Page 21 of The Duke of Ice
As soon as dinner had finished, Hannah had steered Violet into the corner where they could talk somewhat privately. Still, Hannah’s stress was evident, and Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law were casting suspicious glances in their direction.
Hannah straightened. “You’re right, of course. I refuse to let him ruin things.” Her eyes hardened, and her jaw stiffened with determination.
“That’s the spirit. Who needs him anyway when the Duke of Romsey is turning out to be so charming?”
“Is he?” Hannah sounded uncertain. “I suppose his involvement in this morning’s boating debacle has improved people’s opinion.” She groaned softly. “Between that disaster and the Duke of Ice’s behavior, I may never be able to host another house party again.”
Violet felt for her friend. She was, invariably, a people pleaser, going out of her way to ensure that those around her were happy and satisfied. That, in turn, madeherhappy and satisfied. “I don’t think anyone is having a bad time.”
With the exception of Nick. He’d been obnoxious before dinner—tales of his boorishness had traveled around the opposite end of the table from where he sat, again between Irving and Mrs. Linford. Simon’s counsel from earlier floated through her mind. Perhaps she should try to speak with Nick.
“I’ll talk to the Duke,” Violet offered.
“Kilve?” Hannah asked. At Violet’s nod, her shoulders drooped with relief. “I should be ever so grateful. Now, I must go speak with Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law and make sure they are indeed enjoying themselves.”
“Are you joking? Of course they are. What you see as a disaster is their premium gossip. I’m sure they’re thrilled.” Violet didn’t bother keeping the edge of derision from her tone.
Hannah smiled, and Violet was glad to see it. “You’re right, of course. Still, I’d prefernicergossip. And I know you would too.” She gave Violet’s hand a pat. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Violet watched Hannah rise and go to where the scandalmongers were sitting. Violet’s gaze drifted to the trio of young women who sat in the same area they had last night when they’d joined Violet. She stood to go see how Miss Kingman was faring.
The three women smiled up at her, welcoming her approach. Lady Lavinia patted the empty chair beside her. “Come sit with us, Lady Pendleton.”
“Good evening, ladies,” Violet said before turning her attention to Miss Kingman. “I trust you are recovered after this morning’s swim?”
The young lady gave a delicate shudder. “I admit it was petrifying. I wish I knew how to swim. I asked to learn when I was younger, but my father was unhappy enough that my grandfather taught me to fish.”
“Your grandfather sounds wonderful,” Violet said, thinking of her Uncle Bertrand, who’d encouraged her in ways her own parents hadn’t. “I highly recommend swimming. My uncle introduced me to the water when I was ten.”
“Is that why you seemed so calm this morning?” Miss Colton asked. “You didn’t look frightened at all after you came up out of the lake.”
“I admit I was—just a bit,” Violet confided. “Mostly because when I did learn to swim, I wasn’t bogged down with such heavy skirts.”
All three young women were riveted on Violet. “Whatever did you wear?” Lady Lavinia asked, sounding somewhat scandalized.
Violet looked around before lowering her voice. “A boy’s shirt and pair of breeches.”
Three pairs of eyes rounded, then Miss Colton giggled. The others joined in.
“How scandalous!” Miss Colton said from behind her hand as she tried to keep her mirth in check.
“Perhaps, but it was just me and my uncle and my older brother.” Uncle Bertrand had promised to teach Henry, and when Violet had asked to be included, he couldn’t think of a reason she shouldn’t. How she missed her uncle.
Now composed, Miss Kingman said, “His Grace is certainly an excellent swimmer. He carried me all the way to the dock and hardly seemed fatigued.”
“Too bad he’s a clod,” Lady Lavinia said, wrinkling her nose.
Miss Kingman narrowed her eyes slightly. “He’s not a clod. He’s simply unused to events like this.”
Violet eyed Miss Kingman, curious as to her defense of Nick.
Lady Lavinia rolled her eyes at her friend. “I suppose you must defend him. If your father has his way, you’ll be the next Duchess of Ice.”
Miss Kingman looked away as a bit of color stole up her neck.
“It’s a shame you can’t talk your father into the Duke of Romsey instead. He seems far more affable.” Miss Colton turned eagerly to Violet. “He rescued you from the water and escorted you to the house. Perhaps the Duke already has his sights set on someone.” She gave Violet a coy smile.
“I am not in the market for a husband,” Violet assured her. “I will say that he was quite charming, and whomever he does set his sights on will be very lucky.”
