Arabella’s gaze dropped to Violet’s hands which were clasped tightly in front of her. “Busy? Or could it be something else?”
“Something else?” Violet echoed though a sense of dread began creeping into her chest.
Arabella leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Are you… with child, perhaps?”
Violet’s cheeks flushed instantly, her eyes widening. “Mother!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in embarrassment.
Leopold groaned audibly, stepping in to rescue his sister. “Really, Mother? Must you leap to that conclusion? Leave thepoor girl alone. It has only been a few months since her marriage.”
Arabella chuckled softly, sounding unrepentant. “Well, it wouldn’t be so shocking. You may consider it wishful thinking.”
The thought alone made her stomach drop. The reality could not be more opposite. Not only was she not with child, she was also now without her husband.
“No, Mother, I’m not with child. And I’d appreciate it if we could talk about something else,” Violet said, more firmly now.
Arabella relented with a small nod. “Very well, my dear. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
Leopold stepped forward, his grin softening. “Pay no attention to mother. She is just eager to be a grandmother and cannot wait till the day arrives. We’re just glad to see you again.”
“And I, you,” Violet replied, grateful for the change in tone.
But the reprieve was short-lived.
“Where is the Duke?” Jasper asked casually though there was a pointed undertone to his question. His sharp gaze didn’t miss much.
Violet felt herself growing nervous. She had been dreading this question, knowing it was inevitable. “Nicholas… is away on urgent business,” she said, keeping her tone as neutral as possible.
Jasper raised an eyebrow. “Urgent business? At this time of year?”
Violet hesitated, her gaze flickering between her brothers.
“Yes. He had matters to attend to… estate matters.”
“What sort of matters, exactly?” Leopold jumped into the conversation.
She opened her mouth to reply but found herself stammering instead. “I… I didn’t ask for details. It’s not my place to question his responsibilities.”
Her brothers exchanged a glance. Jasper leaned forward. “How long has he been gone, Violet?”
Violet’s chest tightened further.Great,they had decided to interrogate her. “A few days.”
“A few days,” Jasper repeated, his suspicion now apparent. “And he didn’t tell you when he’d be back?”
“No,” she said quickly. “I suppose neither of us deemed it necessary.”
“Not necessary?” Leopold almost laughed. “Mother, tell us, did Father not let you know how long he’d be away for as well? It seems a bit odd to not share that information with your spouse.”
Violet interrupted him, growing annoyed. “I do not see the point of reading so deeply into this.”
“We are your brothers,” Jasper said. “Just because you are married now does not mean we stop worrying about you. And frankly, the way you’re avoiding answering clearly makes me wonder if something is wrong. He didn’t… do anything, did he?” His voice took on a protective edge towards the end.
“What? No!” Violet exclaimed, abruptly. The force of her reply startled even herself. “Nicholas has done nothing. This is just… how things are sometimes.”
Jasper wasn’t convinced. “Forgive us if we’re not entirely reassured. You don’t look like yourself, Violet. You look…” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “… a bit worn.”
“I did not want to point it out but I noticed that immediately as well,” Leopold added, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “Has he hurt you in any way?”
“I said he hasn’t,” Violet interrupted, her voice firmer now. She clenched her hands at her sides, forcing herself to meet theirconcerned gazes. “This is between me and my husband. It’s not for either of you to interfere.”
