He faced Margaret, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed slightly in the standard, respectful manner of a vassal.
"Your Grace."
Margaret inclined her head in return. "Thank you for making time to attend, Count O'Connor."
Murphy then turned his gaze to Eleanor. With both hands, he presented a small yet exquisite, deep blue velvet gift box.
Eleanor's eyes lit up instantly. She even began to lean forward unconsciously before her mother gently placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"Happy birthday, Miss Eleanor." Murphy's greeting was brief and direct.
Eleanor glanced at her mother, and only after Margaret gave an almost imperceptible nod did she reach out her small hands to accept the box.
The box wasn't heavy, and it was soft to the touch.
Then, she looked up at Murphy, her voice bright and tinged with unconcealable excitement. "Thank you, Count O'Connor. May I open it now?"
