Page 18 of The Duke of Ice
“I think so. And he…needed a change. Or so he said. I admit we weren’t terribly close at that time. I was too busy drinking my way through London.”
“I see,” she murmured, not knowing quite what to say to that. “But you’re close now?”
“As close as he allows. He was different after Badajoz and…other things that aren’t my place to discuss.”
Curiosity fairly burned inside her, but she wouldn’t ask him to disclose Nick’s secrets. “I cared for him a great deal. It pains me to see him so removed. So cold.”
“It does me as well, I must admit.” The duke’s gait slowed as they neared the house. “Is there a chance you still care for him?”
Though she was still quite cold, Violet paused and turned toward him. “I will always care for him.”
It was more than that, but she wouldn’t say so. She loved him still, and seeing him again had only reminded her of that fact. She’d thought she could keep him in the back of her mind, a distant memory that, if handled with care, could bring her joy.
“That’s good to hear. Nick needs people who care for him. He works damn hard to make sure they don’t.”
“Why would he do that?”
“I’m not sure I know the answer to that. It’s complicated.He’scomplicated. He’s been through a great many trying circumstances, and I think he’s perhaps forgotten how to live. If there’s any chance at all you could remind him, I would encourage you to do so.”
“What exactly are you saying, Duke?”
“I think you should call me Simon. I saved you, after all.” He grinned at her, and she decided she liked him no matter what. “I’m saying that Nick needssomething. Or someone. I was able to get him to this party—which was no small feat—but I fear that he’ll return home and go right back to his solitude.”
“I don’t know if I can prevent that.” Aside from rushing to her aid in the lake, Nick had given her no inkling that he was interested in having a conversation with her, let alone any kind of relationship.
“I don’t know if you can either. But if you wanted to try, I’d be grateful.”
The breeze stirred, and she shivered again.
Simon rolled his eyes. “I am the worst rescuer, keeping you out here in the cool autumn air. Come, let’s get you inside.” He ushered her into the house, where a maid informed her that a hot bath was being prepared in her chamber.
As Violet climbed the stairs, she looked forward to being warm. More than that, she looked forward to seeing if she could thaw Nick and bring him warmth too.
Chapter 5
Nick frownedat his reflection in the mirror. Not because his appearance was lacking, but because he reallywascursed. He’d barely spent one day with people and catastrophe had already struck. He only hoped Miss Kingman and Violet were all right.
They’d both been pale and sodden, their eyes wide with fright. Actually, the latter had just been Miss Kingman. Violet’s gaze had reflected more surprise than anything else. Surprise at finding herself plunged in the lake or because he’d come to her rescue?
Hewas surprised.
He told himself he’d gone to her first because she’d been a bit closer than Miss Kingman. However, he knew that Violet could swim. That was one of themanythings he knew about her. Along with her love of ices, her penchant for reading poetry, and the way her toes curled when she was kissed.
Swearing under his breath, he turned from the glass.
“Something amiss, Your Grace?” his valet, Rand, asked.
Nick glanced over at the young man and shook his head. “No.”
“Is there anything else you require?”
“My coach so we may depart?”
Rand blinked at him. “Would you like me to pack?”
Nick exhaled. “No,” he lied. Hedidwant to leave. He’d promised Simon one night, and he’d fulfilled that bargain. And yet here he was dressed for dinner.
Because he wanted to ensure that both women were well after their unplanned swim. If either of them took ill…
