Violet let herself relax. The noise of the ballroom faded behind them, replaced by the quiet rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Nicholas was still by her side, his hand resting lightly over hers as they strolled toward the waiting carriage.
Some peace. Finally.
“I hope Leopold forgives me by the time the next ball rolls around,” Violet said, breaking the silence. Her tone was light, but the mischievous glint in her eye betrayed her amusement.
“I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you,” Nicholas replied with a smirk. “You did rather put him on the spot.”
Violet shrugged, though she couldn’t suppress her grin. “It was worth it. Besides, it might do him some good to loosen up.”
Nicholas chuckled, the sound low and warm. “You certainly enjoy meddling, don’t you?”
“Meddling?” she echoed, feigning indignation. “I prefer to think of it as guiding. Besides,youwere the one who brought the young lady over to dance with him.”
“I just thought to help you out,” he said, laughing “I don’t suppose it was too terrible of a match. The young lady looked delighted at the very least.”
“I can only hope that they find a connection,” Violet said thoughtfully. “He deserves to find love, and it would please Mother very much.”
Nicholas glanced at her. “You care deeply for your family.”
“Of course,” Violet said, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “It is family before anyone else. They’ve always been there for me, even though they do have a tendency to drive me mad sometimes.”
“I can relate to that,” Nicholas said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Though my family was more likely to drive others mad.”
Violet laughed. “Well, the two of us turned out just fine, so I suppose that is all that matters.”
Their conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence as they reached the carriage. Nicholas helped her inside, his hand steadying her as she stepped up. Once they were both seated, the carriage began to move, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the quiet.
Violet leaned back against the seat, her gaze drifting to Nicholas. She felt a sudden rush of gratitude for this moment, for the way they could speak so easily now, even after everything they had been through.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Nicholas turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly. “For what?”
“For being here tonight,” she said. “For helping with Leopold. I didn’t even have to tell you what I was doing—you figured it out on your own.”
His expression softened, and for a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then, he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. “You don’t need to thank me, Violet. We need not have these formalities between us.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and she found herself smiling despite the quiet ache that still lingered in her chest. “Well, then we can take that as you making it up to me. You still have a lot of redeeming to do if you remember.”
Nicholas’ lips curved into a slow smile. “How can I forget? You must hold me accountable for my past…” His eyes darkened slightly. “… misgivings.”
“And I intend to do just that” she added, her tone teasing.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from a duchess of your calibre,” he replied.
As the carriage rolled on, Violet felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The night had been a success, and she had a lovely time with Nicholas.
This was all that she could have asked for. From both tonight—and for life.
Things had finally began to fall into place. She glanced at Nicholas, her hand still resting lightly in his. Whatever lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain—this was where she was meant to be.
EPILOGUE
Violet tucked herself deeper into the warmth of her blanket while Nicholas sat across from her. It was a quiet evening, the kind she usually cherished, but tonight her heart felt unusually full.
Spending evenings like this had become one of her favorite things to do with Nicholas. It had been a few weeks since they had admitted their feelings for one another, and their connection had grown so much since.
A book rested open in Nicholas’ hands though from the way his eyes kept lifting to glance at her, Violet doubted he was paying much attention to it. She smiled softly to herself, the domesticity of the moment both comforting and unfamiliar.
