"And without his protection. I'm sure he would be concerned."

Olivia huffed at his words and his fatherly tone. What did he know? The Count was, of late, concerned about only one thing. Her marriage to that old marquess thrice her age and even older than himself. The thought irritated her so much that she vowed to argue with her father about it again as soon as she was back in the castle. She would get out of that agreement whether he liked it or now. How did he expect her to react? He should have at least chosen a younger man. A man like the one sitting across from her now. 

Her thoughts brought about memories of when she first saw the young Duke-to-be 9 years ago. He was handsome then, he was a lot more now. She wondered if he had, during his absence, found himself a wife and if he did, how disappointed she would be. 

"I arrived in Westrock suddenly, without notice.  I was giving the Lord Regent some time ... to ... to form a proper welcome for me.  He is a Noble ... and a noble [i]gentle[/i]-man ... so, I am sure he would want the time and opportunity to do things right."

Talking about her father brought back her irritation but before she could speak her mind about the matter, she noticed the distracted look on his face again. When turned his attention back to her and steered the topic to her mother, she immediately knew where she stood with him. [color=tan][i]Of course. What should I expect? I am only his sister's daughter and nothing more. I should have just greeted him and left him to that Sophia Blake. I am sure he would appreciate her company more than the company of a foolish girl like me. And now he is stuck here trying to make polite conversation.[/i][/color] She inwardly sighed yet responded to his question, her tone a little more polite and a little less comfortable. She shook her head. [color=tan]"Mother is well. I am sure she would be happy to see that you have returned. Grandmother, however, has been ill for some time now and has been sent to the Monastery to be cared for by the priests. I have sent her so many letters but I have yet to receive one from her. I suppose she is too ill to even write,"[/color] she looked a little downcast, she had been close to Lady Eddithia ever since she was younger and frequented the castle. [color=tan]"I have also requested to visit her and bring her fruits to help her get well but father has forbid me to do even that,"[/color] she said, unable to keep her annoyance out of her voice.