33 Atticus

"Good morning, Young Master Nolan."

As Nolan opened the door to leave, Nathaniel's valet greeted him with a smile from outside the room. His eyes immediately took in Nolan's disheveled clothes and still-damp hair. Even Nolan's pale lips didn't escape his scrutiny.

"Young Master Nolan, please allow me to fix your clothes and properly tie your cravat," the valet offered in his gentlest, kindest voice, his soft smile never fading.

"No," Nolan quickly declined without even considering his offer, "Is my brother already at home?"

"Yes, he sent me here for you in case you need assistance. He's in his library, you can come to him after your breakfast."

Nolan closed the door behind him, turned his back to the young valet, and quickly went on his way to the library.

The valet could only watch him leave.

"He's not correctly dressed,"

*