Chapter 20

Violet took a step back and hid behind a statue of an angel in the hall. She had just arrived at Montclair Manor and had been shown to the dining hall for luncheon, but her attention had quickly been drawn to an argument between Marie Webster and one of the most handsome men she had ever seen—besides Greyson, of course. Yet, she didn't feel attracted to him.

"This is not the time nor the place to be having this discussion, Your Grace. We can schedule an appointment if you wish." Marie's voice was laced with irritation as she glowered at the stranger whose eyes looked just above her head.

The man could have easily throw her over his shoulder, judging by the muscles bulging beneath his jacket.

"I told you, Miss Webster, I do not wish to discuss the matter any further. Your services are no longer needed. The lady who you promised would be the perfect match turned out to be one of the most insufferable, snobbish women I have ever had the displeasure of meeting!"

Marie narrowed her eyes at the man and took a step toward him. "Then, Your Grace, it is not I who was mistaken."

The handsome stranger stared down at her but refused to back down. "And how, my dear Miss Webster, do you figure that to be the case?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Violet held her breath, riveted by the scene unfolding before her eyes. The pair made such a handsome couple that it was hard to believe they weren't husband and wife.

"Because if the young lady of whom you speak is such an intolerable snob, then the two of you are evenly matched!" Marie shot back, her head cocked in a challenge.

"How dare you…" The man took another step toward her and glowered down at her until their noses were almost touching.

The atmosphere felt so intense that Violet was sure they would kiss.

"Is something the matter in here?" the Dowager Countess asked as she entered the passage from a separate door, effectively interrupting the moment.

It was Marie who quickly took a step back. A light blush had spread across her cheeks, and Violet wasn't sure if she was embarrassed because they got caught mid-argument or because she seemed to be quite attracted to her companion. The sexual tension that had been so palpable just moments before quickly evaporated like morning mist in the sun.

"There is nothing the matter, My Lady. His Grace and I were just discussing a few business matters," Marie quickly explained, smiling tightly.

"I did not know that you and the Duke of Wiltshire were acquainted, Miss Webster. This is quite the happy coincidence." The Dowager Countess glanced from one to the other as if she were waiting for further explanation. "Are you using the services of Miss Webster, Your Grace?"

"He is?—"

"I was, Lady Montclair, but I have come to the conclusion that it is time for the two of us to part ways," the Duke cut Marie off.

Marie shot him a glare that Violet felt should have sent him cowering into a corner. She then lifted her head high and turned to Christina. "Please, do not mind either of us, My Lady. These matters can and should be dealt with at another time. I was delighted to receive your invitation for lunch, and even more delighted to hear that things are going so well between Lord Montclair and Lady Violet."

"It's all thanks to you, Mis Webster. I knew it would take a miracle to convince Greyson, I just hadn't realized that you were the miracle we needed." Christina took Marie's arm and began to lead her away.

"Very few people seldom recognize when they need help, Lady Montclair." Marie shot the Duke a pointed look.

He rolled his eyes and let out a heavy breath before following suit.

They are coming this way!

Violet instantly began to panic when she realized that she was still hiding behind the statue. She had gotten so caught up in eavesdropping that she'd completely forgotten about her precarious position.

"Violet?" Christina stopped along with Marie and frowned at the statue when Violet shifted too quickly, unsure whether to duck or run.

Realizing that she had been caught out, Violet decided to act as if she were lost. "Oh, I didn't see you there, My Lady. Miss Webster."

She momentarily forgot who Marie was and curtsied to them both.

Marie raised her eyebrows in question while the Duke stopped directly behind her.

"Is everything all right?" Christina looked at Violet with concern.

Clearing her throat, Violet stepped out from behind the statue. "I was just looking for my bracelet. It fell somewhere, and I thought it might have been here in the hall."

"I will have one of the servants look for you. Let me introduce you to Dominic Harding, the Duke of Wiltshire. He's an old family friend, and I thought he would make a good addition to our luncheon today."

Violet felt smaller than a worm as she greeted the Duke.

Why didn't I just stay where I was instead of panicking?

She inwardly scolded herself for her faux pas.

"Now that we all know one another, I think we should head to the main hall. I think all of our guests should be here by now." The Dowager Countess gave her a reassuring smile and led the way out of the hall.

I'm such an idiot…

Violet stayed back for a moment to catch her breath. The day promised to be difficult enough with the guilt gnawing at her conscience.

Her gaze followed Greyson's mother as she led them out of the hall. At least she didn't seem to be ill anymore. Perhaps it had just been a chill, after all.

* * *

Greyson looked around the table at the small group of people who had been invited to the celebratory luncheon. He'd tried to convince his mother not to go ahead with it, that it was too soon, but she had insisted, saying to him that these things were better not put off for too long.

The group consisted of Greyson and his mother, Violet, both her parents, Marie Webster, Dominic Harding, Stuart, and Lord and Lady Oakhampton.

Violet kept glancing in Greyson's direction with a concerned look. He promised himself to find a moment alone with her when the opportunity arose.

"So, when will the wedding be?" Lady Blackwood shot Greyson a pointed look. She seemed to have recovered from her initial infatuation with him and now presented herself in a more composed manner.

"Mama, it is far too soon for us to be discussing that. Greyson hasn't even asked yet." Violet threw him a pleading look.

"Nonsense. Why on earth are we using Miss Webster's services if not to arrange a marriage? This courtship can't continue forever," her mother said pointedly.

Greyson was surprised to see how forceful the woman could be when she wasn't fawning over him. He far preferred her company when she was just about to swoon.

"I think I do agree with you, Lady Blackwood. The sooner we settle the matter, the better," Lady Montclair chimed in, to Greyson's great annoyance.

He thought that his mother would have been content with the courtship, but it now seemed as if she wouldn't rest until he was married.

"I think the decision should be left up to myself and Violet, even if things are going as well as they are now." He smiled at Violet, hoping that his words would ease her anxiety.

Lady Blackwood pursed her lips in disapproval and then lifted a small bite of roast beef to her mouth. "I told Violet last time that she could have been married already if she hadn't waited so long. It was such a pity that things didn't work out, back then."

"Mama, this is hardly the time to say things like that," Violet admonished in a low voice.

"I'm just saying that it would be a pity to allow another perfect match to go to waste. The two of you should get married as soon as possible. I know things would have worked out before." Lady Blackwood whispered the last part loud enough for everyone to hear.

Greyson felt his blood boiling with irritation. Her mother couldn't possibly have known that her previous suitor had broken her heart. No caring mother would want their daughter to have a marriage like that.

"Violet and I will discuss matters when the time is right. There is no need for anyone to interfere." He winked at Violet and shot her mother a charming smile that he hoped would placate her.

It was Lady Oakhampton who chimed in next when Violet began to look even more uncomfortable. "I think Lord Montclair is a far better match for Violet anyway. She needed a more suitable partner for a successful marriage."

"I can't say that I cared for the chap much either," Lord Oakhampton spoke for the very first time since arriving at the manor.

Greyson wasn't sure how to sum the man up at first, but the more he understood his character, the more he liked him.

"I was just stating an opinion, there is no need to gang up on me." Lady Blackwood's expression soured as she continued to eat her meal.

"Come now, Anna, let the children be. I don't think anyone was ganging up on you. Greyson is a far better fit for Violet, and you know it. It's better in the end that things didn't work out in the past." Lord Blackwood put a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.

They were already halfway through the luncheon, and Lord Blackwood's nose had already begun to turn a light shade of red. Greyson had noticed that the man liked his drink, and he'd also noticed that Violet grew increasingly embarrassed the more he drank.

Before anyone else could add their opinion or make a scene, Greyson raised his glass, drawing their attention to him. "In light of the reason that everyone has gathered here this afternoon, I would like to make a toast to Violet."

He waited for everyone to lift their glasses.

Panic filled her eyes as heat flooded her cheeks, but Greyson smiled at her, nonetheless. He would explain the reason behind his diversion when the two of them were alone.

"To the most amazing, beautiful, witty, and wonderful woman I have ever met. May her future be filled with many adventures, no matter which path she decides to take. For never before has anyone as kind as her ever walked this earth."

He held her gaze as everyone around the table raised their glasses.

"To Violet," everyone spoke in unison as they toasted the woman he was pretending to court.

"Thank you, everyone. I can't say that I deserve such kind words of praise, but I am grateful for the journey so far," Violet said sheepishly when loving glances were cast in her direction.

Greyson didn't blame his mother for becoming so fond of Violet. She had this way of captivating a person from the very first meeting. Even he had to admit that she had earned a special place in his life. He just hoped that his mother wouldn't be too disappointed when everything came to an end.

Marie caught Greyson's gaze. There was a strange look in her eyes that made him feel as if she were staring into his soul. What was it about the woman that made her seem so damn intimidating yet still a picture of elegance?

"I wish the two of you all the happiness in the world. God knows that marriage isn't for everyone," the Duke of Wiltshire drawled while glaring at Marie, before he took a sip of wine.

"Well, it definitely isn't for people who are too in love with themselves to notice anyone else," Marie shot back, then gave Violet a warm smile. "I know that this match will be successful, since neither of you loves your reflection more than anyone else's company."

The Duke nearly choked on his drink, reaching for the napkin beside his plate to dab at the droplets that ran down his chin.

Greyson couldn't help but wonder if anything had happened between the two. By the looks on everyone's faces, he could see that he wasn't the only curious one.

"I think it's time for dessert. Perhaps the younger people would like to have a walk in the gardens while we have our tea in the parlor, if that is agreeable with you, Lady Blackwood?" the Dowager Countess piped up.

Marie turned toward her with a grateful smile. "Thank you, My Lady, but if it is all right with you, I will be excusing myself after dessert. There are a few things that I need to see to back at home."

"And I'm afraid that I, too, must leave. As wonderful as the afternoon has been, I must go back home." The Duke glared at Marie, clearly still vexed by her words from earlier.

Lady Oakhampton cleared her throat and turned to Christina. "Lord Oakhampton and I will be more than happy to act as chaperones for Violet and Greyson, My Lady. You need not worry. Of course, Lord Arlington is more than welcome to join the walk if he wishes."

All eyes turned to Stuart, who had remained silent but observant throughout the meal. "Certainly." He placed his fork beside his plate. "Things are already so tense in here, it wouldn't matter if we move the tension to the gardens." He gave a lazy smirk.

Lady Montclair shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose.

Greyson picked up his glass. "Leave it to Stuart to point out the obvious when the rest of us have tried our hardest to avoid the matter," he muttered under his breath.

Violet burst into laughter just as she took a sip of her wine, spraying the white tablecloth with bright red droplets.

Seeing her laugh warmed his heart, despite the fact that his mother's celebratory luncheon had almost failed.

Everyone averted their gazes and focused back on their plates, leaving Violet and Greyson to exchange heated looks from across the table.

Was she thinking about the night before as much as he was?