CHAPTER 1
“Daphne has surely outdone herself this time,” Leopold remarked with a low whistle as the Kingsman family stepped into the grand entrance hall of the estate. They had arrived for one of the most anticipated house parties of the Season, personally invited by none other than their longtime friend.
“That’sDuchess of Greymontto you now,” Violet Kingsman teased, casting her brother a playful glance. Despite her light tone, she couldn’t help but silently agree.
It felt that just yesterday that her friend Daphne had been a young girl. And now, she had so gracefully risen to the title of duchess. Violet did not have any sisters, so Isadora and Daphne were not only her closest friends, but their bond was no less than that between siblings.
“Oh, my apologies,” Leopold chuckled. “DuchessDaphne. I admit, a title like that holds quite a bit of weight.”
Jasper, the oldest of the Kingsman siblings at twenty and four, caught up to them as they walked inside. He had overheard their conversation. “It is definitely one that commands respect. I say that you ought to take a page out of your friend’s book and find yourself a duke as well.”
Violet blushed violently at the suggestion, causing her brothers to exchange amused glances before breaking into laughter.
“I think that is a terrific idea,” Leopold continued. Her two brothers never missed an opportunity to tease her. No matter how old she got, Violet would always remain their baby sister—relentlessly mocked but fiercely protected when it truly mattered. “The only thing is, brother… do you think Violet even knows how to look for a husband?”
“A fair point, Leopold. Between her books and her embroidery, I doubt she’s evennoticeda gentleman exists.”
Violet stiffened, turning to face them, her eyes narrowing. “I beg your pardon? And why, pray tell, would I not know how to look for a husband?”
“Well,” Jasper said, spreading his hands with a mock air of innocence, “you haven’t exactly been out much this Season, have you? Unless you’re planning to wed one of your novels?”
“That would explain her standards,” Leopold added with a grin. “She’s expecting a hero to step out of a book and sweep her off her feet.”
“I do not expect—” Violet stopped herself, exhaling sharply. “I simply haven’t seen the need to attend every tedious ball in existence. Besides,” she added, her tone turning defensive, “whenever Idoattend, it’s not as though there is a lack of attention. Can either of you say the same about your invitations to dance?”
The brothers exchanged a glance, and then Jasper smirked. “Oh, we’re not saying youcan’tattract attention, dear sister. We’re saying you won’tdoanything with it.”
“Exactly,” Leopold chimed in, leaning forward as if about to share a great secret. “You’re far too busy finding reasons to dislike every gentleman who approaches you. Too dull, too boastful, too little interest in Shakespeare…”
“And don’t forget the one who didn’t know Byron’s works,” Jasper added with mock horror. “Truly unforgivable.”
“Well, itisunforgivable,” Violet snapped though her cheeks flushed. “How can I possibly consider a life with someone who cannot even appreciateByron?”
“You’re missing the point,” Leopold said, shaking his head in mock dismay. “You’ll run out of eligible gentlemen before you run out of books to read.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” Violet retorted, crossing her arms. “At least books don’t pester me about what I should or shouldn’t be doing.”
“Ah,” Jasper said, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin. “But books won’t help you secure your future, Violet. Unless, of course, you somehow plan to dispose of us both and inherit all the family land.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Violet shot back, unamused by his dramatization. “I will find someone worthy when the time is right.”
“And until then?” Leopold asked, smirking. “Another trip to the library?”
Her glare was sharp enough to make them laugh outright, but Violet turned on her heel, lifting her chin. “I don’t have to justify myself to either of you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be where the intelligent company is—probably with Daphne.”
She swept out of the room, her skirts rustling softly as she moved through the hallway toward the drawing room where she knew her friends would be.
But as she walked, her brothers’ words lingered in her brain.Fine,there was some truth to them. Admittedly, Violet was something of a wallflower. While some ladies preferred to draw attention towards themselves, she liked instead to remain in the background. She had always been more comfortable with a book than a ballroom. But why should that be a flaw?
She bit her lip as she weaved through the glittering crowd. Deep down, she had always believed that the right person would simply… appear. That fate or providence or whatever forceguided such things would place him in her path at the perfect moment. Surely, love didn’t require scheming or desperation, did it? Surely, she wouldn’t have tosearchfor it.
Her perfect prince charming would just appear. He had to.
“Violet.” Isadora’s voice cut through her thoughts. She was already with Daphne, who seemed to have finally caught a moment to breathe in between her hosting responsibilities. “Finally.”
“You’re late,” Daphne teased with a bright smile as Violet approached. “We were about to send someone after you.”
“Oh, am I?” Violet shook her head, “Well, I cannot be blamed for any tardiness. I had to arrive here withbothof my brothers, and you know how they can be. Jasper, especially. He likes to live by his own schedule.”
