Page 50 of A Wicked Duke's Redemption
Violet had not thought that the rumors might be worse in London. Perhaps that was foolish of her, though. This would be her life now, especially if she wished to be a good duchess, and Violet found that she did. She could do some good in the world as Leo’s wife. She had money and influence that Violet, the poor, fallen aristocrat’s daughter, simply had not.
Leo blinked, and Violet grew still. For a moment, he did not move. Then he turned to look at her, squinting in the darkness. “Are you still awake?” he murmured.
“Yes.”
“Why? It is late.”
Violet bit her lip. She could tell him, but she did not want to hurt him. Leo had already comforted her earlier that day over the rumors, and besides, he was the one who bore the brunt of them. She did not wish to add to his burdens, even if he graciously agreed to help her with them.
Instead, Violet smiled and shook her head. “Nothing. I just—I wanted to tell you that I do not care what the ton says. I know you had nothing to do with the late duchess’s death.”
There was something strange and intense about Leo’s gaze, which seemed to stir something in Violet’s memories. She furrowed her brow, trying to remember.
“This is strange,” she said, “but I feel like we met somehow before—in another lifetime, maybe.”
Leo hummed. The air seemed suddenly anxious, like the sky before a coming storm, but Violet could not fathom why.
“Did I say something wrong?” she asked.
“No. But I must tell you something, and I am worried that it will upset you.”
Violet stared at him, searching his face for an answer. “Oh?”
“I am the man who danced with you in the village that night.”
Violet drew in a sharp breath of air. The two men who she had desired the most in all the world were one and the same. With a delighted laugh, she threw herself into his arms and pressed her lips against his. “Then, I love you!” she exclaimed. “I have loved you for a while, and this—this is a sign that I was right, too. We were always meant to love one another.”
Leo’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I think I loved you that first night. In my grief, I just did not want to admit it.”
Violet tucked her chin against her chest and gazed at him from under her eyelashes. “And one day, everyone will see all the good in you, all the kindness and tenderness that I do. They will come to accept the truth about the late duchess, just as I have. Until then, I will be with you always.”
“I know.”
They remained intertwined with one another until Violet’s eyes grew heavy, and sleep found her at last.
Chapter 24
“Violet!” Mrs. Everleigh embraced Violet so tightly that Leo felt a little worried about the state of his wife’s ribs.
“Liza!” Violet exclaimed.
They were in the townhouse belonging to Captain John Everleigh, who stood a few paces away and watched his wife with an expression of fond amusement. Lady Priscilla was also present, having been invited by Violet. “Shall we leave the ladies to their conversation, Your Grace?” Captain Everleigh asked.
“I believe we should,” Leo replied.
As the women proceeded to the drawing room, Captain Everleigh led Leo into the billiards room. “Cognac, Your Grace?” the captain asked, raising a decanter filled with amber-gold liquid.
“That would be lovely,” Leo said.
Leo accepted his glass and peered curiously at Captain Everleigh as they settled into two chairs. The captain did not seem particularly suspicious of Leo, which was a welcome surprise.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Captain Everleigh said. “Liza speaks so often of you that I almost feel as though we have known each other for months.”
Violet had said little about Captain Everleigh, except that he seemed to be a good man. Leo only smiled, though. There was no need to make their conversation awkward. “My lady mentioned that you are a merchant.”
“I am,” Captain Everleigh said, “and Liza and I will soon be leaving London. I do not suppose there is any harm in telling you that, as I am certain she will inform Her Grace herself.”
“Where are you going?”
