“That I am always right.”
She’d thought she would feel uncomfortable with him—embarrassed. She’d also half expected him to cancel their outing.
The coach lurched as it turned onto the graveled road, and Violet jostled into Simon’s side before she could catch herself.
“My apologies, Mr. Cockfield,” she murmured instinctively as she moved to slide back to her side of the bench.
“Mr. Cockfield?” He assisted her upright but with a flirtatious light dancing in the back of his eyes.
“Simon,” she corrected herself, smoothing her skirts around her legs. What did a lady say on such occasions? No suggested conversation had ever been taught in any of her manuals on mannerly behavior.
And he wasn’t helping manners by staring at her, looking all-knowing. And he knew her well enough. Heat flushed up her neck and into her cheeks.
“You are certain the duke will not be in residence?” She suddenly remembered what she’d learned about the man from Bethany and Tabetha. “Lady Chaswick said he was in town.”
“Rest assured you are not about to surprise His Grace with your visit. You have nothing to worry about on that score.”
“Well, that is a relief, anyway. You are well-acquainted with his butler, then?”
“Very.” Already, they were pulling through the iron gates that surrounded Heart Place.
Violet clasped her hands around her reticule. “You are not being very forthcoming today.”
He smiled at her scold, drawing her gaze to the almost unnoticeable dimple on his chin. “I half expected you to change your mind.”
The carriage jerked to a halt, but Violet sat frozen, stunned, really.
“You? Were nervous?”
“Does that seem so very impossible?”
She went to shake her head but only blinked instead. This man, this charming, charismatic, gorgeous gentleman, was nervous over…
Her?
“I keep my promises.” Her voice came out breathy while he stared into her eyes. When he leaned forward, she parted her lips but was utterly disappointed when the door to the carriage was swung open by a liveried footman.
“Pardon me, Your—Mr. Cockfield.” The manservant appeared flustered but then just as quickly closed the door again.
Violet blinked at the interruption. “I suppose we ought to go in.” Still breathy, still quite overcome by what he’d just told her.
“I suppose we ought to.” But he waited a few seconds before turning to push the door open himself. “Shall we?” He assisted her to the step and onto the paved stones that made up the walkway.
“I am so sorry now that we didn’t arrive in London in time to attend the duke’s sister’s come out,” she said as they climbed the steps to the entrance. “Do you ever wish you could take part in society? Do you ever resent it, being a butler, I mean?” Perhaps if she reminded herself often enough who he was, she could keep herself from becoming thoroughly besotted.
Because she liked him. She liked him very much, and yet nothing could ever come of it.
This was merely an affair with another consenting adult.
“Servants don’t miss out, really.” Before the two of them reached the landing, the door swung open, and the duke’s butler bowed and then gestured for the two of them to enter.
“Mr. Sterling,” Simon greeted the man, somewhat tightlipped. “This is my very special guest, Miss Faraday, cousin to Lord Greystone. She is visiting from Yorkshire for the Season.”
“Welcome to Heart Place, Miss Faraday, Mr. Cockfield,” the man responded. “I’ve been instructed by the duke himself to honor any requests you might have.” Mr. Sterling stood very stiffly and spoke in dignified tones.
“But that won’t be necessary,” Violet protested.
“If His Grace says so, then it is quite necessary,” Mr. Sterling corrected her.
