Theo opened the door and Violette pulled the covers over her head. She didn’t want to face Ryker in her current state or anyone else for the matter.
“What is the meaning of this?” Ryker demanded.
Theo gave a low rumble. “We’re getting married, Ryker.”
“Again?” Ryker sounded even more irritated. “How did you manipulate her this time?”
There was a long pause but Theo finally answered. “I promised her I’d stay.”
“Well I’ll be damned.” Ryker gave a slow chuckle. “And you’ll marry as soon as the banns can be posted?”
“Yes,” Theo growled. “Now can you leave us in peace?”
“No,” Ryker replied and Violette heard the distinct sound of rustling clothing. “As her chaperone for this trip, I must insist you return to your room. I’ll not tell your mother about this incident.” He was clearly speaking to her. “But I expect that it will not be repeated.”
“Ryker,” Theo’s voice held a note of warning. “I remember your courtship with Tricia. I wasn’t that young. And I know it involved a great deal of sneaking about.”
The sound of flesh hitting flesh made Violette pull the covers off her head. She was just in time to see Ryker take a swing at Theo as he sidestepped the blow.
“That is for your sister and the mother of my—” Ryker stood taut, his stance wide, his fists up.
“Understood.” Theo held his side. “I just meant for you not to judge me so harshly.”
Ryker’s body relaxed as his hands dropped. “Fair enough. But I’ve promised to bring back a daughter unharmed and I will keep my promise.”
Theo gave a nod and then turned back to her. “Good night, my love.”
But an idea that could not wait popped into her head. Tonight was about them and their adventure. “Theo,” she called and both Ryker and Theo stopped. “How about we marry on one of your ships?”
“Out to sea?” he asked, grinning.
“We’ll have the church ceremony after for our families, but for us…”
“An adventure.” He crossed the room, and bending down, gave her one last kiss. “It’s perfect.”
Then straightening, he whispered. “We’ll arrange everything in the morning.”
“I cannot agree to this,” Ryker protested.
“We’ll have a forma
l wedding in two weeks’ time, Ryker. No one will be the wiser.” Theo straightened. “And you can rest assured that Violette is well within societal strictures.”
Ryker’s shoulders slumped. “Your sister is going to have my head.”
Violette gave a tiny squeak. She was getting married in what was proving to be a great adventure. It couldn’t be any more exciting than that. Except, of course, for the wedding night. That was most definitely going to be the most exciting part of all.
She woke with the sun the next morning, though she’d only slept for a few hours she couldn’t stay in bed any longer.
She ordered a bath and breakfast and then sat, carefully dressing her hair.
“Violette?” Tricia called as she knocked. “Can I speak with you?”
Violette crossed to unlock the door as butterflies danced in her stomach. Tricia had been trying to help her yesterday and Violette had undone Tricia’s plan. But the other woman didn’t look angry and Tricia gave her a soft smile. “Let me help you with your hair.”
Violet gave a nod. “You’re not terribly angry are you?”
“No,” Tricia answered. “Though the wedding I’m less than certain about. If your mother ever found out…”