Good Brother, Good Sister | Normand & Alivia
Normand had never had much in common with his brother, Remon, but the same could not be said of Remonâs wife. Alivia struck Normand as someone who had her priorities in the right order and her ambitions strong. Part of Normand wished that she and Remon might have been reversed so he might have a halfway decent brother, but part of him thanked the gods. He couldnât imagine even a family such as the Viponts could well afford two such siblings. Yes, Normand saw Alivia as a kindred spirit and, therefore, someone to be wary of. But he didnât mind. Normand liked a challenge.
Adela Beaumont - a remarkably silly woman, if you asked Normand - had arranged for a large celebration at Weswick Castle which, in Normandâs estimation, was the most sensible move sheâd made all year. He was terribly fond of parties, particularly ones studded with such attendees as the movers and shakers of the west.
Noticing that Remon had - rather unsurprisingly and rather ungallantly - left his wife to her own devices, Normand waded towards her.
âHow is it,â he began.  âSuch a beautiful woman finds herself unescorted, tonight?â
The great hall of Weswick castle was alive with merriment and laughter. Alivia had never thought that its lady had had much to recommend her, but even she would admit that she knew how to plan a grand gathering. That being said, Adela Vipontâs list of talents started and ended there. Alivia could count on one hand the number of conversations sheâd had with her sister-in-law that did not involve designs she had for the next ball she would throw or the next gown she would have commissioned.
Still, Alivia was eager to maintain the friendship that Adela thought that they had. As the young wardenâs mother, Adela held more power than she cared to take advantage of and Alivia would occasionally nudge her in one direction or another, as it suited her.
Adela wasnât her only pawn - her husbandâs brother, Normand, who was approaching her now was just as easily manipulated. All she had to do to gain his favor was to stroke his ego and tell him whatever it was he wanted to hear.
âYour brother has never been one for celebrations,â Alivia replied, casting a glance in her husbandâs direction. He stood alone - away from everyone else, looking bored, uncomfortable, and quite miserable. Alivia was not displeased, âHeâs too serious to let himself enjoy them,â She cast a glance back towards Normand, âBut you have never let such an opportunity pass you by, have you, my lord? Your brother would do well to learn from your example.â
