Page 46 of Venus in Disguise

“Mm,” was the most profound remark Narcissa could muster. She sighed as Ash drew the covers up around her, settling himself behind her as she drifted into sleep.

He chuckled as he made himself comfortable, his arm settling over her waist and then sliding up to cup her breast.

“That’s it, my love, don’t you worry about me. I’ll just endure a night of exquisite torture,” he murmured, his darkly amused voice following her into her dreams.

Chapter 13

Pip,

Sorry I left without saying goodbye. I was told you’d not return until late and I needed to leave. Something came up.

Thanks for putting up with me. I’ve said goodbye to Tilly, who promised to give this to you when you got back.

Cheers for everything.

―Excerpt of a letter from Mr Leo Hunt (son of Mr Nathaniel and Mrs Alice Hunt) to The Right Hon’ble Philip Barrington, The Earl of Ashburton (son of the Most Hon’ble Lucian and Matilda Barrington, The Marquess and Marchioness of Montagu).

15th March 1850, Trevick Castle, Trevick, Warwickshire.

“Afternoon, old thing.”

Miss Violetta Spencer had been gazing out of the window with a feeling of quiet despair, but the soft, lazy voice caused her to look away with a jolt of shock.

“Leo!” she exclaimed, blinking to be certain she wasn’t imagining things. Though she felt she was far too long in the tooth to act like such a ninny, Violetta was mortified to discover a blush tingeing her cheeks. “What the…? How…? Why are…?” she stammered, thrown into confusion by his sudden appearance.

It really wasn’t fair, she reflected bitterly, that such a frivolous, pleasure-seeking creature like Leo had been so generously blessed by nature. His dark gold hair shone even in the indifferent light of an overcast day, his broad-shouldered physique and handsome features so familiar to Violetta she ought to be inured to the shock of them by now. She was not.

Though he maddened her and made her wild with frustration, her heart lifted at the sight of him. His travel-worn appearance somehow only highlighted his golden good looks. He moved towards her, all easy grace and magnetic charm. Everyone loved Leo, even when he drove them distracted, they adored him for it. Simply everyone.

Violetta sighed and pushed the unwelcome feelings he always provoked down into the dark, secret corner of her heart where she always kept them and did her best to breathe normally.

“Well, this is a surprise. Did we know we had the honour of a visit from you, and from the Honourable Mau, I see. Good afternoon, Mau,” she said, smiling at the huge cat, who was draped across Leo’s shoulders as usual.

“No, you didn’t,” Leo admitted with a smile. “We thought we ought to surprise you. Mau was rather concerned after receiving your last letter.”

Violetta glanced away, feeling somewhat ridiculous, even though Leo was the one who had started the silly game, writing letters to her on Mau’s behalf. But then Leo could be entirely ridiculous and get away with it; everyone else just looked like a fool. Before she could put some distance between them, Leo shocked her by taking her hands in his. He wore no gloves, and his warm callused fingers curled around hers, making her heart beat like she was the veriest schoolgirl and not a woman deemed practically on the shelf. The connection was so shocking she could only stare at their entwined fingers, almost missing the words he spoke in her befuddled state.

“What’s the trouble, Vi? Did you miss me?” he asked softly, his blue gaze searching hers.

Violetta snatched her hands from his grasp, a swift intake of breath stealing the indignant retort she wished to speak. Damn him. Why had he to come here and stir everything up? Just to make sport of her, no doubt, for Leo was serious about nothing and no one outside of that wretched club that took so much of his time… or risking his life in stupid sporting events.

“Oh, every second of every day. I am utterly bereft, dying a slow and wretched death, longing for your presence,” she said, her voice dripping sarcasm.

“That’s what I thought,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Go to the devil, Leo. What are you doing here?” she demanded crossly. “Trevick and the family are away from home. Everyone is in town, so you’ve had a wasted trip.”

“Why aren’t you in town, then?” Leo asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

Violetta shrugged. “I didn’t feel like it. I find I am in no mood for polite conversation.”

Leo made a sound of amusement, his gaze sharpening. “That, I believe. But why are you not out searching for a husband, making every fellow you meet fall madly in love with you, only to step on his heart when you decline to accept his proposal? Why do you keep refusing them, Vi?”

“Step on—” Violetta repeated in outrage. “How dare you imply that I… I torment men only to—”

“Settle your feathers,” Leo said, a flicker of irritation in his voice now. “I wasn’t implying you were toying with their affections. Lord knows any man with eyes in head falls in love with you at the drop of a hat, it’s not like you must try, is it?”

Violetta opened and closed her mouth, too incensed to decide what part of his ridiculous statement she should attack first. Had he come here intending to make her lose her temper? If so, he was doing a wonderful job, as usual.