“We’ll be discreet. Theo and I both need to do this on our own terms.” Violette sat and Tricia began to pile her hair on top of her head. “But you’re not upset that I ruined your plan?”
“Of course not. This was my plan. And you didn’t even have to fall off a horse.” Tricia gave her a wink. “Theo needed to see you’d walk away to help him understand what he’d be losing.”
Understanding dawned on Violette’s face. Tricia had manipulated them both. Even as irritation coursed through her, she realized that her soon-to-be sister-in-law had helped her and Theo reach the literal heart of their relationship. “I see.”
Tricia gave her a wink. “Everyone else could see he was in love. But, like many of us, life clouds our understanding of our feelings.”
She nodded. “Thank you for your help.”
Tricia placed her hand on Violette’s shoulder. “I’m so excited to be gaining another sister.”
Another knock sounded at the door. Tricia slid the last pin in place and Violette rose to answer it.
Theo stood on the other side, grinning at her. “Theo,” she couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice.
Theo stepped into the room, taking her hand and kissing it. That nervousness she always felt in his presence tickled her insides now. “Hello.”
His deep voice made her shiver in the best way.
Then he turned to Tricia. “I promise to leave the door ajar, but would you give us a moment please?”
Tricia narrowed her gaze at Theo but she nodded. “I will be in the hall.”
Then she stepped out. After she left, Theo pulled a box from his pocket. He handed it to Violette. “The ship will leave in an hour. But I wanted you to have this before we set sail as a token of my affection.”
Taking the box, Violette flipped open the lid to find a sparkling amethyst ring nestled in silk. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured as her fingers trembling. The stone was large and expertly cut, held in place by tiny bands of gold. It was exquisite and her breath trembled as she stared at it.
“Your hair and eyes are such a rich brown, I thought the purple would look lovely,” he said as he pulled out the ring and slipped it on her finger.
“It’s one of my favorite stones.” She looked at the ring sparkling on her finger. “How did you know?”
He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss, his hand clasping hers. “It’s one of mine too. One of the many things we have in common.”
“Thank you.” She longed to kiss him again, to kiss him more deeply but that would have to wait. He took a slow step back. “I will see you in an hour.”
“An hour,” she repeated, smiling to herself.
That hour crept by, though Tricia tried to keep her company. Finally, another knock came at the door. Theo stood in the front, Ryker and Luke behind him. A fourth man she didn’t know stood at the back. Theo took her hand. “Ready?”
“Ready.” She gave him a tremulous smile. Excited nervousness made her hand tremble and he gave it a squeeze.
“Violette, this is my friend, Lord Casterly.” Theo turned to the man she didn’t know.
She’d no idea when he’d arrived or how he knew to come but she was glad to meet one of Theo’s friends. “A pleasure.” She dipped in a curtsey.
“Likewise.” He nodded. “And it’s simply Rex.”
He was a sinfully handsome man with an air of danger that must make many a woman swoon. Not that he compared with Theo.
They walked out of the inn and began the short walk down to the pier. Captain Reginal stood waiting for them aboard a large ship. It looked new and sailors were painting her name on the hull. She had been named, Marriage Maker.
“I purchased her yesterday from the local boat yard. Unfortunately, I could only get the one.” Theo wrapped an arm about her waist. “I thought you might be willing to travel to another yard to further north with me to purchase the other ship?” He leaned closer to her ear. “I know it isn’t a proper honeymoon but after our next ceremony, I thought we might sail to France.”
She gasped. “France would be lovely. And I think it’s wonderful that we’ll replenish your fleet.” It didn’t need to be said but it was understood that their duties would come first.
He gave her a soft smile. “I knew you’d understand.”
She leaned in to whisper, “I’m sure our trip north will be filled with plenty of new adventures.”