Page 85 of The Duke of Ice
“I’m fine, thank you.” She looked forward to the day when no one asked her that, but realized it was probably still a long way off. She’d expected extra hovering today from Chalke and the rest of the staff since it was her first day alone.
Hannah had departed yesterday after staying a fortnight, and thankfully, Violet’s mother had left shortly after Hannah’s arrival. She had, unfortunately, vowed to return and drag Violet “home” for holiday celebrations until Twelfth Night. Violet was still considering how she might avoid such a horror.
Chalke took Violet’s thick woolen cape from her shoulders. “Will you nap? That might be a good idea.”
Violet rubbed her hands together and walked to the fireplace to warm herself.
“Oh! I think you need a toddy. Yes, that will be just the thing.” Chalke’s eyes glowed as she clucked her tongue and quickly departed.
It wouldn’t matter if Violet didn’t want a toddy; Chalke would bring it nonetheless. As it happened, shedidwant a toddy. Preferably with extra spirits to dull the ache of betrayal.
She closed her eyes as she held her hands—palms out—to the fire. She’d memorized the letter Nick had sent to inform her of his betrothal to Diana.
Dear Violet,
It is with great regret that I inform you that we will not suit. I find I cannot return to the days of my youth. I am far too changed, as you well know.
My engagement to Miss Diana Kingman will be announced tomorrow. I never meant to cause you pain. You deserve to be happy and to also be unencumbered by the past. I hope you will see that this is best for both of us.
It gives me great joy to know that you are well and whole. I prayed for you to be safe and am grateful that my prayers were finally answered.
I will always think of you fondly. Be well.
Nick
She’d dissected the letter in her mind a hundred times. He likely believed she’d recovered because he’d decided to leave her. Or, as Hannah had insisted, he’d seized the opportunity for revenge—to revisit upon her what she’d done to him eight years ago. In her angriest moments, Violet agreed. However, she knew better.
He was afraid. She’d seen how the princess’s death had affected him and could only imagine how her own accident and near death had likely sent him over the edge. He’d done the only thing he could—he’d run. She’d foolishly believed he would come back to her. Instead, he’d kept on going.
It was one thing to say they didn’t suit, but to wed Diana? He didn’t love her—of that Violet was certain. And she suspected that was precisely why he chose her.
She opened her eyes and narrowed them at the flames. None of it mattered now. She could replay the events in her mind, hoping for clearer understanding, but the outcome would always be the same. Nick was gone, and he wasn’t somewhere she could follow.
Even if he wasn’t to be married, she had to let him go. He was right about one thing—she deserved to be happy and unencumbered, and that meant freeing herself of the guilt that had bound her these past eight years.
It also meant unraveling the love in her heart. That, she knew, was going to take some time.
Raised male voices carried from the hall into the morning room, where she stood before the fire. She frowned and pivoted toward the doorway through which Chalke had recently departed.
“Your Grace, you must let me announce you!” Lavery sounded quite agitated.
Violet froze at the appearance of the unannounced visitor.
Your Grace.
Her brain should have made the leap, but she’d truly never expected to see him again and certainly not in her home.
Nick stood just over the threshold, his hat in his hand and his shoulders wet with snow that was rapidly melting into the dark wool.
Her traitorous heart leapt at the sight of him, but she did her best to emulate him and transform herself into the Viscountess of Ice. “You really ought to have let Lavery announce you. It’s polite.”
“I think we can both agree that I’m past polite,” he said, wincing.
“Well past, yes.”
Lavery hovered near the door, his ears red with anger. “Shall I escort him out, my lady?” He looked at her before adding, “Please?”
“Yes, I think that would be best.” She gave Nick her frostiest stare. “I believe your letter said everything that needed to be said.”
