An Undesirable Duke by Dayna Quince

Author:Dayna Quince [Quince, Dayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dayna Quince

Chapter 12

Sunday May 8, 1825

Five days had passed since Violet had left Weirick on the roof of the keep, five days of uncertainty. He showed himself for most of the party engagements, but their eyes never met, and he never came within speaking distance of her. Tonight, the guests would dance in the great hall—not formally, the grand ball was planned for Thursday evening. The pianoforte was moved to the larger room and furniture pushed to the side. There was plenty of group seating for games and conversing, but the main entertainment would be dancing.

Violet drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair as she looked around the room. She’d successfully avoided Roderick for the past five days, but now as she sat here ruminating in her chaotic thoughts, she could taste desperation. Maybe Roderick was right, maybe Weirick would never care for her until his feelings were tested.

“Violet!” Bernie hissed.

“What?” Violet blinked into awareness.

“I’ve said your name four times. I can guess what you were thinking about, or whom rather, even though it’s been days since you told me not to speak of him.”

Violet sighed; she looked around the room and couldn’t see Roderick or Weirick in attendance.

“You look as though you’ve gathered enough wool to cover London.”

Violet flushed guiltily. “I’ve been thinking about what Roderick said about…his brother’s competitiveness.”

Bernie nodded encouragingly. “Yes?”

“Is it true?”

Bernie cocked her head to the side and looked away. “Well, I didn’t spend enough time with them together growing up to see that. Weirick was only home on holidays, and his father demanded he attend him for every ducal duty. It was Roderick that was left to his own devices. I always thought that maybe he resented the attention Weirick received from the duke.”

Violet nodded. “That seems possible.”

“I can’t advise you. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I would do in your position.”

“I don’t know what I should do. That is precisely my problem. We quarreled and now we’re avoiding each other. What does that mean?” As Violet said the words, she saw Roderick enter from the front door followed by Weirick. They handed their coats and hats to Greyson and joined the rest of the guests. Both had been at dinner but disappeared before dessert was served.

Turmoil, that’s what Violet would use to describe her feelings. Inside and out, she was in turmoil. She tried to school her features into something passable, but all she wanted to do was escape. Unrequited love was one thing, but being disliked on top of rejection was double the heartache.

She came, she saw, she kissed, and now she contemplated retreat. Violet stood, determined to find her mother and an excuse to retire. Her mother would be disappointed. She would see it as Violet still not trying, but she would never be more disappointed than Violet was at this moment.

“Miss Everly, how fine you look this evening.”

Violet forced herself to smile at Lord Luther. “Thank you, my lord. I hope you have enjoyed the festivities thus far?”

“Oh yes, Her Grace has been a delightful hostess.

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