In truth, she was not certain how she felt about meeting Lady Priscilla. This conversation did make it seem as if His Grace had noticed her efforts to become a proper duchess, however, as he was willing to allow her to meet his acquaintances. Violet found herself cheered by the thought.
“She is something of a bluestocking,” the Duke of Farnham added. “I imagine that you will have much to discuss with one another, includingPride and Prejudice.”
The soup was removed, replaced with meat pies, chicken, and mushrooms soaked in butter.
“A bluestocking!” Violet smiled, eager to have another lady to speak to about intellectual work and books.
Emma always smiled and spoke about such topics, but Violet was still a little uncomfortable speaking to the lady’s maid. She wondered sometimes if Emma truly appreciated Violet’s company or if she merely feigned enjoyment because of Violet’s own position as the Duchess of Farnham.
“Does Lady Priscilla’s interest also lie in the sciences?”
“It depends on the science,” the Duke of Farnham said. “She has a great interest in botany. You have not been to her estate yet, but she has the most expansive gardens I have ever seen in my life.”
“I wonder if she has lilies.”
“Lilies?”
“Those are my favorite flower,” Violet explained. “I love all lilies.”
“We could have some planted in Groveswood,” His Grace said. “Then you could have them whenever you wanted. If you wanted some particular variety, I am certain that Lady Priscilla could help you find them, too. She is rather good at that sort of thing.”
“She sounds very gracious,” Violet said.
“She is. Although I should warn you,” His Grace said, “if you play chess with her, she will emerge victorious. I have never seen such a skilled player in all my days.”
Violet laughed a little. “Well, that would not be difficult, Your Grace. I have never played chess.”
“I think you would enjoy it,” the duke said.
“I shall have to learn, then,” Violet mused, “especially if I am to be a challenge to Lady Priscilla.”
“None of us are a challenge to her,” His Grace replied. “However, I could teach you. I have no obligations after dinner.”
Violet hummed, thinking over the offer. It seemed strange how easily their conversation had gotten to this point. The duke had never offered to meet with her after dinner. He always finished his meal and spent the rest of his evening in his study.
“I would like that,” Violet said.
His Grace smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Very well, then. That seems like a most pleasant way to spend the night.”
Chapter 17
Although Leo was loath to admit when he was wrong, he was forced to concede that his obstinance had done his marriage to Violet no favors. She was, as Mrs. Gunderson had suggested, quite susceptible to being wooed.
The day he gave herPride and Prejudiceended with the two of them playing chess for hours. After that, he brought Violet lilies and chocolates. He copied love poems for her and left them in her drawing room. They began having breakfast with one another.
By the time November arrived, Violet seemed more as though being the Duchess of Farnham was not a fate worse than death. She smiled freely, and her face glowed with pleasure. Leo surmised that she would probably never love him, but he could make her happy at least. However, the consummation question still remained.
Every smile and touch from her sent a flurry of sensations roaring through him, and he did not care to reflect on all the mornings he had awakened with his loins aching as the result of some dream involving Violet disrobed in his bedroom.
A knock sounded at his door. “Enter!” he called.
Leo lowered his head and feigned looking at a piece of legislation sent by the Earl of Murford, suggesting new relief for the poor. It was difficult to focus on the task at hand when his thoughts were consumed with Violet. Would she consent to an amorous congress? And if she did, would it be because she truly had no objections to the act, or was merely out of respect for his position as the Duke of Farnham?
The door opened, but rather than the expected maid bringing tea, his own duchess stood in the doorway. Leo’s breath hitched. She never came to his study, and for an irrational second, Leo felt certain that sheknewwhat he had been thinking about her. He cleared his throat. “My lady,” he said, his throat tight. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“Your Grace. I thought that I would bring you tea.”
His eyes fixed on the familiar tray in her hands. That was an odd thing for her to do. Still, he smiled. Violet had come freely to see him, something which she still seldom did. “That was kind of you.”
