Chapter 15

The coach was on the road out of London within an hour. Alex appeared calm, but Violet could tell that he was actually on fire with anger at whoever was behind the prank. She told herself over and over that it was a prank, because she didn’t want to think it might be anything worse than that. 

The recollection of looking over to find those living, shifting coils made her shudder again, and she rubbed her arms to get rid of the bumps that rose on her skin.

“Are you all right?” Alex asked, seeing her move.

“I will be,” she said.

“I’ll find out who sent it,” he said grimly.

“How can you?” she asked helplessly. Then she shrugged, trying to avoid any more thought of it. “It was just a nasty trick.”

“Was it?”

“What do you mean?” Violet looked over at him, aware that his rage was more focused than simply being offended at a prank that scared his wife.

“It could have been venomous.”

“Ugh!” Violet shook herself. “That’s hideous. Who would do something like that?”

“Someone who might not like me investigating the murders.”

“So they’d kill me?” she asked.

“Perhaps it was meant as a warning.”

“Will you stop investigating?”

“No. But I will take steps to keep you safe. And that means staying at the Abbey.”

“I prefer it there anyway.” She paused. “I’m glad you’re not giving up.”

“I’ll just add this as a matter to investigate. Who sent that to you, and how did they plan for you to open it?”

“Everyone likes opening mysterious packages,” she said. “If it was ordinary, or had a name on it like the milliner’s, a servant would have handled it instead of giving it to me.”

“I should have saved the thing to identify what it was.”

She said, “It was a black snake with white bands. It must have been at least six feet long, and it was very slender for its size.”

“You remember all that?”

“I just have to close my eyes to see it.” She laughed at herself. “And to think I was just resolving to sleep better at night!”

Alex leaned forward. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Who knows about your fear of snakes?”

Violet blinked. “I don’t know. Dalby. Uncle Roger and Aunt Judith. My cousin Madeline knew, but she’s gone. That’s all. None of them would have sent it!”

“Probably not,” Alex conceded, though he didn’t look convinced. “But it can’t be coincidence. I remember how you reacted when you saw that harmless little snake at the Abbey. Someone must want to exploit your fear.”

“Maybe. I used to have nightmares about them. I slept in the same room as Madeline when I first moved to Hawebeck Place, and I’d wake her up because I’d be screaming in my sleep.”

“Lord,” he said, appalled.

“I suppose I’ll forget it in time.”

“Well, I don’t know if this will help at all,” he said, pulling a slim package from his jacket. “But I do promise it’s not a snake.”

“You got me a present?” Violet asked.

“I did. Open it.”

She did, and found a pamphlet by a French astronomer. “Poisson’s new work on the movements of the planets! This was just printed.”

“I went back to your Mr Turnbull and asked what a stargazing duchess would like best. He said you’d want this.”

“I was asking about it, and it hadn’t come in yet.” Violet smiled at him. “Thank you. This helps.” She put her hand out and he took it, lifting it up to his lips.

Violet felt that instant shyness come over her, but he didn’t let her retreat. 

“I meant what I said last night,” he said seriously. “I started this all wrong. I don’t know what I was thinking…no, that’s not true,” he corrected himself. “I was thinking that I could pretend it was nothing more than a business arrangement. That you were someone who knew exactly what you were getting into, and we’d just endure each other to get what we wanted.”

“You still married me, thinking that?” she asked.

“It was the only way I could. And then I found out you were different, in the best way possible. Can we start over?”

“I’d say we’ve already started over,” she said, hoping to make him feel better about it.

“So you’ll give me another chance?”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Just be you. I’m the one who has to do things differently. I’ll spend time with you, and talk to you. I insist on at least one kiss good night, every night.”

Violet nodded quickly. “May I insist on something as well?”

“Yes.”

“Please tell me when you’re going into London to work. And tell me if I can help you in any way. If there’s something I can do, I want to do it. Especially if…if someone insists on involving me.” She shivered again at the memory.

“I’ll try,” he said seriously. “I’m not allowed to promise more than that. But at some point there might be a way to help. I know there’s some connection between these victims that I’m missing. A pattern that’s not all revealed yet.”

* * * *

After they returned to the Abbey, Alex saw to it that no one in the household would allow Violet to receive any packages or mail larger than a letter unless someone opened it first. He also forbade any unknown visitors, and told the household to report any strangers on the grounds. He didn’t think anyone would dare come onto his property. But then, he wouldn’t have guessed someone would send a snake to the townhouse either.

The morning after their return, Alex came into the breakfast room to find Millie already there, dressed in black as usual. Unsurprisingly, Violet was still in her bedroom.

“What are you planning to do today?” he asked his ward.

“I’m going to read up on my Norse myths. Ones about Odin, to be specific.”

“You are? Why?”

“Well, he reminds me of you. One-eyed and all that.”

Alex put his fork down, irked. “You know, Millie, you don’t have to eat with me. You can have a tray brought up to your room.”

“But I thought I was supposed to learn how to converse and hone my wit.”

“There’s a difference between wit and insult,” he said.

“It’s not an insult to compare someone to a deity! Anyway, you were the one who told me I ought to prepare to enter society. And you didn’t get me copies of any of the new plays when you were in town, which you promised to do.”

“I was a bit distracted,” Alex muttered. Then he remembered something he wanted to ask. “Millie, has Violet ever mentioned astrology or fortune telling to you?”

She frowned. “In a manner of speaking. She berated me for tossing an apple peel over my shoulder on the last full moon.”

“What?”

“Alex, don’t you know anything? If a maiden peels an apple and tosses it over her shoulder on the night of the full moon, the peel will form a letter, which is the first initial of the man she is to marry.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s exactly what Violet said.”

He put his head back, considering. “What letter did you see?”

Millie pursed her lips. “Well, it was a little difficult to discern. I’m fairly sure it was a T. But it also looked like it might be a J. Or an L.”

“And is it the first name or the last name that is mystically revealed?” he asked, with a serious face.

“Oh, stop teasing me!”

“I’m not,” he protested, though he couldn’t stop a smile breaking through. “You’re my ward. Wouldn’t it make my task easier if I knew I could automatically turn away any potential suitor not possessing a T or J or L name? Should I make allowance for an I?”

Millie crossed her arms. “It’s all very funny to you. You don’t understand.”

Violet walked in just then. “Good morning. Oh, am I interrupting?”

“Not at all,” said Alex. “We were just discussing the universe’s plans for Millie’s upcoming marriage.”

“Stop it!” Millie said. “All I want is to know what’s in my future, and instead I’m completely in the dark. Why shouldn’t I try to find out? It’s only the rest of my life!” She stormed out of the room, leaving Violet looking after her with large eyes. Then she turned back to Alex. “What was that about?”

“Apple peels.”

Understanding colored her face. “Oh, yes. She seems quite interested in any method of divining her future husband’s name.” She tipped her head. “She’s not pining after anyone in particular, is she?”

“Lord, I hope not. I have enough problems.”

Violet smiled a bit. “I know.”

He stood up, walking over to her. “It helps that you know,” he said quietly. “I never wanted to lie to you, but I’ve grown used to not telling anyone what I’m involved in.”

“Don’t tell me details,” she said quickly.

“I won’t. But it’s good to speak to someone about it,” he confessed. “I talk to myself more than you might think.”

“Well, you can talk to me,” Violet offered. “I may not be a…whatever you are…but I can sometimes see patterns as you do. One has to in astronomy. If you don’t know where the fixed stars are, there’s no hope of finding a new one.”

“Will you look tonight?”

“I hope so,” Violet said. “I couldn’t stargaze in town, and I don’t want to miss anything.”

* * * *

However, early that evening, the sky seemed to drop all at once. Torrents of rain hit the flagstones, the gardens, the grounds, the roof, the windowpanes. Lightning and thunder added to the chaos. There was a frightful din, and several maids screamed at the noise.

“Well,” said Violet staring out the window into the blackness beyond. “I suppose you’ll tell me it’s a poor night for stargazing.”

Over by the fireplace, Alex laughed. “It’s a poor night to be out at all. You can’t possibly want to leave the house.”

“Not in this weather.” Violet let the curtain fall back into place, then turned to face the room again. With the windows all covered, the storm wasn’t quite so intimidating. The fire pushed a warm glow throughout the room, and the candles on the walls all burned steadily. Alex didn’t ever have to worry about spending too much on light. It was a subtle difference from her old life, but one that Violet wholeheartedly appreciated.

A maid came in with a tray and placed it on the tea table in the center of the room. Violet nodded to her. “I’ll pour. You may go.”

When the maid withdrew, Violet moved to pour herself a cup. “Do you want some?” she asked Alex, indicating the teapot.

He shook his head, lifting up the glass of brandy in explanation. But he moved to sit by Violet a moment later. 

Before he could say a word, Millie opened the door and stepped in.

“I say,” Millie began, then stopped on seeing them seated together. “Never mind.” She turned and closed the door behind her.

“Oh, she didn’t have to leave. Should I go tell her?” Violet half rose, but Alex put a hand out.

“Don’t. She either thought she was interrupting, or she’s still a bit embarrassed by this morning’s conversation.”

“That sounds more likely,” said Violet. “Did she bring it up then?”

“No, I did.”

“Whatever for? You know it’s all a lot of nonsense.”

“I was curious about why you think it’s a lot of nonsense.”

“Because it is.”

“Yes, but why?” he pressed. “You’re far more vehement on that topic than others. What led you to decry divination so loudly?”

“I’ve told you. At best, it is a mindless diversion without intellectual merit, and at worst it is a fraud.”

“Yes,” he said patiently. “Now tell me why you think that.”

“Because it’s true.”

“I meant why it strikes so close to you. And don’t tell me it’s the mere defense of your science.”

Violet put the teacup down. “It’s not important.”

“Then you shouldn’t mind telling me.” He paused, then said, “Why does it matter to you? You’re too clever to get caught.”

“Yes,” Violet said. “But my father wasn’t.”

Alex reached over and took her hand. “Go on.”

She gripped his hand tightly, glad that he was there. “It just makes me angry. My father was the person who taught me astronomy, and how to use telescopes. But he was also very interested in…more fanciful aspects of the stars. He corresponded with several people who shared his interests, and over time, he seemed to fall under their influence. He would consult star charts to decide when to travel, or how to invest, or what to buy on a trip to London. I was young, but I could see that Mama didn’t like it at all. She thought the occult was too close to the Devil. But he wouldn’t stop, and after Mama’s death—which no chart predicted, by the way—he turned to his friends for solace.”

“Not you,” Alex guessed.

“Of course not me. I was very young. It wasn’t that I expected…I don’t know. But he forgot me completely. After Mama died, he just vanished. Always off on his own pursuits with his friends, and he sounded half-mad when he did come home and spoke to me about anything. Aunt Judith was one of them, and he’d believe her if she said the sun would rise in the west next morning.”

“Your aunt was interested in that?” Alex asked. “She doesn’t seem the type.”

“She’s more complex than she appears. She always was. And for whatever reason, my father listened to her.”

“How did he die?”

Violet swallowed, her throat gone dry, despite the tea. “He was convinced—and I mean that someone convinced him—that some new star was going to appear in the heavens, and those who could see it and put it into the right star chart according to the correct formula would be able to predict…well, everything.”

“I take it he didn’t see it.”

“He drove himself mad looking for it. He wouldn’t come inside until dawn. He set up five different telescopes on the balcony, looking through each one in turn. He cursed the clouds, saying they were trying to obscure the truth. And ultimately he died of pneumonia, brought on by exposure to the winter nights.” She sighed, feeling drained, but rather relieved to share it at last.

Alex didn’t respond, other than to keep holding her hand.

“I moved to the Peakes a week or so later,” she said. “I didn’t realize how long I’d be there, or I’d have cried the whole way.” 

“Was she the one who proposed taking you in?” Alex asked suddenly.

“I don’t know. It was logical enough that I’d go to the Peakes—they are my closest relatives, after all. And their daughter Madeline was close to my age. I never questioned it.” Violet looked over at him. “Why?”

Alex gave a shrug. “No reason.”

“You always have a reason.”

He smiled briefly. “Do I? Well, when you first came here with them, I couldn’t believe you were in the same family. That first dinner…”

“Don’t even talk about it,” Violet said with a little groan.

“They were both loud and drunk and querulous. And you were this quiet, contained lady who barely spoke above a hum.”

“I couldn’t speak because I was mortified.”

“No one blamed you for their behavior.”

“It didn’t make the evening any easier,” she confessed. “I didn’t know a thing about you then. I’m not sure I know much more now.”

“You know me better than anyone else.”

“Is that true?” Violet asked skeptically.

“Yes.”

“That can’t possibly be. I hardly know you at all.”

“Ask me something.” He drained the last of the brandy, then put the glass aside. He let go of her hand, and Violet missed the contact.

“You know,” she said suddenly, “when you went to London all those times, I thought it was because you had a mistress.”

“Interesting.” His expression didn’t reveal anything, making Violet think that he must work quite hard at that skill.

She hoped her blush wouldn’t be ridiculously evident in the dim light. “I know why you went now, but…do you have a mistress?” she asked after a moment.

“I don’t,” he said immediately.

“You’re not just saying that to humor me?”

“No. I used to have one, years ago. Never at any time I was married. But it was far more effort than it was worth, and after I was injured…” He shrugged, perhaps deciding that he’d already said more than he wanted to. “Let’s just say my priorities changed.” He looked over at her. “I’ll admit I never thought you’d ask about such a topic.”

“I never thought you’d answer the question.”

“Do you have any other questions you think I won’t answer?”

She shook her head.

“Not my eye?” He said it like a challenge.

But Violet refused to accept it as one. “I assume that it would only serve to reawaken bad memories. If you ever want to tell me, I will listen. But I have no claim on your past.”

He turned his face toward the fire, not saying anything for a long moment. Violet was worried she’d offended him.

But then he sighed. “Thank you,” was all he said.

Their conversation shifted to slightly less grave topics, and Violet realized how much she craved Alex’s company, even if it was just to talk. 

When she announced that she would retire, Alex walked her down the hall at a pace slow enough to let Violet know he certainly wasn’t rushing to leave her.

At her doorway, he turned her to face him. “May I kiss you good night?”

“You don’t have to ask each time,” she said, blushing a little.

“Nonetheless, I will.” He pulled her a little closer. “So?”

“Yes, please.” Violet tipped her head up in expectation.

He bent to kiss her, and Violet felt the now familiar surge of longing he instilled in her. One kiss would not suffice, and he must be counting on that, Violet thought.

He pulled away slowly, and Violet leaned toward him in her desire to not break off the kiss. “Alex…” she breathed.

He had her in his arms, but he didn’t kiss her again. “Good night, Violet.”

“Good night,” she echoed, wishing she dared say something else. 

But she didn’t, and he released her. Violet closed her door before she could notice if his expression was anywhere near as confused as she felt. 

* * * *

The next morning, Violet woke up with a smile on her face. Sunlight burst through her window and a delicious fragrance wafted through the air. Wondering what it was, she opened her eyes to find a bouquet of exquisite white blooms on her dressing table. A note was tucked in among the flowers. Curious, she quickly slid out of bed. Putting her dressing gown on as she crossed the room, she saw the flowers were jasmine and orchids.

She opened the envelope and withdrew the little card. For my duchess. Alex. 

Mouthing the words silently, Violet fingered one of the jasmine blossoms, which triggered an explosion of scent. On an impulse, she pulled one stem out of the vase. Ringing for Dalby, she mentally ticked through her wardrobe, deciding what gown she wanted.

“Good morning,” Dalby said as she entered. “My, those smell wonderful in the sunshine!”

“Yes, they do. Dalby, will you bring out the white muslin with the little green embroidery, and I’d like you to put some of this jasmine in my hair.”

Dalby’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes, ma’am.”

Violet entered the breakfast room, clad in the diaphanous white gown, with white flowers tucked into her soft hair. “Good morning!” she called out cheerfully.

 Alex nearly dropped his coffee cup when he saw her. “You look beautiful,” he responded, after a moment.

Violet laughed, happy at his reaction. “I just wanted to keep smelling the lovely flowers. I know this dress isn’t meant for a day at home.”

“Isn’t meant for?” Alex rose from the table and advanced toward her as if drawn by an invisible power. “Violet,” he said as he took her hands in his own. “You are Duchess of Dunmere, and you shall wear whatever you want, whenever you want. You look beautiful,” he repeated.

“Thank you.” She looked down shyly. “And thank you for the flowers. They are gorgeous.”

“You enhance them,” he said seriously, reaching to touch the jasmine in her hair, releasing the fragrance. The scent of the jasmine mingled with the coffee that clung to him. The effect was strangely intoxicating.

“You must be hungry,” Alex said, stepping away. “There are strawberries. First crop from the glasshouse.”

“That sounds perfect.” Violet said. She was more than hungry, she was ravenous. She took a scoop of little red strawberries and ate them with her fingers, getting juice all over her lips.

She looked up to find Alex watching her with an interested expression.

Violet licked her lips, tasting sweet red juice.

“That’s not helping,” he said.

“It’s not?” Violet felt a rush of nervousness. He wouldn’t kiss her in the middle of the breakfast room, would he? Did she want him to? “What should I do, then?”

He stood up. “You should enjoy your day, beautiful. I’ll see you for dinner. And don’t forget our agreement.”

He left, and when Violet spoke to the housekeeper about the meals, she directed her to include fresh strawberries as part of the dessert course that evening.

Alex thanked her for doing so when he kissed her at her door that night, and Violet nearly floated the last few steps to her bed.

The next day, she found flowers on her bedside table again—roses, this time. The bouquet was all soft pink blooms that filled the air with their heady scent. There was a card again: For my duchess.

Alex found her at the table sipping coffee not long after.

“Good morning,” she said. “Thank you for the roses.”

“You like them?” he asked, almost absently. “If you have a moment now, it would be good if you could join me,” he said.

She stood up immediately, putting her hand on his arm when he offered it. “Certainly. You look very serious.”

“Do I?” He walked her down the hall, not saying more. Then he stopped at the door to the blue parlor. “I want you to keep your eyes on the floor. Understand?”

“Yes,” she said, drawing out the word. He took her by the hand and led her in, turning her to face a particular wall.

Violet waited, keeping her eyes down on the floor. Alex moved to stand beside her. 

“All right,” he said. “Look up.”

She looked up into the faces of her mother and father. The portraits from Hawebeck Place were now right here at the Abbey. Without warning, Violet’s eyes welled up.

“Oh, my Lord,” she whispered, the portraits going hazy through her tears. “Oh, my Lord. You brought them here for me.”

Alex took her by the arm and swiveled her around to him. “Violet, this isn’t a crying moment.”

“No,” she agreed. “Or yes. I’m happy. Truly. I just wasn’t expecting… Thank you.” She threw her arms around him. “This is wonderful. I don’t know how you did it.”

He said, a little awkwardly, “I had the idea a few weeks ago when Herbert happened to mention seeing the portraits at your home. So I told your aunt via letter how much I’d pay for them, and had them wrapped up and shipped over.”

“I never thought I’d see them again.”

“If I known how you’d react, I’d have just demanded them to be delivered on the day of the wedding.” He paused. “That would have necessitated knowing you, though, which means everything would have been different in the first place.” He disentangled himself from her arms. “I’m sorry, Violet.”

“Don’t be! This is a marvelous gift.”

“I’m glad you like it. I chose this room because you seem to enjoy reading here. If you want the paintings moved, just say.”

“No, this is perfect. Thank you.” Then she laughed. “Oh, my. The roses were just a decoy, weren’t they? So I wouldn’t suspect.”

“Roses are never a decoy,” he protested. “Besides, I wouldn’t want you to wake up thinking I’d forgotten you.”

“I don’t think that’s a danger.”

Alex reached out to touch her cheek. “The roses were a little bit of a decoy, actually. I have to go back to town. You’re to stay here—no arguments. The household knows to check any package or item before you can receive it. And never leave the property alone. Take someone along for events. Only ride with a groom. Understood?”

She nodded. “I promise.”

“Good. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’ll…I’ll miss you,” she said suddenly, not even aware she was thinking that until the words were out.

He smiled. “I hope so.”