Page 46 of An Orphan for the Broken Duke

Sometimes, Violet found herself confused by what he wanted and what he expected. Weeks later, she could still remember that strange moment they had shared in the nursery, one that was intimate and personal, and one that had very nearly ended with… I am not sure!

Violet had felt something pass between them. A look. A shared feeling. And when his eyes had flicked to her lips, she had held her breath, not sure that she wanted what she saw on his mind, while knowing that she would not refuse it…

That felt a world away now. Since then, she and Rhys had acted amicably and kindly towards one another, while being careful to avoid being alone. And always, there was an extra addition of tension that lurked beneath the surface, as if they both knew what had almost happened but refused to speak of it.

Putting that strangeness aside, Violet was slowly growing into her role of duchess also. In fact, only two days ago, Rhys had suggested that they host a seasonal ball at the estate as a means to put what had happened at the supper behind them and hopefully lay the groundwork for Violet’s acceptance into high society.

She had been against it… but Rhys had pushed. She had resisted… but Rhys had urged her. She had not wanted to do it… but Rhys’ conviction was enough to change her mind.

So, today, she invited Charlotte over so that she and Rose might begin to discuss what was needed to prepare for the event. And what had started as an enjoyable morning together had since fallen apart on account of accusations that Violet wished to deny wholeheartedly but found it rather hard to do.

While I hate to admit it, they are more right than they know…

“Are you both quite finished mocking me?” Violet said to her cousin and sister. “Or should I leave and come back?”

Rose sniffed back her laughter and exhaled deeply. “Oh, we are only teasing, Violet. Truly, we are both thrilled that you and His Grace are getting along so well.”

“Which we are only doing for Lucy’s sake,” Violet said as if she believed it. “He told me that he would do whatever he had to so that she would feel comfortable, and so far, he has not gone against his word.”

Again, the two women shared a knowing look.

“I am only being nice!” Violet cried. “If Rhys had erred, I would be the first one to mention it. But until he does, is it a crime to speak kindly of the man? It does not mean anything.”

“And what does it not mean, exactly?” Charlotte grinned. “You seem to have a rather strong opinion about such things.”

She looked flatly at her cousin. “Can we please get back to discussing the ball? That is why I invited you here.” She scoffed. “It was certainly not because I enjoy your company.”

“Mean.”

“To be fair, she is not wrong,” Rose added as she sobered up. “When I first met His Grace, I thought him a bit of a…” She clicked her tongue. “A bit of a cold fish. Do you remember that fight you had on that first morning?”

“I do,” Violet said, unable to contain her smile.

“Outside of that, he has been good to Lucy. As he has been good to you…” She trailed off and raised a knowing eyebrow.

Violet’s cheeks flushed once again. “He has been amicable. That is all.”

“It is more than that,” Rose argued. “All jokes aside—of which, I have many. Truly, however, I have noticed the way he looks at you.”

“He does not…” Violet turned away.

“He does,” she said with a nod. “As he always ensures that your favorite tea is stocked, or how he has spoken to the kitchen staff so that they make your favorite food, and how he has even gone out of his way to make sure that you and Lucy have as much time together as possible. He never tries to interfere or —”

“He is just being kind,” Violet spoke over her. “Why is that such a strange concept to you?”

“There is kind… and there is kind,” Rose said.

“We will stop our teasing,” Charlotte added. “But only because we both know how stubborn you are. You would go out of your way to be unhappy if it meant being proven correct.”

“Oh, I would not.”

“You would.” Charlotte nodded once, and Rose joined her. “For now… yes, perhaps we should focus on the ball. It is, after all, what His Grace wants.” Charlotte purred that last bit and Rose giggled along.

Violet looked warningly at them both again, as if daring them to continue along this topic.

However, she began to wonder about what Rose had said concerning the small things that Rhys had done for her. Oh sure, she had seen it herself. She had noticed his kindness, but always she told herself that he was just being good to her… for Lucy’s sake.

And yet, as often happened, her mind returned to the nursery, the way he had looked at her, and that moment when she had dared to wonder if he was going to act on that look… and the very real fact that she had wanted him to.