“Your Grace?” came Mrs. Smith’s voice.
“Come in,” Violet said, trying to summon some semblance of composure. She smoothed her wrinkled gown though it did little to improve her appearance.
Mrs. Smith entered, her gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Violet.
“I apologize for disturbing you, Your Grace, but no one has seen you in the estate for the last few days now.” Mrs. Smith’s tone was tinged with worry, and a frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I thought it would be good to check up on you.”
“I’ve been… busy,” Violet offered weakly. She did not even have the energy to muster up a believable excuse.
Mrs. Smith arched a brow, but her tone remained measured. “Your Grace, a letter arrived for you this morning. I thought it best to deliver it personally.”
She held out the envelope, and Violet’s heart leapt at the sight.
Could it be from Nicholas? She’d had no contact with him since his departure.
She reached for it hastily and broke the seal. But the moment she saw the familiar handwriting, her anticipation fizzled into disappointment.
“It’s from my family,” Violet murmured, unable to mask her disappointment.
Mrs. Smith’s brow furrowed subtly, but she didn’t comment. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, it’s nothing urgent,” Violet said quickly, skimming the contents. Her stomach sank further. “They’re coming to visit.Today.”
“That’s wonderful news, Your Grace.”
“No, it’s not!” Violet stood abruptly. “Look at me. I look dreadful. I am in no state to entertain guests.”
Mrs. Smith’s gaze moved over her, assessing with a critical eye. “You’re being too harsh on yourself. But if it would make you feel better, I can arrange for your maids to help you prepare.”
Violet turned toward the mirror, staring at the reflection that had haunted her all morning. It wasn’t just her appearance; it was the weight she carried, the ache of Nicholas’s absence.
“I don’t have the energy for this,” Violet muttered, more to herself than anyone else. “We should cancel their visit.”
“Your Grace, your family will be happy to see you, no matter what. Besides, it might do you good to have some company.” Mrs. Smith paused, measuring her words carefully. “It has not been lost on me that your self-exile to your room has coincided with the Duke’s departure.While I do not wish to probe, I do believe that it is in your best interest to meet with people and step out of your room. A duchess does not cease to be one even in her husband’s absence.”
Violet sighed, glancing back at her expression again. Mrs. Smith was right. She had let herself go too much, and it was time to stop wallowing like this.
Mrs. Smith saw the change in her expression and continued, “I’ll inform the maids to prepare a bath and set out your finest gown. You’ll feel better once you’re ready.”
The idea alone sounded daunting, but Violet nodded. She had to start somewhere. Violet steeled herself as Mrs. Smith left the room. She couldn’t let her family see the cracks, no matter how deep they ran. For their sake—and her own—she had to be the Duchess they believed her to be.
“Your family has arrived, Your Grace,” Mrs. Smith informed Violet after she’d changed into fresh clothes and bathed. “Shall I tell them that you will come out and see them?”
“Please do,” Violet steeled herself.
She could not hide away forever.
Slowly, she willed herself to go downstairs. The familiar voices of her brothers carried through the corridor. Leopold was the first to appear, his smile widening as he took in the sight of her while Jasper followed close behind. Their mother, Arabella, trailed behind them.
All three looked delighted to see her.
“Violet, my dear!” Arabella exclaimed, moving forward to clasp her daughter’s hands. “It feels like it’s been ages since I last saw you.”
“I’ve missed you all,” Violet admitted. Mrs. Smith had been right—it was refreshing to see familiar faces after being in isolation for so long.
“We’ve missed you too,” Arabella said warmly, her eyes scanning Violet’s face more closely now. “Though… you look a bit tired, darling. Are you feeling all right?”
Violet stiffened slightly, her smile faltering. “I’m fine, Mother. It’s just been a busy week.”
