Nathaniel arrived at his father's estate and headed straight to his own quarters. After getting ready and having an afternoon meal, he made his way to his father's residence, where Lord Noel Mortimer was busy in his study.
As Nathaniel approached the door, the butler stopped him. "Young Lord, let me announce your presence first."
"What's there to announce? Don't tell me my father is with his mistress at this hour of the day," Nathaniel's voice carried through the hallway, loud enough for Noel to hear. "And even if he is, it's not the first time I'd catch him in an inappropriate situation. Now, get out of my way."
Nathaniel pushed the door open, his eyes sweeping the room. His father sat on an elevated platform at the far end on the cushioned arrangement, behind a rectangular wooden desk.
