Page 39 of The Duke of Ice
Nick wanted to ignore the voice even as his body screamed for release—for her.
But he was cursed. For that reason, he would leave her alone.
* * *
Following dinner that night, Violet made her way to the drawing room with Hannah. Dinner had been the typical affair, with most of the conversation driven by Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law. Violet had spent far too much time watching Nick and thinking of his kiss. Over and over and over again. Though brief, it had far surpassed her eight-year-old memories.
“Just two more full days,” Hannah said as they neared the drawing room doorway. “It’s evenings like this that I am glad the party is only a week and not a fortnight. I’m exhausted.”
“And your mother went home this afternoon?” Violet asked. Hannah’s mother, Mrs. Parker, liked to come for a portion of the party, but since Hannah’s children were staying at her house near Bath, she was eager to return to them.
“Yes, but I have you here for support.” Her eyes lit, and she tugged Violet’s arm, leading her to the side of the doorway. “Before we go in, tell me how this afternoon went. I’ve only heard murmurs, but it seems like it was great fun.”
It was certainly memorable. After Kiss if You Can, they’d played a few more games. Nothing had eclipsed her kiss with Nick, however. In fact, she could scarcely recall anything else that had happened.
“It was quite diverting,” she said.
Hannah made a face at her. “What a mundane description. Is there nothing exciting to share? At least tell me what you played.”
“Just silly games.”
Hannah regarded her skeptically. “This is suspicious. It seems as though you’re hiding something. Don’t make me ask Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law to ferret out the details.”
Violet rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t.”
“No, but you’re being so odd!” She sidled closer and lowered her voice. “Did something scandalous happen?”
“Of course not. As I said, they were silly games.” Violet didn’t know why she was being so secretive—Nick had kissed her in full view of everyone, and it was really only a matter of time before the news was shared. She was actually a bit surprised it hadn’t been already. But then this postdinner drawing room time with the ladies might yet see it out.
“Kiss the Nun, Kiss if You Can, that sort of thing,” Violet said.
Hannah’s eyes flickered with understanding—and interest. “I see. Who kissed whom? I can tell from your demeanor thatsomethinghappened.”
“Several kisses were exchanged.” Violet hoped the heat she felt rising up her cheeks wasn’t noticeable, but knew that was a fantasy. “I was paired with Nick—the Duke of Kilve—in Kiss if You Can.”
“And he was successful.” Hannah’s mouth spread into a wide grin. “How wonderful.” She sobered, her eyes taking on a darker glint. “It was wonderful, wasn’t it?”
Beyond wonderful. “It was on the lips.”
Hannah’s eyes rounded, and she lifted her hand to her open mouth. “Well,nowI understand your hesitation. However did you manage it?”
Did she think Violet had initiated it? “I jumped up to evade him, and he pulled me down. We lost our balance, and I…landed on top of him.Hekissedme.” She gave Hannah a wry look. “Thatishow the game is played, if you recall.”
“How splendid.” She lowered her tone to just above a whisper. “Shall I arrange for you to have an assignation? I don’t know that anyone’s ever done that at one of my parties.”
Violet tried not to laugh and failed. “Of course they have.”
Hannah blinked. “I guess they were quite skilled, since I was unaware.” She shrugged and smiled briefly before glancing at the drawing room. “I suppose I should go in.” She sounded resigned. “But if youdoneed assistance with a liaison, you need only ask.”
“I won’t, but thank you.”
Hannah gave her a saucy look. “You never know.”
No, she didn’t. But she wasn’t sure she could imagine it. She’d spent so many years pining over what could have been. To consider that it might be within her grasp was too much.
Violet went into the drawing room and was instantly drawn to join the young women in their little corner seating area.
“Lady Pendleton, we worried you weren’t coming,” Lady Lavinia said.
