When she next opened her eyes, Violet was in her bed, alone. The covers neatly drawn up to her chin and her body curled into a warm ball.
Somebody had carried her back to her room and put her to bed.
She sighed, confused, but exhausted. Stretching her limbs as an unfamiliar ache made itself known in muscles she had never used before.
Rolling over, she wondered what twist of fate had placed her in this unholy situation.
A duchess, a wife. A plaything for a rich entitled duke who could do as he pleased.
Then, sleep overtook her. Drawing her down into the familiar oblivion of slumber.
CHAPTERSIX
Richard satopposite the duke after he carried Violet back to her bed, his gaze thoughtful as he took in the relaxed mein of his friend.
“You look very pleased with yourself,” he said to Ashton, leaning back and settling one foot over a knee.
The Duke raised a brow in his direction, lifting his glass to the space between them. Richard suspected he was well on his way to being foxed, although the duke hardly ever appeared inebriated.
“To my consummated marriage.”
Richard glanced to the bed, noting the small dark spot where the evidence of Violet's innocence marred the sheets.
“You are thinking of her,” said Ashton, leaning his head back against the chair and closing his eyes. “I can practically hear your indecent thoughts right now.”
“She is… something special,” admitted Richard, tilting his head in acknowledgement.
The two men sat in silence for a moment.
The duke cleared his throat, then cracked an eye open. “I admit I was somewhat surprised, myself. What lucky bastards we are.”
Richard bit back a retort, snorting. “You are an idiot. I hope you will treat her with more finesse, the next time you have her.”
“Why? Is that not what you are here for? I thought that was my role, the brutal, ruthless duke who takes what he wants, while you charm them with your care.”
Richard sat forward with a frown, suddenly incensed. “This is not just another game, Ashton. A dalliance to pass the time. This woman is yours for life, to care for, to honour. She deserves your respect, not just to warm your bed.”
“My, my… I suppose you are feeling somewhat tense, due to the events earlier, but no need to take it out on me.”
Richard scowled. “You need an heir, yes. I agree it is well past the time you looked to fill your nursery. But you have gained a duchess in the process, and I will not let you neglect her.”
The duke laughed, a harsh bark of sound as he leaned forward incredulously. “Neglect her?You forget yourself, my friend. Do you forget what brought us here? Have I not ordered a complete trousseau at a moment’s notice, along with every other trinket you thought she might favour? Have I not lifted her out of the life she was destined to live, and elevated her not only to be my wife, but the mother of my children? Did I not let you decide on the rules of our engagement with her, choosing to go slowly?”
Richard raised his brow incredulously. “You callthisslowly?”
Ashton winced, shaking his head. “Can’t you see that I have not only the deepest respect for her, but for what this will mean for us, too? Perhaps I am of the opinion that it is in Violet’s best interests to know the truth of our union from the first, rather than allow for disappointment later.”
Richard sighed, nodding once, decisively. “I think you might believe what you say. However, I would remind you that throwing money at the girl does not prove anything.”
Ashton opened his mouth to speak, his expression darkening, but Richard cut him off with a wave of his hand.
“I must state that I will support no more games. No more roles to be played. I want us to be honest about who we are, and what we will bring to this partnership. I want…”
Ashton cocked his head, narrowing his eyes at Richard. “You want her to know you, as she will come to know me. You want her to care for you, too.”
Richard sighed, scraping a hand down over his face.
The duke rose to his feet, walking across to Richard.
