insult when the Marquis of Vanderveer announced his engagement to him, when all this time, Lady Luisa was almost certain at some point, that Bright did find her daughter amiable.

"It's good to finally see you, Brigette," Win could not help himself and approached his cousin when she was whisked away from her mother by her friends.

Brigette turned her head briefly and in the presence of her aristocratic acquaintances, she could not at all risk being discourteous with the young baron and was obliged to curtsey and acknowledged him. "Dearest cousin," she spoke and Win immediately knew that although she may greet him in curt politeness, she would find a way to make him feel discomfited. "I see you are gaining weight. May I suggest that you watch your figure? Unless, of course, you expected his lordship to escort another Cyprian into social establishments."

One of her cronies giggled softly behind the folding fan. Win did not let this upset his nerves, for his happiness was too vast to even be bothered by his relatives' animosity. Smiling kindly, he spoke, "Thank you, dear cousin. I will keep that in mind. You have always been so kind to me that I can only wish that you find your due happiness soon. I have heard of a widower and an elderly merchant who had been a bachelor all his life have made an offer of marriage to you. Have you made a choice yet?"

The same friend laughed out loud at the counter, and worst, she was joined by the others as well. Brigette's face flushed and the smirk instantly faded. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to greet you, that is all, and to remind you that I am one call away should you need any kind of assistance. Take care, cousin."

Win bowed low and turned to walk away. However, he hadn't gone far when he heard Brigette call his name, "Wait," she persisted, and Win was obliged to halt his flight midway to the ballroom and turned to see her approaching him alone. "May I speak with you in private?"

Nodding along, the cousins walked to the garden and seek a corner where they could both enjoy the freshly mowed lawn and blooming spring flowers, away from the noise of the ball.

"I did not mean to say those things to you," she suddenly confided surprising Win. "I apologize." When he did not know how to respond, Brigette continued, "You must understand, I am her only child. If I don't stand beside her then who will? Even Papa oftentimes could not tolerate her character."

"I understand."

"Honestly, I was a bit upset, especially when I discovered that Sir Luke was in love with you-"