Sowhywas he offering himself as someone Violet could learn to depend on? That had not been a part of their initial agreement. He had not even realized it till now, but they had changed the terms of their marriage quite a bit these last few weeks.
Far from the impersonal existing together of their initial agreement, their relationship was growing into something more that resembled… a partnership.
Hewas changing in ways that he had never anticipated.
Tonight, she had looked at him with something akin to trust.
It’s dangerous.
A very dangerous thing, that look. It threatened to chip away at the walls he had built so carefully around himself, making him want to be someone better. Someone who might deserve that trust.
Nicholas paused near the edge of the gardens, staring up at the dark sky.
What was happening to him?
He could feel it—the pull toward her, the way her presence unsettled him in ways he couldn’t explain. And yet, he knew he couldn’t afford to let it take hold. Not for her sake and not for his.
It was dangerous territory, for he could not tread the path it was leading up to. He could not allow himself to.
He had long since resigned himself to a life without such things, and he wasn’t about to drag her into the void with him.
“This needs to stop,” he sighed, feeling the crushing weight of his realization.
He had to be careful, had to maintain the boundaries that were already beginning to blur. His promise to attend the ball—and offer tohelp—had been a lapse in judgment—a crack in his armor.
He would help her with the ball. He had promised after all. But he would remind himself every step of the way that this was a duty—a role to play. Nothing more.
Even if part of him—one that was becoming harder to ignore the more time he spent in her company—was beginning to wish it could be.
Preparations for the ball were in full swing.
Violet sat at the oak table, surrounded by papers and ledgers. A steaming cup of tea sat forgotten at her side. Across from her, Mrs. Smith reviewed the guest list with her usual precision.
In the past few weeks, Violet had grown accustomed to Mrs. Smith’s no-nonsense demeanor. And Mrs. Smith had grown used to her as well.
In fact, Violet had discovered that they worked quite well together. Their relationship had changed for the better since Violet had arrived, and there was a sense of mutual respect building between them.
“The invitations must go out by the end of the week, Your Grace,” Mrs. Smith began calmly. “To make the process easier, I’ve compiled a list of the most influential families within the ton.Their attendance will undoubtedly bolster the success of the ball.”
Violet nodded, her fingers brushing absently over the edge of a folded letter. She had been focusing allher attention to the ball these last few days.
What had started as a distraction was now an all-consuming part of her day.
Ithadto be perfect. For it wasn’t merely about hosting an event, it was about proving her worth—to the estate, to society, and, though she hardly dared admit it, to Nicholas. The thought of his approval lingered in the back of her mind.
She would never admit it to him of course, but she wanted to prove to him that she was up to the task.
Mrs. Smith slid a fresh list across the table. “This includes those who are expected. Their presence will lend weight to the evening.”
Violet began to skim through the list. It was mostly names that she recognized—and approved of. But then she spotted one that stood out to her.
It made her pause for a moment, sending ripples of unease through her chest. She stiffened slightly, willing her expression to remain neutral.
“Lady Pennywise?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light.
Mrs. Smith glanced at her briefly, clearly unaware of the effect the name had caused. “Indeed. She is well-connected, widely admired, and known for hosting some of the grandest gatherings in London. Inviting her would set an excellent precedent for your own event.”
Violet’s hand froze mid-motion. Her stomach knotted, and her mind raced with memories of whispers and gossip. She had never met the Lady, but shehadheard her name before.
