“It is quite alright, sister. I love you and I am so happy for you and the man you have found for yourself. He is handsome and strong and such a lovely gentleman. Despite his rough edges. I think you have found your perfect match, Vi.”
Violet blushed deeply, looking towards Alexander. She could not deny anything that Lillian had said, though she knew it was too early for such superlatives. But, it gave her a warm happy feeling for someone else to be thinking it.
“I feel terrible that you feel the need to run away,” Violet said.
“Don’t. I have already spoken to Alexander and got his permission to go back to the house and study the accounts. I shall be as happy as anything with that. Good luck.”
She kissed Violet’s cheek and then left the restaurant.
Chapter 23
Violet returned to the table. Alexander was graciously bidding farewell to the socially climbing Baronet, catching Violet’s eye as she made her way over to him.
“Where is Lillian?” he asked.
“She has taken her leave, under a pretense. But essentially, she was feeling that three people in company is somewhat…crowded.”
Alexander frowned, then understanding, crossed his face. “Oh, dear. I hope she was not too uncomfortable.”
“As do I. I would be mortified to think that she was feeling superfluous,” Violet said. “On another subject, I see you are having no problems mingling with polite society?”
The dining room was crowded and noisy. She pitched her voice for Alexander to hear only.
“I am working hard, Teacher,” Alexander said, lifting and draining most of a glass of wine that had been served to him.
“Moderation, pupil,” Violet said quietly.
Alexander went cross-eyed looking at the glass he still held to his lips. Then he lowered it, raising his hand to wipe his lips before remembering himself and reaching instead for the napkin.
“That is the hardest thing to remember. Growing up, food and drink had to be hoarded. I did not know when I would get more. I still have the instinct to fill my plate and consume as much as I may for the same reason.”
Violet remembered how he had piled food onto his plate at the luncheon she had hosted and then stopped himself from eating it.
He must have realized how it looked and forced himself to only pick at what he had gathered for himself.
She felt that she could weep for Alexander as a child, suffering so much hardship and deprivation. She smiled and reached across the table for his hand. He took hers in his. Violet knew that eyes were on them, lips whispering about the public display of affection between Lady Violet Ravendel and the Duke of Lorchester. It would be the talk of London by nightfall andwould reach the ears of her Aunt and Uncle by the next day, in all likelihood.
That will be another battle to fight. But, one I will win. I will not be warned off him again.
“I feel the sudden urge for open spaces and fresh air,” Alexander said. “Let us take advantage of that huge park out there and lose ourselves in greenery for a while.”
Violet giggled, the idea sounded simply wonderful.
“Lead the way,” she said.
They left the restaurant and retraced their steps to Hyde Park. This time they meandered through the vast open space, avoiding company and idle conversation, seeking only each other’s company. When they were alone, with trees all around, Violet felt the first fat raindrop strike her nose. She looked up as several more spattered across her face. They were walking hand in hand through the copse, the nearest people no more than doll-like figures in the distance. Alexander put out his arms, threw back his head, and opened his mouth. The rain began to fall more regularly, beginning to drum on the bare earth path that they walked on.
“Try it!” he urged. “It’s just rainwater. Pure and fresh. Feel it on your skin, lassie. Something natural that no man has ever touched.”
Laughing, Violet put back her head, trying not to think about the water beginning to drench her hair and her dress. Alexander took her hands and spun her around, still with his own head back, hair flying. Violet began to feel that they were alone in a world of their own. The water felt cool and indeed, it did feel fresh and pure. She felt she could bathe in it. The smell of leaves and grass was strong in her nostrils. The downpour got harder and presently even Alexander began to find it too much. He stopped their whirling dance and looked around.
“I will not forgive myself if my silly, little indulgence, gives you a fever. I should get you under cover.”
Violet laughed aloud. Her hair was plastered to her head and his was sleek with water. Her dress clung to her, revealing altogether too much of her body. Alexander’s shirt showed the taut muscle of his chest where it became transparent under the deluge.
“There!” he said, pointing.
Then he was off, leading Violet by the hand. She had no choice but to run after him. At first, she couldn’t see what he was aiming for. Then, a building appeared through the trees. It was long and square, made of brick and tiled in terracotta. Identical windows ran the length of the building. Alexander reached the door, which had been removed from its hinges, leaving an empty doorway. Beyond was a long, single room that had once been painted white. Long ago that was. Wooden dividers carved the room up into stalls and there was straw strewn everywhere.
