Page 43

“ T his feels a bit strange,” Violet said as she was escorted into the ballroom by her husband.

Though it was not their first ball together, it felt like a milestone to Violet, nonetheless.

“What’s so strange about it it, darling?” Nicholas spoke with his usual casual ease, but it made Violet’s heart jump ever so slightly.

Darling.

The word was like music to her ears. He had recently begun to call her that, and she could not get enough of it.

Nicholas seemed to take notice of the dreamy look that came over her features, and a smirk formed on his lips as a consequence.

“I forget how awfully adorable you look whenever you’re flustered,” he nudged her gently. “Good to know that I still have the ability to affect you like that, darling.”

Violet glared back at him though her blush only seemed to deepen. “Must you distract me like this? I was trying to make a point here.”

“No, no. My apologies, entirely. Please continue on. I am awfully curious to hear what you may have to say,” he grinned.

Violet never really knew when he was being fully serious and when he was teasing her. Usually, their dynamic seemed to be a healthy mix of both.

Perhaps that’s why it always feels so fresh. Every day, every moment with him was like new. It felt like things between them could never grow stale.

And that was a privilege that Violet had realised she had gotten very lucky with.

“What was it that you were going to say?” Nicholas asked her. That was another thing that she really appreciated about him. He always seemed quite interested in hearing her thoughts, no matter how trivial or how insignificant.

Violet took in the sights around her. The ball that they had been invited to was quite grand, and she could spot many notable members of the ton in attendance. It was a place to see and be seen.

“I was thinking that this is our first public appearance where we are not merely pretending to be a couple,” she noted with a smile. To say that they had come a long way would be putting things very lightly.

“Oh.” A smirk spread across his lips. “You might be right about that. Though I’d like to think that our first appearance as a real couple—and not just for show—was at Daphne’s dinner.”

Violet laughed at the reminder. She could not believe just how eventful that night had turned out to be.

“I suppose that counts as well. It was the first time that we admitted that we loved each other,” she noted with a wistful smile.

“And it was the first time that I felt the urge to plough someone’s head through the wall just because they dared to talk to you,” Nicholas said, jokingly, but even then, there was a seething edge to his voice.

It made heat stir in her veins. She really did love it when he acted possessive over her. So much, in fact, that she decided to press him for more details.

“You know, I never asked you what exactly prompted you to confess your feelings to me that day. I was just happy that you did,” she admitted, “but in retrospect, I wonder if it was the jealously that pushed you over.”

“That was part of it,” he nodded. “Though I do feel bad in retrospect. The Duke of Devonshire seems rather harmless.”

“And I cannot believe that you would assume that I would even try to attempt any sort of relationship with him.”

“But he might have with you,” he said, his tone turning a bit dark again.

“I have doubts about that,” Violet laughed.

“Well, then you’re lucky because you do not see the world as I do.

But I am set in my ways.” He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

“And the one thing I know is that when you value something very highly, you must protect it. At all times from any threats. With your life if you must.”

The intensity in his voice made her quiver slightly, but she controlled her reaction, knowing that they were out in public.

“ Your Grace, I should let you know that you would have been the superior choice.” She smiled at him. “In every timeline. I have only ever had eyes for you.”

They exchanged smiles, but their flirtation came to an abrupt end when Violet saw her family arrive.

“You have to excuse me, Nicholas.”

Nicholas gave her a faux frown. “And what is so important that you have to leave your husband alone?”

Violet smiled, shaking her head. “Well, usually you know very well that you are my top priority, but this evening, I have decided to play matchmaker for someone very important.”

Nicholas raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Matchmaker?”

“Yes,” she laughed. “My mother and I have discussed this at length in our letters, but I shall tell you about it all later. For now, I must go to my family.”

She embraced him quickly and headed straight over to her mother, Arabella—who looked as though she had been waiting for her daughter.

They exchanged a look—no need for words. It was already planned what they had come here for.

Soon after, Violet stood at the center of a small group of young, unmarried ladies, each of them watching her with mixture of admiration and curiosity. Arabella was by her side.

“Leopold is a wonderful dancer,” Violet said, putting on what she felt was her most convincing tone. “Though he may not admit it, he has a particular talent for the waltz.”

“Far too modest for his own good,” Arabella added, nodding conspiratorially. “He always says he despises these events, but I can assure you, once on the dance floor, he is entirely in his element.”

“Yes, yes,” Violet conceded quickly. “In fact, I’d be confident in saying that my brother is the life of any room that he steps into.”

Her little convincing act seemed to be working, at least at the outset. The young ladies exchanged glances, their faces lighting up at the thought.

A petite brunette ventured, “Your Grace, do you think he might enjoy dancing tonight?”

“Oh, I’m sure of it,” Violet said, her tone laced with just the right amount of mischief. “Though you may need to be a little… persistent.”

The young lady blushed, and the others giggled softly. Arabella smiled, clearly pleased with how well this match-making session was going.

“Leopold is a man of excellent taste,” Arabella continued. “He values kindness and intelligence above all else.”

“And a good sense of humor,” Violet added. “He claims he doesn’t, but believe me, he loves to laugh.”

The group erupted into hushed whispers and shy smiles, and Violet felt a swell of satisfaction.

Oh.

Her brother had finally arrived.

At the very least, this would teach Leopold to show up late to events such as these.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Leopold appeared at the edge of the room, his expression already teetering on exasperation. He moved toward their group, his dark hair slightly mussed from running his hand through it.

His gaze flickered from the group of ladies—who were now staring at him admiringly—to his sister, whom he could only glare at.

“Violet,” he said, his voice low but firm, “what are you doing?”

“Me?” Violet replied innocently, her smile widening. “I’m just having a conversation with some delightful young ladies.”

Arabella chimed in, “We were merely sharing what a fine gentleman you are, Leopold.”

Leopold’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned in slightly. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“Embarrassing you?” Violet echoed, feigning shock. “Whatever do you mean? I’m simply stating facts.”

The young ladies giggled again, and Leopold groaned softly. “I knew letting you marry into a title would inflate your sense of authority.”

“Oh, nonsense,” Arabella said. “We’re doing you a favor. Look how popular you’ve become tonight.”

Before Leopold could argue further, Nicholas appeared beside Violet, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. He wasn’t alone; a young lady with a shy smile accompanied him.

“Leopold,” Nicholas began, his tone light yet commanding, “I believe this young lady would very much enjoy a dance. Don’t you think it would be impolite to refuse?”

Leopold turned to Nicholas, his expression unreadable for a moment before settling into a resigned glare. “You would assume that, wouldn’t you?”

Nicholas’ smirk deepened. “It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.”

With a dramatic sigh, Leopold extended his hand to the young lady. “Shall we?”

Her face lit up with delight as she accepted, and as they made their way to the dance floor, Leopold cast one last pointed look at Violet and Nicholas.

“That was cruel,” Violet teased, her voice low as she turned to her husband.

“I thought it was rather considerate,” Nicholas replied, his tone smooth. “Your brother needs a push now and then.”

They both laughed, their shoulders brushing as they stood side by side. Violet glanced up at him, her heart warming at how easily they could share moments like this now.

“I’ll have to endure his complaints for weeks,” she said, shaking her head. “You’ve made my life considerably more difficult, you know.”

“I’ll accept the blame,” Nicholas replied, his voice softening. “But admit it—it was worth it.”

“It was,” she admitted, her lips curving into a smile.

Her gaze drifted across the room, landing on Isadora, who was darting between groups of guests like a hawk. Violet couldn’t suppress her laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Nicholas asked, following her gaze.

“Isadora,” Violet said. “Look at her. She’s chasing off rakes as though her sister were a prize hound.”

Nicholas chuckled, watching as Isadora intercepted a young man who had been inching closer to her sister. “She’s certainly determined.”

“She’s always been like that,” Violet said fondly. “Protective to a fault.”

They both laughed, their shared amusement drawing them closer. Nicholas turned to her, his expression softening. “You’ve done well tonight, Violet. Your brother might not appreciate it yet, but he will.”

“I suppose that remains to be seen,” she said though his words filled her with quiet pride.

Their conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter from the other side of the room. Violet glanced over and saw Jasper surrounded by a group of admirers, his carefree charm in full force. She shook her head.

“Poor Leopold,” she said. “He has to contend with our matchmaking while Jasper gets away with being entirely unbothered.”

Nicholas smiled. “You’re sparing Jasper the same treatment?”

“He’s a lost cause,” Violet said, laughing. “He’ll never settle down.”

“Wise decision,” Nicholas said. “One rogue in the family is enough.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the crowd. Violet leaned closer to him, her voice low. “I think our work here is done. It’s time to leave the matchmaking to fate.”

“And what do you propose we do instead?” Nicholas asked, his tone teasing.

“Go home,” she said simply. “You still have some redeeming to do after all.”

Nicholas’s smile deepened, and he offered her his arm. “As you wish, Violet.”

Hand in hand, they made their way toward the exit, leaving behind the lively buzz of the ballroom. The night had been a success, but as they stepped into the cool night air, Violet felt an even greater sense of accomplishment.

She glanced up at Nicholas, her heart swelling with affection. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together.

Violet let herself relax. The noise of the ballroom faded behind them, replaced by the quiet rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Nicholas was still by her side, his hand resting lightly over hers as they strolled toward the waiting carriage.

Some peace. Finally.

“I hope Leopold forgives me by the time the next ball rolls around,” Violet said, breaking the silence. Her tone was light, but the mischievous glint in her eye betrayed her amusement.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you,” Nicholas replied with a smirk. “You did rather put him on the spot.”

Violet shrugged, though she couldn’t suppress her grin. “It was worth it. Besides, it might do him some good to loosen up.”

Nicholas chuckled, the sound low and warm. “You certainly enjoy meddling, don’t you?”

“Meddling?” she echoed, feigning indignation. “I prefer to think of it as guiding. Besides, you were the one who brought the young lady over to dance with him.”

“I just thought to help you out,” he said, laughing “I don’t suppose it was too terrible of a match. The young lady looked delighted at the very least.”

“I can only hope that they find a connection,” Violet said thoughtfully. “He deserves to find love, and it would please Mother very much.”

Nicholas glanced at her. “You care deeply for your family.”

“Of course,” Violet said, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “It is family before anyone else. They’ve always been there for me, even though they do have a tendency to drive me mad sometimes.”

“I can relate to that,” Nicholas said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Though my family was more likely to drive others mad.”

Violet laughed. “Well, the two of us turned out just fine, so I suppose that is all that matters.”

Their conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence as they reached the carriage. Nicholas helped her inside, his hand steadying her as she stepped up. Once they were both seated, the carriage began to move, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the quiet.

Violet leaned back against the seat, her gaze drifting to Nicholas. She felt a sudden rush of gratitude for this moment, for the way they could speak so easily now, even after everything they had been through.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Nicholas turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly. “For what?”

“For being here tonight,” she said. “For helping with Leopold. I didn’t even have to tell you what I was doing—you figured it out on your own.”

His expression softened, and for a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then, he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. “You don’t need to thank me, Violet. We need not have these formalities between us.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and she found herself smiling despite the quiet ache that still lingered in her chest. “Well, then we can take that as you making it up to me. You still have a lot of redeeming to do if you remember.”

Nicholas’ lips curved into a slow smile. “How can I forget? You must hold me accountable for my past…” His eyes darkened slightly. “… misgivings.”

“And I intend to do just that” she added, her tone teasing.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from a duchess of your calibre,” he replied.

As the carriage rolled on, Violet felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The night had been a success, and she had a lovely time with Nicholas.

This was all that she could have asked for. From both tonight—and for life.

Things had finally began to fall into place. She glanced at Nicholas, her hand still resting lightly in his. Whatever lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain—this was where she was meant to be.