Maria nodded and resumed her work on Violet’s hair.
Violet sighed inwardly, feeling foolish for asking the question in the first place. Of course, Nicholas hadn’t meant anything by it. It had been in jest, just as he said. And yet, the moment had felt so intimate. How could something that felt so significant to her be so easily dismissed by him?
She shook her head, scolding herself silently. She was letting her thoughts wander far too much. She was a duchess now with responsibilities and expectations to meet. Getting distracted by fleeting moments and half-formed feelings was a luxury she could not afford.
Her gaze shifted back to the mirror where Maria was adding the final touches to her hair. As Violet studied her reflection, she straightened her posture.
“It’s time I take my role more seriously. There’s so much to be done, so much I can improve upon,” she announced, more to herself than anyone else.
Maria smiled faintly, stepping back to admire her work. “You’ve already done so much, Your Grace. The staff has noticed.”
“Not enough,” Violet replied though her tone was thoughtful rather than self-critical. She tapped her fingers lightly against the edge of the vanity as an idea began to take shape.
“What better way to establish myself than to host a ball?” she said suddenly, the idea blooming fully in her mind. “Something grand, something that will remind the ton exactly who the Duchess of Bernight is.”
Maria’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly nodded. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, Your Grace.”
Violet stood, smoothing out the folds of her gown. “Yes, it’s settled. A ball. It will be a challenge, but I’m more than up to the task.”
As she spoke, a flicker of excitement began to replace the lingering unease from the previous night. This was what she needed—a purpose, a goal to focus her energy on. She would throw a ball that would not only showcase her capabilities as a duchess but also solidify her place in this new world she had been thrust into.
She thought over the idea for the remainder of the day, and when it was time for dinner, she decided to bring it up with Nicholas.
Finally, as the last course was cleared away, she set down her glass and looked across the table at Nicholas.
“I’ve decided to host a ball,” she announced with calm resolve.
Nicholas paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, before setting it down. “A ball?”
“Yes,” Violet said, her chin lifting slightly. “Something grand to formally establish myself as Duchess of Bernight and to?—”
“To impress the ton,” he finished for her, leaning back in his chair with a faint smirk. “How very ambitious of you.”
“It’s necessary,” she replied, her tone firm. “The estate, our name—everything must be maintained. A ball would be the perfect way to solidify our standing.”
Nicholas arched a brow, clearly intrigued by her confidence. “And you’re consulting me on this because? You need not ask for my permission, Violet.”
“No, I was just—” Violet said, immediately growing flushed. “It is your estate as well. I thought you might have some insight to offer.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Very well. Shall we discuss this in more suitable surroundings?”
She blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean by suitable surroundings?”
“A stroll,” he clarified, rising from his chair and gesturing toward the door. “The estate is rather pleasant at night. We can plan your grand event while we walk.”
Violet hesitated for a moment before standing, smoothing out her skirts. “If you insist.”
Nicholas offered his arm, and she took it cautiously, her fingers brushing against the fabric of his sleeve. Together, they stepped out into the cool evening air.
The estate grounds were serene. For a moment, they walked in companionable silence. Violet made sure to keep her gaze trained to the floor. She didnotwish to risk looking at him. Coming out alone on a stroll with him was dangerous enough.
“I thought you wanted to have a discussion, Violet,” Nicholas broke the silence first.
“Oh, yes, of course I did… I was thinking of hosting it in the main ballroom,” she flushed, rambling nervously. It was her first time planning for such a thing after all. And half of her energies were focused on notlooking at him.
It wasn’t her fault that he puzzled her so. It was his.
“It’s large enough to accommodate the number of guests I have in mind,” she continued, trying to keep her tone steady.
