“There was one particular ball when Isadora, Daphne, and I decided that mingling was absolutely out of the question. So, we found ourselves an unoccupied corner near the back of the ballroom,” she admitted, shaking her head.
“We spent nearly half an hour whispering and giggling amongst ourselves until one of the hosts found us. It was absolutelymortifying. They tried to lead us back into the crowd, and poor Isadora tripped over her gown in the process.”
Nicholas couldn’t contain his laughter. “Well, look at you now.”
“Yes,” she met his gaze. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. “You know, this evening has reminded me of something I’d almost forgotten.”
“And what might that be?”
For some strange reason, his thoughts lingered back to what she had told him about Lord Kembert. Washewhat she had forgotten about? If that was the case, he found himself wishing that it was left forgotten.
“A vow I made long ago—with my friends, Isadora and Daphne. We were younger then, of course. But…” She hesitated, her steps faltering for the briefest of moments before she resumed the rhythm of the dance. “Well, I remember that it felt quite important to us back then.”
Nicholas felt his curiosity pique immediately, but he refrained himself from asking what it was. If she wanted him to know, she would tell him.
“I suppose it’s a bit silly now,” she said, laughing nervously.
“You can tell me.” It took all he had to keep his voice from sounding too curious.
“I am afraid you will judge me.”
Nicholas’ grip on her waist tightened subtly. “Your admission is safe with me.”
She was quiet for a moment. “We promised each other that we would find our Prince Charmings. And that we would never settle anything less. That we would have lives filled with love, not just obligation.”
“Oh.”
Nicholas’s chest tightened at her words, an unfamiliar ache settling there.
“Yes, well, to be fair—it seemed quite simple back?—”
He cut her off, “Do you still believe in that vow?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted after a pause. “I think part of me still does, even if the world has proven to be… less accommodating to such dreams.”
Nicholas could not help but feel guilt at her admission. He had never believed in such ideals—fairy tales were luxuries that life had not afforded him. Love itself felt like a concept unknown to him.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly when he did not offer her a response. “I shouldn’t have brought that up here. This is hardly the time or place.”
Nicholas shook his head, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in his chest. “There’s no need to apologize. You’re entitled to your thoughts, Violet.”
Violet gave a polite smile. “I suppose it’s the music. It has a way of stirring old memories.”
“Perhaps,” Nicholas replied.
But one thing was clear. She has suddenly given him a lot to think about.
CHAPTER 20
“Good morning.”
Violet, already seated with her tea for breakfast, nearly spilled it at the unexpected sound of his voice. She glanced up quickly, her green eyes wide with surprise.
“Good morning.” Violet blinked, recovering quickly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Nicholas smirked faintly as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “After last night’s event, I thought it prudent to check on the hostess.”
“Oh. Well, I am doing just fine, thank you.”
