Curls that had been pinned up when they’d left.
And Violet remembered how she’d had to adjust her own coiffure upon returning to Knight Hall the day before.
Her blood ran hot first, and then cold as she sat silently, listening to the front doors open. Then, when Violet knew they were inside, she strode toward the door and threw it open.
“Lady Posy.” Violet kept her voice even as she stepped into the foyer. “You do remember we have an at-home to attend today?” She clamped her mouth shut at the sight of Posy’s disheveled gown. Later, she would demand Posy provide details of this outing. But first, she’d have an accounting from Mr. Cockfield.
“Go upstairs and change your gown. And have Gwen repair your chignon.”
Posy was wide-eyed and agreeable, which only worsened matters because her most incorrigible niece was acting… guilty.
“Of course, Aunt.” Posy pivoted and escaped up the stairs, leaving Violet alone with Mr. Cockfield.
A man Violet had kissed in public the day before.
Fixing her stare on the top button of his white waistcoat, Violet cleared her throat.
“I was rather hoping you would keep your distance from Lady Posy.” Violet clutched her hands at her midriff, wringing them together
“Say there.” Greystone appeared from behind her before Mr. Cockfield could provide Violet with an explanation. “I hope Posy wasn’t too much of a nuisance.”
“Lady Posy is never a nuisance.” But the butler didn’t move and for a moment, the three of them stood together in an awkward silence; Violet vibrating in anger, Greystone oblivious, and Mr. Cockfield looking as patient as any butler ought to.
“Well then. I’ll see you at Byrd House shortly, Violet.” Greystone bowed in her direction and, taking his normally long strides, disappeared toward the back of the manor.
Leaving her alone with Mr. Cockfield again.
He exhaled a long sigh. “Lady Posy is in no danger from me.”
Oddly enough, she believed him.
“But that is not enough. Frolicking about town, alone, with a manservant is more than enough to ruin her all by itself.” Violet refused to meet his gaze. This all sounded so ridiculous in light of what she had done. “Good gracious, she didn’t even take a maid along.” This last came out as more of a cry of dismay. “She is my only niece. She is a daughter to me. How is it that I’ve failed so miserably to prepare her for her season? I—”
“Violet.” His voice halted her tirade. She glanced up, helpless against his commanding tone. Meeting her gaze, he grasped her hand and pulled her into the small room that was also his office.
Inside, he gripped her shoulders so she had no choice but to face him.
Violet held herself rigid, refusing to be manipulated by his charm. The trouble was, her body wanted nothing more than to melt against him.
“Look at me.” His voice demanded, and he kept silent until she relented. “I cannot do as you ask.”
“I thought…” She closed her eyes. “I thought we were friends. And now you insist on…” On what? What was he up to with her niece?
“Lady Posy’s best interests are my priority. You need to trust me.”
“Trust you?” She jerked out of his hold. “Trust you? You are Greystone’s butler and yet you come and go at will, you have visitors at all hours, and you treat his stable as though you’re a guest here. Furthermore, you’ve got not only the maids, and my niece, but even my aunt and Greystone under your spell.” Violet practically choked on a hysterical laugh. “As for myself—mmpf!”
He cut off her words without warning. And she didn’t fight him. No, her traitorous body got its way, as she melted into his arms.
She wanted to trust him—to turn her worries over to him.
His lips were firm initially, but then softened. “Violet.”
Her name on his lips broke the last of her resistance. She clutched at his lapels even as his hand smoothed down her arm and snaked around her waist.
She was breathless when she jerked back, breaking the kiss but staring up at him.
“Trust you?”
