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CHAPTER TWO

It had been two days since Duke Alistair Hawthorne had seen Lady Violet Blackwell, and he was surprised at how often she had been in his thoughts. He had not yet had cause to speak with Lord Sebastian Blackwell, indeed, that onerous task was on his schedule for later today.

As Alistair sat in his study trying to make sense of the accounts in front of him, the door creaked open to admit his butler, who placed a tray of correspondence on the desk next to him before exiting quietly.

Alistair picked up the first letter, frowning slightly when he noticed that it bore no wax seal, no crest or indication of the sender. Unfolding the letter, his pulse began to race as he started reading, words leaping from the page in a jumble.

Alistair had suspected that whoever had passed Violet the letter concerning her brother was not finished, and now he held proof of that theory in his hands.

His Grace, Duke Alistair Hawthorne,

It has not escaped my notice that Lady Violet Blackwell was observed in close proximity to a gentleman, not of relation to her. Their proximity and manner of conversation was most improper.

It will only be a matter of time before society judges her.

Not even you can avert this scandal.

Yours faithfully,

A Concerned Friend.

Who would dare to threaten Violet in this matter, for Alistair did not doubt for one second that the allegations were false in nature.

The veracity of the claims mattered not, Alistair knew that.

Even the slightest whisper of scandal would tear through the ton like wildfire, ruining Violet.

He rose and moved towards the door. She must be told at once.

An hour later, Alistair was being shown to the warmth of the sitting room at Blackwell House, Violet’s mother already seated and waiting for his arrival.

“Your Grace,” Lady Blackwell said, rising to greet him. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your company today?” While polite enough, Alistair didn’t miss the concern in her eyes.

The Blackwell family were part of the founding families in England, they came from wealth and privilege, and were highly esteemed within the ton. They protected their own with razor sharp focus. Alistair knew that this would be no different. In fact, he was counting on it.

“I am afraid I have troubling news,” Alistair said, his voice grave as he handed the letter to Lady Blackwell, who read the letter quickly, a small gasp escaping her lips.

“This cannot be true, please, Your Grace, tell me it is not so.”

“It is not a lie, technically,” Alistair gritted his teeth. “As no one is named, it is mere hearsay, a game if you will. With the sole purpose being the ruination of Violet.”

“Who would do such a thing?” Lady Violet’s voice carried from the doorway; the tension evident in her frame.

Alistair stepped towards Violet, taking her hand in his and leading her across to the settee.

“This I do not know Violet, but I assure you, I will not rest until they are found and brought to justice. But we must act quickly. They have sent this letter to me on purpose, a demonstration I expect, intended to show me just how far their reach is within the ton. Your reputation is at imminent risk, we need to act quickly.”

“My reputation? But Alistair, I have done nothing.”

“Regardless,” Violet’s mothered interjected, “the letter sender has claimed to have seen you in a rather compromising situation with a gentleman, in broad daylight no less. It is without question untrue, but I will not allow it to spread any further.”

“That is impossible Mama, I have not?—”

“I know,” her hand swept broadly in the direction of Alistair. “We know. Someone is playing a dangerous game with your reputation, and they must be stopped at once.”

“Violet,” Alistair started, “I will not allow you to be tarnished by this falsehood, not while I still draw breath. Of that you have my word.”

“I trust you,” Violet nodded resolutely. “Let us find the truth, Alistair, and may whoever is behind these nasty attacks soon regret their actions.”

“I assure you they will, Violet. I promise you.”