Before Leopold could argue further, Nicholas appeared beside Violet, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. He wasn’t alone; a young lady with a shy smile accompanied him.
“Leopold,” Nicholas began, his tone light yet commanding, “I believe this young lady would very much enjoy a dance. Don’t you think it would be impolite to refuse?”
Leopold turned to Nicholas, his expression unreadable for a moment before settling into a resigned glare. “You would assume that, wouldn’t you?”
Nicholas’ smirk deepened. “It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.”
With a dramatic sigh, Leopold extended his hand to the young lady. “Shall we?”
Her face lit up with delight as she accepted, and as they made their way to the dance floor, Leopold cast one last pointed look at Violet and Nicholas.
“That was cruel,” Violet teased, her voice low as she turned to her husband.
“I thought it was rather considerate,” Nicholas replied, his tone smooth. “Your brother needs a push now and then.”
They both laughed, their shoulders brushing as they stood side by side. Violet glanced up at him, her heart warming at how easily they could share moments like this now.
“I’ll have to endure his complaints for weeks,” she said, shaking her head. “You’ve made my life considerably more difficult, you know.”
“I’ll accept the blame,” Nicholas replied, his voice softening. “But admit it—it was worth it.”
“It was,” she admitted, her lips curving into a smile.
Her gaze drifted across the room, landing on Isadora, who was darting between groups of guests like a hawk. Violet couldn’t suppress her laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Nicholas asked, following her gaze.
“Isadora,” Violet said. “Look at her. She’s chasing off rakes as though her sister were a prize hound.”
Nicholas chuckled, watching as Isadora intercepted a young man who had been inching closer to her sister. “She’s certainly determined.”
“She’s always been like that,” Violet said fondly. “Protective to a fault.”
They both laughed, their shared amusement drawing them closer. Nicholas turned to her, his expression softening. “You’ve done well tonight, Violet. Your brother might not appreciate it yet, but he will.”
“I suppose that remains to be seen,” she said though his words filled her with quiet pride.
Their conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter from the other side of the room. Violet glanced over and saw Jasper surrounded by a group of admirers, his carefree charm in full force. She shook her head.
“Poor Leopold,” she said. “He has to contend with our matchmaking while Jasper gets away with being entirely unbothered.”
Nicholas smiled. “You’re sparing Jasper the same treatment?”
“He’s a lost cause,” Violet said, laughing. “He’ll never settle down.”
“Wise decision,” Nicholas said. “One rogue in the family is enough.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the crowd. Violet leaned closer to him, her voice low. “I think our work here is done. It’s time to leave the matchmaking to fate.”
“And what do you propose we do instead?” Nicholas asked, his tone teasing.
“Go home,” she said simply. “You still have some redeeming to do after all.”
Nicholas’s smile deepened, and he offered her his arm. “As you wish, Violet.”
Hand in hand, they made their way toward the exit, leaving behind the lively buzz of the ballroom. The night had been a success, but as they stepped into the cool night air, Violet felt an even greater sense of accomplishment.
She glanced up at Nicholas, her heart swelling with affection. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together.
