Alexander stroked her cheek with a finger. Then pulled his hand away sharply. “Sorry, lassie. I forget myself. I should not touch you in such a proprietorial way.”
Violet smiled, taking his hand, and placing his fingers back where they had been. “Perhaps, just for now, you could be proprietary.”
“Aye,” Alexander said, softly tracing the line of first her cheek, then her jaw, and finally her neck.
“I had best be away, had I not?” Alexander asked. “Before anyone else in the house comes downstairs for a drink.”
Violet sighed. “Yes. You should. When shall we meet again, do you think?”
“I have won over two more votes this evening, I am sure of it. But I need more. I have a few days. Perhaps a week. What about tomorrow?”
Violet had been hoping he would say that. “I will come and see you with Lillian. At your house. Then, in the evening, perhaps we should make our debut. At the Theater Royal perhaps?”
Alexander swallowed and nodded. Violet could see the sudden trepidation in his eyes and wanted to comfort him, to hold him and reassure him.
If only I could give him the confidence I have, somehow communicate it to him through my touch. Or my kiss.
“Do not worry. It will be well. I shall help you to find the perfect gentleman within you.”
“One that your Uncle would approve of for you?” Alexander asked.
Violet blushed deeply. “I am sure,” she said, hoping that her anxiety on that subject did not show.
It was Uncle George who had warned her off Alexander. She did not know how easy he would be to persuade.
But that is a battle for another day. For now, I must help Alexander to blend into the Ton.
“Come, lass. Lead me to the gate and send me on my way until we meet again,” he said in a fond tone, entwining the fingers of one hand with her own.
She led him from the kitchen, stealing around the house, peering in at dark windows before dashing past. Finally, they reached a narrow passageway between brick walls which ended in a tall, wooden gate. She had taken the key to the gate from a hook beside the kitchen door and now she unlocked it, wincing when it grated in the lock. Before Alexander stepped through and while he still stood within the shadow of the passageway, he dipped his head and kissed Violet on the lips. Then he was gone, while she stood still with eyes closed and breath caught.
Chapter 21
Violet and Lillian arrived at Alexander’s London home by mid-morning the next day. Alexander’s hair was brushed and silky smooth, tied back at the nape of his neck. His beard was trimmed and as close to civilized as it came. He allowed a servant to open the door while he stood within the hallway, waiting to greet his guests. The door was opened to reveal the beautiful, smiling face of Violet. Lillian stood behind her, her face visible over Violet’s shoulder. For a moment, Alexander was struck by the similarity between the two women, though one’s hair was fair and the other dark.
He dismissed the thought as Violet stepped over the threshold and he came forward to greet her.
Cousins share the same blood, as do siblings. There is no reason they should not share the same features.
“Your Grace,” Violet greeted formally, lowering herself into a curtsy.
Lillian followed suit and Alexander bowed in response.
“Lady Violet, Lady Lillian. My house is yours,” he said.
The reward was a widening of Violet’s dazzling smile. She came to him and he took her hand, brushing his lips against the back of her hand. Lillian received the same treatment and he turned to indicate the door which led to the drawing room.
“Please, be my honored guests. Tea is prepared,” he said courteously.
“My, how you have learned, Your Grace,” Violet grinned.
Alexander was conscious of the presence of servants and supposed that was the reason for Violet’s reversion to formality. He did not object, it gave him the chance to practice.
Besides, I have taken too many risks already to take chances with my own household.
The drawing room was sparsely furnished as was the rest of the house. There was no time to rectify that. But a fire burned in the grate, warming the room for his guests, though it left Alexander slightly uncomfortable. As the two ladies settled themselves on two of the three chairs that furnished the room, Alexander closed the door, giving them privacy.
“I had a thought about today’s lesson, Alexander,” Violet said, using his first name much to his relief.
