Chapter Twenty-Four An Exit Before the End

Meanwhile, back in the Reading ballroom

"Aunt Katherine isn't feeling well, and she wishes to take her leave," Philip said, leading Violet around the perimeter of the ballroom toward the stairs.

"But I've promised the supper dance—"

"As have I," he said, aiming a look of disappointment in her direction. "Have you seen Amelia? I thought she might be with you."

Violet considered how long it had been since she had seen her best friend. "The last I saw of her, she was dancing the waltz with you," she said. "Someone claimed the supper waltz on my card. Won't you give me five minutes to make my excuses? It would be rather rude of me to simply leave without letting him know."

Philip paused in his search for Amelia and finally nodded. "All right, but meet me at the bottom of the stairs—"

"In the entry," she countered, not about to have Alfred see her exiting on the arm of her brother. He was probably already annoyed with having witnessed her speaking with Crawford.

"The entry then. Don't be long, though. Aunt Katherine is probably already up there waiting for us."

Violet nodded her understanding and turned to retrace her steps to the French doors. She found Alfred leaning against a nearby column, apparently deep in thought.

"Your Grace?" she said quietly.

He came out of his stupor and regarded her with a look of surprise. "Weston, please, my lady," he said.

"Weston," she acknowledged. "I came to apologize. It seems I will not be able to dance the second waltz with you after all."

Alfred jerked his head in the direction of the stairs. "Did Crawford tell you to say he had already claimed it?" he asked, anger tingeing his voice. "I saw you walk right to him when you took your leave of me."

Violet's eyes widened. "No. He was merely delivering a message from my aunt, Duchess Katherine. It seems she has taken ill and wishes to leave now, so I must go. She is my chaperone this evening."

Furrowing his brows, the duke stared at her for a moment before he said, "The regard you show for Crawford... are you... are you in love with him?"

Blinking several times, Violet was torn between scoffing or tittering at the duke's expense. She quickly shook her head. "I assure you, Weston, I am not. Not like that," she went on, her face screwing up in a grimace. "Eww."

Even when she gave an involuntary shudder, Alfred still appeared suspicious. "You spoke of him in the gardens as if you are close. Pray tell, how is it you know so much about him?"

The reminder of their earlier conversation had Violet struggling with how to reply. It was far too soon to admit Philip was her brother. Until Philip had secured the duke's permission to marry Lady Amelia, she didn't dare reveal her relationship to him. "He's—"

"There you are, young lady," Katherine said as she stepped up next to Violet and gave Alfred a slight nod. The ostrich feather waved about over her head, sending out a slight cooling breeze in its wake. "Your Grace," she added, shoving a gloved hand in his direction.

"Your Grace," he countered, bowing to brush his lips over the back of her hand.

"Aunt Katherine," Violet said. "I promised His Grace the supper dance, so I came to make my apologies," she explained, hoping the relief she felt at the well-timed interruption didn't show on her face.

"Well, I really must take my leave, and since I promised your father I would see to your welfare, you'll have to come along now." She turned her attention on the duke. "If you possess an ounce of understanding, Weston, you will forgive her, will you not?"

Alfred's eyes rounded. "Of course, Your Grace," he replied. "But you will make it up to me with a supper dance at the next ball?" he asked, turning his attention back to Violet.

She nodded. "Of course I will, Weston," she said, giving him a deep curtsy. "I look forward to it. Do have a good night."

He reached for her hand and gripped it more tightly than usual. "I shall, my lady. Good night."

Violet continued to stare at him until her aunt's urgings had her hurrying with her to the stairs. When they had reached the top, she turned to regard Katherine with worry. "Philip said you were feeling ill."

Katherine waved a dismissive hand. "A mere excuse is all," she said. "Word reached me that you had been seen in the company of Weston, and I thought it best I rescue you from ‘His Surliness'," she went on. "Besides, I'm afraid my luck at cards has ended this evening. I am out of money."

Violet's eyes widened. "Completely?"

Katherine scoffed. "Heavens, no. I only bring a small amount with me to these entertainments," she explained. "I play until I'm out, and then I take my leave."

"Well, that's a relief," Violet replied, allowing Philip to help her with her mantle. He had obviously been waiting for them for some time.

"Did you ever find Lady Amelia?"

He nodded. "She said she would dance with her brother if he hadn't claimed the dance with anyone else."

Katherine and Violet exchanged quick glances. "Then no harm done by leaving early," their aunt said as she allowed a footman to help her with her redingote. "Crawford," she said by way of a hint.

Philip held out his arm for her, and they took their leave of Reading House.