Page 22 of The Duke of Ice
“You’ll have a hard time convincing them.” Lady Lavinia inclined her head toward the opposite side of the room, where Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law were holding court. “My mother hangs on their every word, and they said they are not persuaded by the Duke of Ruin’s performance this morning.”
Performance? “I hardly think it was an act.” Violet looked down to keep her acidic glare from shooting across the room.
Lady Lavinia rose from her chair. “I’m afraid I need to visit the retiring room, and I want to hurry before the gentlemen return.”
Miss Colton jumped up. “I’ll join you.”
They excused themselves and departed, leaving Violet alone with Miss Kingman.
“I’m glad you are all right,” Violet said. “That water was rather cold.”
Miss Kingman shivered. “Just thinking of it makes my skin prickle. I am incredibly grateful to the Duke for saving me. And so are my parents.”
“Is it true that your father hopes for a match with him?” Violet was surprised the question came out sounding even. Her heart was beating, and her throat was dry. Thinking of him marrying someone else made her want to toss up her accounts. And yet she’d done precisely that to him—married someone else. Had he felt the same sense of sickness? Her heart twisted.
Miss Kingman nodded. “Yes. He says I’m more than worthy of a duke. Whatever that means.”
Violet wondered at the young woman’s true feelings on the matter. “And what is it you want?”
The young woman blinked at Violet, her ink-black lashes falling briefly over her vivid blue eyes. “I want whatever is best. My parents say he is best.”
She sounded so much like Violet had eight years ago. It was amazing the lies one could tell oneself even while one’s heart was breaking.Especiallywhen one’s heart was breaking. “Make sure it’s what will really make you happy. Marriage will change your life.”
Forever.Unless your despicable husband has the grace to die.Though Violet was far happier now, she took no joy in Clifford’s death.
She’d long wondered how different things would have been if she’d been allowed to marry Nick. Or if she’d done as they’d discussed and eloped in the event that her parents refused him.
The gentlemen took that moment to enter the drawing room. Violet half expected Nick to be absent. Hehadbehaved rather obnoxiously before dinner. Perhaps he would beg off the rest of the evening, especially since Hannah had planned dancing.
But no, he filed into the room alongside Simon, although he quickly veered to the right and took up his usual brooding stance in the corner. Before she could think better of it, Violet stood. “Please excuse me, Miss Kingman.”
The young woman grabbed Violet’s hand briefly, drawing Violet to look down at her in concern.
“You’re not going to speak to him about me, are you?”
“I was not. Do you want me to?” Violet couldn’t believe she’d asked the question. She didn’t want to play matchmaker, not when she wanted him for herself.
Goodness, that sounded so selfish. Yet honest. She’d made a mistake eight years ago, and it seemed Fate was giving her a second chance. She’d be a fool to let it pass her by again.
“Only if you want to.” Her tone was less than enthusiastic, and again Violet had to wonder if she was truly interested in marrying Nick. Or if she was interested in marrying at all.
Violet gave her a meaningful look that she hoped the young woman would understand. “If you need someone to confide in—about anything—I hope you know that I’ll listen. And whatever you say will be kept in confidence.” She gave her a warm smile before turning to face the dragon.
Now he was a dragon?
Standing in the corner as he was, his arms crossed, his mouth drawn into a near frown, he looked every bit an imposing figure. Violet refused to be intimidated.
As she neared him, he dropped his hands to his sides and looked her over—rather thoroughly. His regard heated her, reminding her of the way he used to look at her. His eyes would light up, and his lips would curve into the most devastating smile. What she wouldn’t give to see that expression on his face again.
“I wanted to thank you for rescuing me from beneath the boat this morning.”
“You look well, Lady Pendleton. I am glad to see it.” Hecouldbe polite.
She was encouraged. “Miss Kingman is also grateful for your assistance.”
“I understand she is also in fine health.”
“She is,” Violet said, feeling suddenly nervous. She tried to recall what Simon had told her, that Nick needed something. Or someone. “You seem a bit more at ease. Has it been an adjustment being here? I take it you don’t spend much time socializing.”
