Page 34 of A Wicked Duke's Redemption
“That is kind of him,” Violet said at last.
Even if His Grace did not know of her love for reading, he had made an effort to give her something. Violet set aside her tea and traced the cover of the book with her fingers.
“Well, Emma,” she said. “If he wished for me to occupy my time with this book, I suppose I should oblige him.”
***
Violet finished the first volume before dinner and was so enthralled that she nearly missed mealtime. Certainly, she would have if Emma had not reminded her. Violet made haste to the dining hall and took her usual place at the table. The Duke of Farnham had already arrived. She stole a glance at him as he spoke quietly to one of his staff. His Grace was so handsome that it took her breath away.
The first time Violet really looked at him had been on the ride to his estate after their wedding. She had marveled at his strong jaw, his piercing blue eyes, and his warm blond hair. The man did not look like a monster, and when he had asked her that same question, she remembered being so struck with terror and confusion that she said nothing.
The servant left, and Violet instead forced her attention to the chestnut soup. She took a delicate spoonful, enjoying the mingled taste of nuts and butter. Even though she had been a duchess for weeks, she still had not become accustomed to the extravagant meals and excellent food.
“Did you read the book?” His Grace asked. His tone seemed as if he were making an accusation.
“I read the first volume,” Violet said. “There was no time to finish.”
“Ah, of course.”
Violet glanced awkwardly at him. “Perhaps I could finish tomorrow, Your Grace. We could discuss it.”
“I have never read it.”
Violet blinked and glanced at him. His Grace finished a spoonful of soup and smiled wryly. “It was a gift, and I have not touched it since receiving it.”
“Oh.”
“I suppose that I should read it after you do,” His Grace said. “We could discuss it then, if that would please you.”
Violet slowly nodded. This was more than he had ever spoken to her at dinner, and it left her feeling uneven and strange. “I think you will enjoy it,” she said.
Silence fell between them, and she considered His Grace for a moment. He had not read the text, but she wondered if he had some inkling about the contents of it. Did the Duke of Farnham see something of themselves in the proud Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy? Something shifted inside Violet, and she found herself more intrigued than frightened of His Grace.
“Why did you give it to me?”
“I thought you deserved something,” Leo said. “Mrs. Gunderson mentioned that you are becoming a very capable duchess, something which I have noticed myself. Of course, you may buy your own books, but that does not have the same—well, it is not the same as receiving a gift.”
Violet continued eating her soup, letting the conversation lapse between them. The silence was not as cold as it usually was.
His Grace cleared his throat. “Ah. It will not be this Season, of course, but I would not be opposed to going to London for the next one. If you want to go, that is.”
Violet could sense that there was something in the question that she did not quite understand. “I have never been to London,” she offered. “Not that I can remember, that is. I was but a baby when my parents came to Essex.”
“There is much to see and do in London,” the Duke of Farnham said. “I imagine you would not be bored, although the many people might be quite different from Essex.”
Violet nodded. “It sounds like an adventure.”
She liked the idea of having adventures like the heroine in one of the old stories.
“It certainly would be.” The Duke of Essex paused, seemingly contemplating something. “You would also have the opportunity to meet some young women. I know that your friend Lady Elizabeth has left for London. Perhaps you could visit her in London, if she remains there.”
Violet drew in a sharp breath of air. She had not considered that. With a physician watching her mother and her father having to work less, Violetcouldjourney to London if she wanted to.
“That would be wonderful.”
His Grace nodded. “I will begin making the arrangements soon. In the meantime, I received word that Lady Priscilla intends to spend the winter in Essex, and she is eager to meet you.”
“How lovely,” Violet said.
