Page 88 of Unraveled By the Duke
“I admit that the idea of such a fine young woman leaving our lives so soon is uncomfortable. But you know your sister. She cannot love with half her heart while keeping the other half safe. Nor can she live behind high walls forever, as you seem determined to do.”
That was too much for Alexander. He rounded on his stepmother, hands clenching into fists which he kept firmly behind his back.
“Better I live behind impenetrable walls than be weakened like my father was. I saw the damage love did to him. The love he had for my mother, for example. It broke him.”
Violet had to look up at him, but she did so from the height of a raised chin. “That is the price of love, you will find. Joy comes with risk. Spare yourself the risk and lose the color and flavor of life. Your father lived his life to the fullest, experiencing every nuance. He grieved for your mother and loved me.”
“He was made a fool by those who took advantage of him. And I am left to pick up the pieces. Had he been stronger, I would not be in this predicament.”
“A fool?” Violet scoffed. “Taken advantage of? Hmm, those are terms I have never heard in connection with your late father. No one knew him who would describe him so either. I think it’s about time you learned the truth about your father.”
Alexander laughed bitterly. “I went through the accounts, and I have a forensic knowledge of my father. He was a weak man who squandered the wealth of his family. I should like to get my hands on the people who helped divest him of his wealth.”
Violet clapped her hands together, the sound reverberating through the room. “Very well then. Let us find out who those people are. Do you have time now?”
Alexander stared at her in astonishment. She stared back defiantly.
What on earth is she talking about? She knows that I went through the accounts and knows everything about my father’s affairs. What is there for me to discover?
“No, Violet. I have urgent correspondence that I must address and…”
And a wife to hunt down as I did once before. To take her away from all of this scandal and scheming. Find a shepherd’s hut somewhere and hold her close to me.
That is what I want to do, but it is what I cannot do. Nor can I agree to parcel her up for the Grimaire family.
“If you wish Hyacinth to have a debut and the best start to her social life, then I must make that happen. It will not be conjured from the wand of a fey spirit, but brought into being by me.”
“Come with me and see what I have to show you. It will change your worldview, I promise,” Violet insisted.
Alexander hesitated, seeing a fire in his stepmother’s eyes that had not always been present. She was an artist who allowed the wind to take her where it would, but there was steel in her eyes now.
“You have questioned the character of the man I loved and still love dearly. I would see you proven wrong, my son.”
They were interrupted by the steady, metronome click of shoes against the hard floor. It was Mullins, the butler.
Alexander fell silent as the old man appeared at the door. He had a mane of white hair falling from the back of his otherwise bald head and a supercilious face with a permanently upturned aspect.
“Begging your pardon, Your Graces. Miss Dunnings is waiting outside.”
“Send her in, Mullins,” Violet said, at the same time Alexander ordered, “Send her away. I am not receiving visitors!”
He glared at her.
“She was once welcome in this house and has done nothing wrong that I know of.”
Alexander threw his hands up. “Let her in, then. Why not? It is an open house and not one that I have any authority in, it seems!”
Moments later, Lavinia entered the room. She curtsied deeply and was pulled up by Violet, who offered her an armchair. Alexander clicked his fingers at Mullins and, uncharacteristically, ordered brandy.
“Oh my, I hope that is not my doing?” Lavinia asked as she sat.
“Not at all, dear,” Violet replied. “A family disagreement, nothing more. Now, then, will you have tea?”
“I would, thank you. I do not wish to be rude, but would it be possible to speak to His Grace alone?”
Violet looked at Alexander, who glowered back.
“Of course, dear. I will take myself away to dress properly and return with tea and cake.”
