“But Mr. Cain and Lord Redfield?—”
“Redfield is also behind bars, and Cain will soon join him. And their convictions are imminent. Even Farrell was arrested.”
“That must have been a joyous moment for you,” Violet had said, looking up at him from where she lay in his arms in their bed. “You have at last brought down the man who ruined the duchy and the last vestiges of your father’s criminal enterprise.”
“Yes,” he agreed, and his eyes had shone then. “I’m so glad that we will raise our own children to be proud of the duchy, not ashamed of it, as I always was. We are safe now, Violet. Safe from Farrell, safe from your father, and safe from the legacy of mine.”
“You’re right,” she’d sighed. “I’m not used not to constantly feel in danger.”
“I know,” James had said, “which is exactly why I think you’ll enjoy this holiday. It will be the first time in your life you can truly relax.”
So she had agreed to it, but hearing her sister mention Mr. Cain only made trepidation coil in her stomach.
“Yes,” Rosalie said. “He just wrote to apologize. Apparently, as he awaits his conviction, he has been gripped with the need to earn my forgiveness.” She shook his head. “I can’t believe he actually thought he could fool me into thinking that he had decided to double-cross Father all on his own.”
“I was relieved that you saw through his deception so quickly,” Violet sighed, straightening up and looking her sister over. “You’re taking it remarkably well. I thought you’d be heartbroken over his betrayal.”
Rosalie shrugged. “It’s a bit like a romance novel, isn’t it? The heroine is never supposed to fall in love with the first man who flirts with her.”
“She isn’t?”
Having not read any romance novels, Violet wasn’t sure about that.
“No, no. She’s supposed tothinkshe’s in love with that man, only to realize he’s a cad, and the man shereallyloves is the one who has been there for her all along, strong and steady.”
“I see,” Violet said, beginning to laugh. “And Mr. Cain was the first gentleman?”
“Exactly.” Rosalie nodded, her eyes sparkling. “And now I just have to wait for the second gentleman—thereallove of my life—to make his entrance.”
“You know, life doesn’t always work out like in a romance novel,” Violet pointed out as she turned back to the trunk she was packing.
“Your life did,” Rosalie said, flopping down on the bed. “So, as far as I can tell, it might still be possible for me.”
“I nearly married a monster.” Violet raised an eyebrow. “It might make for a good story, but it washell. I’d advise you to hope for a simple, drama-free love. Believe me, you don’t want to go through what I went through.”
Rosalie sighed. “That would be just my luck—the most romantic sister, and the only one not to have a dramatic love story.”
“Talk to Violet again after her honeymoon,” a feminine voice called from the door. “With time, she might enjoy her dramatic love story as much as I do mine.”
Violet and Rosalie both turned sharply towards the door, and Violet’s heart soared.
Standing in the doorway was their older sister, Iris, whom they had not seen in months.
“Iris!” Rosalie screamed, and Violet burst into tears. Then, all three of them were running across the room and throwing themselves into one another’s arms.
For the next few minutes, pure confusion reigned. Just a lot of crying, hugging, and I’ve-missed-yous.
At last, they broke apart, and Violet wiped her eyes. Her older sister was smiling at her, and she cupped her chin in her hand.
“My dearest,” Iris said, “you have been through hell and back these past few months! And you have been so brave. I can’t believe I missed it all.”
“It has been a wild few months,” Violet agreed. “When did you get back?”
“Just a few hours ago. Phineas and I came straight here. Your husband has told us everything that’s happened. I am so, so sorry that I wasn’t here to help you or protect you from Father, Lord Redfield, and this horrendous Mr. Cain. Not to mention Mr. Farrell! He kidnapped you as well, didn’t he?”
Violet shook her head in amazement. “He did. I almost forgot about that, considering everything else that happened.”
Iris pulled her into another hug. “Do you forgive me for not being here to protect you?” she whispered.
