Page 8 of The Duke of Ice
Simon bowed, and Miss Colton offered a curtsey. Lady Colton’s face pinched and Lord Colton’s cheeks lost a bit of their robust color. Nick wanted to turn and stalk away, effectively giving them the cut direct. How dare they insult Simon?
As if reading Nick’s mind—and maybe,probably, his outrage was evident on his face—Simon briefly clasped Nick’s elbow. “Shall we move on?” he murmured.
“Please excuse us.” Simon gave them an undeserved smile and guided Nick away. When they were out of earshot, he said, “You’re going to have to do better than that.”
“Why? I don’t want to be here, particularly if people are going to be rude to you.”
“They weren’t rude. They were reticent. Idowant to be here, and you promised me one goddamn night.” Simon took a deep breath. “Compose yourself and let us continue.”
“For how long? I need a drink.” He cast Simon an apologetic glance.
Simon shook his head imperceptibly—their friendship was long enough and close enough that Nick didn’t need to censor himself. Still sometimes, particularly in moments of stress like this one, he tried to be more mindful. “Youdoneed a drink,” Simon said. “But first, we circuit the room. I promise it won’t take long.” He looked ahead. “We’ll start with that woman. She looks quite harmless.”
Nick stopped moving and dug his feet into the carpet. “No.”
Simon halted alongside him. Nick angled his body so he couldn’t see Violet. They stood near the windows, and another flash of light brightened the sky. “Why not?” Simon asked.
“I don’t want to speak with her. You may take me anywhere else.Anywhere.”
Simon dashed a glance toward her, his brows gathering together in consternation. “You know her? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before. How do you know someone I don’t?”
“Leave it,” Nick growled low in his throat. The urge to stalk from the room was nearly overwhelming.
“Calm yourself,” Simon said soothingly. “We’ll discuss it later.” He gave Nick a look that clearly communicated he wasn’t going to forget the topic.
They spent a half hour—or maybe it was a lifetime—meeting everyone else in the room. There were several unwed ladies, all of them interested in meeting Nick and nervous about having to meet Simon too. By the time they’d finished, Nick was ready to walk directly into the storm and hopefully be struck by lightning.
“You’ve one more person to meet,” Mrs. Linford said brightly as Nick and Simon made their way toward the door. “Come.” She lightly touched Nick’s arm, and Simon inclined his head to go along.
A moment later, Nick stood three feet from the woman who’d broken his heart.
“Violet, may I present Their Graces, the Duke of Kilve and the Duke of Romsey.”
Violet offered a rather deep curtsey. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She inclined her head to both of them, and Nick acknowledged that she was the first and only person in the room who’d given Simon the same deference and courtesy she’d given him. Perversely, that didn’t improve his disposition.
“Violet is Lady Pendleton,” Mrs. Linford said.
Simon took her hand and bowed. “The pleasure is mine, my lady.”
Nick forced himself to make a curt bow. He said nothing and avoided looking at her. Except he couldn’t. She was even lovelier now than in her youth. Her eyes were still full of warmth and intelligence—moss-green irises that melted to rich brown at the edges. She had more curves now and a set to her chin that suggested experience and confidence. Her dark pink lips were as full and lush as he remembered. That mouth had drawn him in from the start, especially when she’d laughed. He’d compared it to music.
He’d been a foolish boy.
Mr. Linford cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone to turn toward the doorway. “Gentlemen, if you’d care to repair to the billiards room with me, you are most welcome.”
Hell yes.“If you’ll excuse us,” Nick said, turning. He didn’t wait for a response before stalking toward his host.
A few minutes later, he entered the billiards room on Linford’s heels. A footman stood at a sideboard and offered spirits. Nick accepted a glass of whiskey and took a welcome drink as he made his way to a corner.
Simon joined him there, his eyes dark and his lips pressed together. “You were incredibly rude.”
“Notincredibly.” He took another sip of whiskey. “It’s not as though I gave her the cut direct.”
Simon exhaled sharply. “I know you’ve a name to live up to, but must you be a beast?”
“You insisted on dragging me here. You may not complain about how I comport myself.”
A groan of frustration vibrated low in Simon’s throat. “Who is she?”
