Becca and I entered the dinning room with our arms interlocking. Becca had a hint of nervousness showing on her face, but I was just excited for the whole family to be there. After meeting with the Becca's parents and Helen so far, I was confident that the people here were all good people we could fix our misunderstandings with.
After we walked in, I could see Becca's brother, Robert, and his family sitting in the distance. They saw us coming and stood up to greet us. Once we got close enough to get a good look at their family, it was obvious to me why Becca was so insistent on us wearing our best outfit to this dinner.
Robert, his wife, and son were all decked out in the highest quality matching outfits I had ever seen. They exuded elegance. I could tell that Becca was trying her best to one up her brother when she had us wear our best clothes because she knew he was the type to care about their attire during a simple family gathering. It seemed like he was the serious type just like Becca.
I walked up to him to give him a proper greeting. I stuck out my hand firmly and said, "hello Brother-in-law, it is a pleasure to see you."
His eyes scowled slightly at my actions, but he was able to appear mostly calm on the outside. It reminded me of the way Becca's Father reacted to me when we first met. It seems he was trained well to be the heir of the county in the future. He shook my hand and replied back, "it's nice to see you again too, Duke Harrison. I hope you are enjoying your stay at our estate."
"We are brothers now! Please call me Nick!"
Becca's brother lightly coughed as he was surprised by my suggestion. "Ok, Nick. You can call me Rob as well."
I was surprised because he was the first noble to let me call him by a nickname. Of course I haven't talked to too many noble's yet, but I know they all prefer their proper titles. It seems like Becca's family was really unique. "Thanks, Rob. You are a good guy!"
After our greeting, I stood aside so Becca and Rob could have a proper conversation. Becca walked up to Rob with a straight face and said in a monotone voice, "hello, brother."
Rob replied with the same tone, "hello, sister." I looked at the two with frustration, is that all they are going to say to each other after not seeing each other for a while?
'Becca! I told you that you should put yourself out there and give your brother a chance!'
As I was reaching the peak of my frustration and was about to go help out Becca, I heard a sigh come from my right. I turned in surprise and saw Rob's wife, Fern, looking exasperated with her hand on her cheek. I quickly realized that she looked like she had a similar role as me. We were both spouses of the straightforward, but stubborn Simon siblings and we want to help our spouse reconcile with their sibling. At least that's what I hoped was the case since that would make her a great ally to my goal.
I leaned over slightly towards her and explained, "I told Becca to be friendly and open to her brother since she wants to get to know him better, but this is the best she could do. I was hoping she would be able to break through this wall she put up on her own, but it's hard to break down walls you had up for most of your life…"
Rob's wife replied without looking at me, "I know…I can't seem to find a way to get him to share all his real thoughts with her. He just keeps bottling it all up. Of course she would be wary of him if he doesn't open up to her. She can't read minds…"
Suddenly, Rob's wife realized who she must have been talking to and quickly turned her head in shock. Her eyes were full of fear. She must be scared of me because of the stories she heard from her husband. "I'm sorry for talking so informally Duke Harrison, it will not happen again!" She was bowing her head profusely.
I chuckled slightly at the sudden change. "It's alright, sister-in-law. I prefer us family to be informal with each other. You can call my Nick, also. Would it be alright if I called you Fern?"
Fern reluctantly replied, "sure."
I turned our attention back to the sibling pair standing together awkwardly. "So, what do you think is the best way we can get these two to open up to each other? From your words earlier, it seems like Rob deep down wants to reconcile with his sister just like how Becca would love to have a supportive brother."
Fern threw her hands up in the air. "Your guess is as good as mine. I've been trying to convince him for the last 5 years since we got married. He has never good with his words…"
"Well, since Becca promised me she would put in the effort on this trip, I think we have a chance now that both sides are willing. We just have to help them break the ice."
This time, I called out in a loud enough voice for everyone to hear, "wow, isn't my wife stunning in her dress?"
Throughout my conversation with Fern, Becca and her brother were just standing next to each other in silence. Unfortunately, Becca did not have as good a poker face as Rob, so the awkwardness she was currently feeling was obvious for everyone to see. When I finally called out, Becca's face turned slightly red and she started to complain, "Nic…"
But before she could finish, Rob interrupted, "yes, I think Rebecca's outfit looks good on her. She gives off the elegance of a true noble."
Becca turned to her brother with excited eyes, "thank you, brother. I learned to dress for the occasion from your example."
Rob cracked the first smile I had seen from him. "I'm glad I could be a good role model for you."
In my head, I couldn't help but think, 'wow, Becca is a really good kiss up.'