Page 54 of Untaming Lady Violet
Nicholas tilted his head toward Tristan while addressing his wife. “I wouldn’t dare, Your Grace. Longleigh, will you join us for that brandy?”
Violet caught Tristan’s eye. With a self-aware shiver, she realized he still watched her closely, as if attempting to learn a secret about her. While friendly and cordial in his interactions with Grace, he certainly did not exhibit any signs of previous or current infatuation.
Tristan’s attention returned to Nicholas and his father. “A brandy would be most appreciated.”
Violet watched Tristan as long as she could, pulled along as she was with Celia holding her arm.
Grace kept up a steady stream of chatter as they descended the stairs.
“You must tell me everything I’ve missed during our time in France. It seems a great deal has taken place. Good things, I’m sure. Violet, I find myself most curious about you. Have you and Longleigh developed affections toward one another? You do make such a lovely couple. You’ve always harbored a tender spot for him, and he has finally discovered one for you. Oh, Lady Darby, how excited you must be. To gain Violet as a daughter is certainly a blessing.”
Violet came to a halt, forcing the other two girls to fall backward. Even Lady Darby paused, glancing over her shoulder.
“Your Grace, I’m afraid your observations are far from correct. You see, you misunderstand…” Violet was not comfortable correcting the duchess, but it wasn’t right to foster the misconception that she and Tristan were embroiled in a relationship. “Longleigh and I are not…”
“But you could be, Violet,” Celia insisted fiercely, taking Violet’s arm while urging her to continue walking. “You must admit Longleigh has been very attentive since he arrived. He has never shown so much interest in you as he has these past two weeks.”
“Celia, dear, do not meddle in your brother’s life,” Lady Darby said in a stern manner as she opened the doors to one of the suites. “Nor Violet’s, for that matter.”
“I noticed his eyes never left you, Violet,” Grace observed as they entered the rooms set aside for their visit. “The viscount looks at you as one might expect when two people are in love. Even when he believed himself head over heels for me, awkward as it was, he never seemed so… absorbed.”
The subject of Tristan’s former infatuation with Grace was casually stated even as Violet cringed.
Oh, God. How will I survive the constant reminder Tristan was in love with her?
“I’m sure you are mistaken. Longleigh carries no affection for me other than that as a family friend,” Violet managed with a slight wince. “Please, may we speak of other things?”
Her face felt as if it were on fire as she turned to the windows, gazing out at the rolling meadows. Perhaps the glitter of tears in her eyes would go unnoticed.
“I am sorry, Violet. I did not mean to upset you, truly,” Grace said quietly. “It seems I’ve become one of those women who believes everyone should be married when not so long ago I was firmly set against it. The viscount is very dear to me and to Richeforte. We only wish him happiness. I thought perhaps you could be the one who might help him find it.”
“Longleigh has no interest in marriage. Not anymore.”
Violet’s words hung in the air, an uncomfortable reminder of why Tristan decided marriage was not for him.
“He cares only for pleasure and merriment,” Violet continued, spinning around to face the other women. “His lack of interest in finding a suitable wife is well known, but Lord Longleigh’s views on matrimony are none of my concern. When my father and mother arrive, my engagement to Lord William Gadley will be announced. I am to be his wife.”
Celia looked as though she might swallow her tongue in an effort to keep her opinion quiet. Angry disappointment leaked from her, but she remained silent. Lady Darby nervously bustled around the room as the servants began carrying in the baggage and the duchess’s clothing trunks. She wiped a tear from her cheek when she believed Violet was not watching.
Grace regarded Violet for a long moment, then slowly replied, “Forgive my impulsive words, Violet. Richeforte always says I chatter too much. Perhaps he is right, although I do hate admitting it.” Her honey brown eyes were sharp though, leaving Violet to wonder if Grace could see through her affected indifference.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Violet nodded. “Longleigh himself would agree we have no connection other than through our families.”
She refused to remember how connected she’d been to Tristan just a few days before. The overwhelming, terrifying pleasure she experienced when his mouth pressed against her skin. Remembering that blissful interlude was dangerous.
And it was dangerous to wish Tristan would repeat it.
* * *
Violet emergedfrom the strand of trees and stood at the edge of the small clearing.
The oak was still there, despite the fact it seemed centuries ago that she had fallen and landed on Tristan in an awkward heap of legs and velvet skirts. With a heavy sigh, she advanced until she was directly beneath the outstretched limbs.
Craning her neck, she peered through the thick canopy of leaves in an attempt at locating the nest. Chirping noises could be heard, but until a pair of robins fluttered overhead and landed on a swaying branch, Violet was unsure the nest still existed.
She exhaled in relief. If both parents of the fledglings were present, then it was a good indication the nest still held occupants. Moving closer to the base of the tree, she listened very carefully until she finally heard multiple chirps. Following the sounds, she located the spot where she’d climbed up before and saw a fluttering of tiny wings on the sturdy branch.
“Oh, you dear things. So, you are leaving the nest at last,” Violet exclaimed with a pleased smile.
