His gaze drifted to the window. Somewhere out there, Violet was likely carrying on as best as she could without him. The thought sent a sharp pang through his chest. What was she doing now? Did she miss him? Or had she already decided that she was better off without him?
The latter thought was unbearable.
Nicholas straightened, running a hand through his hair. Staying here and drowning in his own turmoil wouldn’t change anything. A change of scenery was what was needed. At the very least, it would keep him from spiraling further into his own mind.
CHAPTER 24
Violet sat in the carriage, her gloved hands folded tightly in her lap. It was the first time that she was stepping out of the estate in more than a week.
Onlyon the invitation from Daphne had she finally been persuaded to leave. Daphne had invited her over for dinner. Violet had not wanted to go initially, but her resolve had finally broken down in the end.
Perhaps it would do her good, she thought, to leave the suffocating emptiness of the estate behind, even if just for an evening.
By the time the carriage pulled up to Daphne’s home, Violet was already second-guessing her decision. But it was too late now. Daphne’s excitement was undeniable as she rushed forward to greet her friend the moment she stepped foot into the estate.
“Violet! I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me entirely,” she teased. “So lovely to see you here.”
Violet could only manage a faint smile. “I could never.”
Daphne took her hands, studying her carefully. “You look tired, my dear. Are you feeling well?”
“Yes, yes. I am fine,” Violet replied, avoiding her friend’s sharp gaze.
Daphne frowned but didn’t press immediately. “Well, no matter. You’re here now, and I intend to spoil you thoroughly. Come inside—it’s far too cold to stand out here.”
Violet allowed herself to be led into the house where the warmth and chatter of Daphne’s small gathering awaited.
“Is Isadora here?” Violet asked. It would be good to see her friends in this trying time.
“I did send her an invitation,” Daphne replied. “We should be expecting her later in the evening. You are early, but this is a good thing. It gives us some time to talk.”
Violet toyed with the fabric of her sleeve.
“This way,” she said, guiding Violet through the hallway. Only a few guests had arrived so far though Violet was unsure of justhow many were invited. From the letter, Daphne had made it sound like an intimate gathering.
Daphne nudged open the door to a cozy sitting room where a crackling fire bathed the space in a warm glow. “I thought you might prefer someplace quieter.”
Violet stepped inside, her gaze lingering on the flickering flames. “You know me quite well.”
Daphne grinned. “That I do, and I amdyingto hear from you. It seems that you have neglected to write to me these last few weeks. But no matter—you are here now, and you shall tell me in person.”
Violet avoided her friend’s gaze and went to sit down on one of the two settees beside the fire. She held out her hands in front of it, letting herself bask in the warmth of its glow.
“Well, then,” Daphne prodded, “do you plan on keeping me in suspense?”
Violet’s eyes flicked over to her friend, who was staring down at her with a curious expression. “What is it that you would like to know?”
“Everything, of course,”Daphne giggled, taking a seat across her friend. “How are things at the estate? How is your marriage with the Duke going? I noticed that he did not come today thoughAmbrose mentioned that he was away at the lakeside cottage. He must be busy, I presume.”
Violet froze at the mention of her husband. “He’s… still in London?”
Well, nearby anyway. This was the first instance of her hearing any news about him since he had left, and the surprise in her features was palpable.
“You didn’t know?” Daphne’s eyebrows knitted together. “How strange. I thought he would have told you. Ambrose went to meet him the other day.”
“How is he doing?” Violet could not stop herself from asking. It was a question that had plagued her the moment he had left Bernight.
Was he well? Did he think of her? Had he already found someone else?
