Isadora’s laughter was so loud that it made several people look over in their direction. She composed herself but could not get rid of the amused grin that had now seemed to havetaken up permanent presence on her face. Even Daphne seemed entertained by the notion though she masked it with her usual poised elegance.
Violet narrowed her eyes at her friends, vexed at their reaction. “What?”
“Oh—nothing, nothing,” Isadora continued, her voice now lower but still laced with laughter, “I just wanted to make sure that I had understood you correctly. You were looking at Lord Kembert, yes?”
Violet nodded, blushing slightly.
“The same Lord Kembert who is skulking by the refreshment table as though he’d rather be anywhere but here? That is the one you’re interested in?”
Daphne’s lips twitched as she tried to maintain her composure. “I mean, he does look… demure,” she said diplomatically, “and you mentioned how that is important to you. But I do not think he likes to socialize much, Violet.”
“He’s just shy,” Violet said firmly, crossing her arms. “I find that endearing.”
“It is not his fault, I suppose. Some gentlemen are simply not at ease in company.” Daphne nodded.
“Both of you are far too kind, I will say that,” Isadora noted. “He is quite the oddball. I am surprised you are charmed by him.”
Isadora had an incredulous look on her face, but Violet remained unfazed. “I would not use the word charm. But…” Her gaze flickered over to the Duke, who was still engaged in conversation with Ambrose. “Ischarmreally all there is to a person?”
Violet had first spotted Lord Kembert at a ball. He had been perched in a corner with a book—without a care in the world for who might judge him. It was no surprise to Violet that some might find his behaviour odd, but to her, it made him stand out. He seemed to keep to himself, as well—not attracting much attention.
In her mind, she saw him as someone she could steadily build a life with. All she had ever wanted was a small family and a partner who shared her interests. Lord Kembert was already like her in many ways—he preferred to keep to himself and enjoyed books.
“Charm does help.” Isadora nudged her friend to look at Nicholas, who had just told some joke causing everyone around him to start laughing. “If anything, it keeps you entertained. Surely, that is important. Why, Daphne, what will we do if Lord KembertboresViolet to death?”
Daphne began to chortle but quickly reeled herself back in when she noticed Violet fire an icy glare in her direction. “I am sure he isnotthat bad.”
“He isn’t,” Violet defended.
“And how would you know? You have never even spoken to him.” Isadora did not look convinced even for a second.
“I can tell.”
“Well, why not eliminate the guess work altogether?” Isadora’s eyes glinted mischievously. “He seems to be doing nothing of much importance at the moment. Why not go speak to him?”
“Now?” Violet faltered. She had not anticipated being put on the spot like this.
“Yes, now.” Isadora grinned, clearly enjoying herself too much. “It is as good as a time as ever. Unless, of course, you think that he might not be your perfect match after all.”
“He is, and I shall prove it to you,” Violet said. “I shall go and speak to him.”
“Violet, you do not have to do this. Isadora is merely trying to get a rise out of you,” Daphne cautioned, but she had already made up her mind.
Without wasting another moment, Violet slowly marched up to where Lord Kembert stood. Isadora was right—now was as good as a time as ever. But even as she approached, he did not bother to even look in her direction.
If anything, he seemed to be ignoring her all together. Violet wondered what she might say that could get him to speak to her.
I should have brought one of my books with me. That would have gotten his attention.
For a moment, she teetered at the edge of the table, pretending to peruse the trays of hors d’oeuvres, hoping he might finally look her way.If he glances over, I shall smile and introduce myself. That will surely begin our conversation.But the moment never arrived. She stood there, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot, painfully aware that she probably looked like a fool standing idle.
Just as she was losing hope, Lord Kembert finally moved. Her heart leapt as he took a step toward her, his lips parting as though he were about to speak.This is it!she thought, her breath catching.
“Miss, if you wouldn’t mind, you’re in my path.”
Violet blinked, stunned. “Oh! Of course.” She stepped aside quickly, her cheeks blazing as Lord Kembert walked past her without another word. She stood frozen, watching him retreat into the crowd, the moment unraveling into nothingness.
A soft laugh startled her, and she turned to see Isadora approaching. “Well? How did it go?”
