“Quite well, actually,” Violet replied without stammering on her words for the first time. “Everything seems to be on schedule.”
“That is… impressive. But excuse me for being confused, Violet. I do not see what was so urgent about telling me this.”
“It is a good idea to keep you informed, I think.”
“And what does purpose that does serve?” he drawled, finding himself growing amused by her again. “Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds as though you have everything under control.”
“Well, yes… I mean, mostly. There are a few… small details I thought I could consult you on.”
“And will youfinallytell me what these small details are, or do you wish for us to go in circles indefinitely?”
His words came out harsher than he wanted them to be, and she recoiled visibly.
“The… guest list,” she said finally, her voice quieter now. “That was what I wished to speak to you about.”
“I have no input to that. You may invite who you please,” Nicholas shrugged.
“It’s not a trivial thing,” she protested, sitting a little straighter. “A poorly considered guest list can ruin an event entirely.”
“True enough,” he conceded though his eyes remained fixed on her. Something didn’t quite add up. If her only concern was the guest list, why had she come here so late, knocking so insistently?
“Is something bothering you, Violet?” he asked finally, knowing full well that he was breaking the promise that he had made to himself by doing so.
But somehow, she had a talent for disarming him. He could not help himself when she was pouting like that.
Her eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head. “Nothing is bothering me. I told you, I came to discuss the ball.”
“Hmm,” Nicholas murmured, unconvinced. He rested his chin on his hand, his gaze unwavering. “Forgive me, but I am not sure if I am convinced.”
“You are mistaken.”
He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re a terrible liar, Violet.”
Violet’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, clearly flustered. “I just…”
“I think it will savebothof us time if you just come out and say what is on your mind.”
“It’s just… when reviewing the guest list, I came across certain names. Those that… well, that made me curious.”
“What are you talking about?”
“In the guest list that Mrs. Smith made, there were a few names that had…” she said, the word coming out in a rush, “… certain associations. With you.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes, and a smirk began to form on his face.
Violet squirmed in her seat, her cheeks now a deep shade of pink. “It’s not as though I’m—well, I don’t mean to pry, but I thought it might be… prudent to discuss.”
“And which names, precisely, have inspired this newfound prudence?”
She hesitated, clearly reluctant to admit it. “Lady Pennywise,” she said finally.
Nicholas raised his eyebrow. “Who is that?”
Violet blinked in disbelief. “LadyPennywise.Do you not remember?”
“Was she associated with me at any point of time?” he asked, innocently.
“Yes, she was,” Violet confirmed. “I cannot believe that you do not remember.”
