“I can see it in the way you look at him—and the way he looks at you. It’s quite endearing, really.”
“I do not look at him in any particular way,” she countered, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “And if you keepspeaking so loudly, the entire ton will think the same ridiculous things as you.”
Leopold raised an eyebrow, clearly undeterred. “And why would that be so terrible? You are married after all. The ton loves a good romance.”
She sighed, casting her gaze toward the floor in exasperation. It would be so terrible because it was not true. Getting her hopes up would be heartbreaking, and Violet did not wish to tread down that path.
“I think you’ve had enough wine for one evening,” she said finally, her voice cool. “Perhaps you should retire before your imagination runs away with you.”
Leopold laughed, raising his glass in mock surrender. “As you wish, dear sister. I am just telling you what is obvious. You will realize it on your own in due time.”
Violet rolled her eyes, as Leopold walked away, leaving her to process his words. Her gaze drifted across the room, landing on Nicholas once more. He was deep in conversation with another guest, his expression composed but his posture relaxed.
In love?
No. It was mere admiration if anything. She would not allow herself to feel anything different.
The ball was a resounding success by all appearances. Nicholas observed it all from his vantage point near the edge of the room, a glass of wine in his hand.
She had done as well as any duchess. And she lookedthe part. His gaze kept drifting to her. She wore a gown of deep green that hugged her figure just enough to leave an impression without scandalizing the room.
Nicholas’ fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. He told himself he was merely observing, ensuring that the guests treated her with the respect she deserved. That was his duty as her husband. But the truth of the matter was far less simple. He had been watching her all night, drawn to her.
He shifted his weight, setting his glass down on a nearby table. Perhaps he could justify it. The guests expected them to dance at least once tonight; it was their first official event as a couple. To refuse would invite questions. Yes, that was reason enough, wasn’t it?
Still, he hesitated.I have to maintain my distance.
Nicholas exhaled sharply, brushing a hand over his jaw.Damn it.
Before he could overthink further, he moved forward and found his way towards her.
Violet noticed him before he reached her. She turned slightly, smiling as he came into view.
“Nicholas,” she greeted.
“Dance with me,” he said simply before he could talk himself out of it. It wasn’t a request so much as a statement though there was a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze.
She nodded, placing her hand into his as he led them to the dance floor. Nicholas’ hand rested firmly at her waist, while her smaller hand lay delicately in his.
They were too close for comfort. But for a moment, he allowed himself not to care as his grip on her waist tightened.
“You’ve become quite adept at commanding a room,” Nicholas said. “All eyes seem to be on you.”
“I suppose I’ve learnt it from the best,” she blushed.
“Well, then you must be an excellent student,” he nodded. “Because you make it seem quite effortless.”
Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, but she quickly looked away. “My friends would laugh to hear such praise. We’ve alwaysseen ourselves as wallflowers, always on the edges of these grand events.”
“I’m sure they would be proud of you,” he noted. She had shown remarkable progress, and that alone warranted praise.
“Yes, well. I suppose they would,” she admitted, smiling now. “I have to say that I am quite happy with how this evening turned out as well. If you had told me a year ago that I would be comfortable interacting with so many people, I would not have believed you.”
“Charm is not learned, Violet,” he raised an eyebrow. “I am sure that you were notthatmuch of a wallflower even back then.”
“Oh, you have no idea,” Violet replied with a laugh, “There were times when my friends and I would go to ridiculous lengths to avoid even the smallest interactions at balls.”
He waited for her to go on, suddenly very interested in knowing what she had been like before he met her.
