“I am certain I can do without it,” Nicholas insisted. The idea of finding meaning through a romantic relationship was never one that had appealed to him much. “No thank you.”
“You say that now.”
“And I am certain that I shall be saying it later…”
“Oh? Certain, are you? Would you like to bet on it?”
Abet?His lips parted to reply, but for once, no words came. Instead, he faltered, his mind uncharacteristically blank.
That hesitation was all Ambrose needed. He burst into laughter, drawing curious glances from nearby patrons.
“Good Lord, Nicholas! You? Backing out of a bet? Have I lived to see this day?”
Nicholas clenched his jaw. For the first time in his life, he didn’t know what lay ahead. And all because of one lady.
CHAPTER 5
This is really happening. I’m going to be his wife.
On the morning of her wedding day, Violet’s stomach twisted itself into knots. The three days had passed by in a flash—as was expected—and now there was no running away from reality.
A knock at the door startled her, and before she could respond, her mother swept into the room.
“Violet, dear,” Her eyes were warm yet discerning as they settled on her daughter. “Leave us,” she said softly to the maids, who curtsied and quickly exited the room.
“Mother,” Violet began. She didn’t know what she wanted to say, only that she desperately needed someone to tell her that everything would be fine.
“You look beautiful, my darling. Truly radiant.”
Violet swallowed hard, blinking back the sting of tears. “I don’t feel radiant. This all feels…”
“My dear, I know this isn’t what you imagined for yourself. I know it feels overwhelming. But Violet, this day had to come. It happens to every young girl.”
Violet stayed quiet.
“You are no longer a child. You are on the brink of womanhood, and with that comes responsibilities to not just your title but to your husband.”
Violet’s brow furrowed, her chest tightening further, but she dared not press her mother for more details.
“You have a role to play now, a duty to fulfill as his wife.”
The words felt like a foreign language to Violet, their meaning slipping through her grasp. She searched her mother’s face for clarity, but Arabella didn’t elaborate. Instead, her gaze was steady, almost expectant.
“What kind of… responsibilities?” Violet asked finally, her tone uncertain.
Arabella hesitated for a fraction of a second before smoothing her hands down the front of Violet’s gown. “I just meant…”
Violet felt herself growing even more frustrated. Why was her mother not being more direct with her? It wasn’t as if Violet knew much about married life. All she really knew came from romance novels—and those only showed what happened before marriage, rarely what happened after it. She needed all the help she could get and as quickly as she could get it.
“What did you mean, Mother?” Violet pressed once more. “Can you please be clear with me?”
Arabella paused again. “Well, you know…” she said hurriedly, “I just do not think there is much time for me to explain every little thing to you.”
“Surely you can talk about the important things?” Violet stressed.
Arabella seemed quite uncomfortable with the whole exchange.
“To put it simply, you must be his companion,” she said carefully. “To ensure that your union is a fruitful and loving one. You’ll come to understand in time.”
