Violet put down her knife and fork, unable to eat any more.
"Dear," she said across the long table, "I believe I'm not feeling very well. I think I may go up to bed to lie down for a while."
"Of course, my love. You have been looking somewhat pale as of late. I'll send a servant up with a hot towel shortly."
"Thank you dear," she said, and she stood up as a servant behind her pulled her chair back.
Lady Violet left the table and walked through the well-decorated hallways, up the large oak steps to the master bedroom. She passed by several servants on the way, each standing stiff at attention and awaiting any orders she may have. She didn't converse with any of them, however. She simply needed a moment alone, a moment away from Roland and everything around her.
Lady Violet turned the doorknob of the master bedroom and stepped inside, keeping her head low. She closed the door behind her and when she lifted her gaze she saw Emmanuel standing by the bed, his clothing torn in places, his hair a disheveled mess.
Lady Violet almost screamed but managed to suppress it just in time. Emmanuel held out his hand, as though attempting to tame a wild animal. His expression was one of both fear and determination.
"Lady Violet," he said, and the low rumble of his voice sent waves of nostalgia through her.
She felt herself begin to swoon, and Emmanuel was at her side in a second. One hand was on her back, supporting her, and the other was running lightly over her forehead.
"M'lady," he said softly. "Please do not faint. I am not here to harm you."
"Emmanuel," she whispered softly, and the two looked deeply into each other's eyes.
It was as though the last fortnight had simply not passed, that they were still on the hillside together, the dawn coming up just over the hills. Emmanuel, his eyes filled with burning desire, lowered his lips to Violet's and kissed her, deeply. She lifted both arms and wrapped them around his neck, holding onto him as though her life depended on it.
The kiss broke off and the two remained together, their faces inches apart, as they studied one another intently. Finally Emmanuel spoke again:
"I've come back for you," he told her softly.
Lady Violet swallowed.
"That is everything that I have ever wanted," she said, her words barely more than a whisper, and Emmanuel lowered his head to hers once more, kissing her.
Chapter 13
Veronica woke to someone nudging her arm. She snorted and sat up, trying to blink the room into focus, squinting in the light. She was in a sitting position and realized that she was still in the chair in the living room. Her book lay tumbled on her lap, and Greg was standing over her, wearing his dressing gown.
"Hey there," he said, and looked up at him, the light still hurting her eyes. "I woke up and you weren't in bed."
"Oh, yeah," Veronica replied, stretching. "I couldn't sleep last night so I came down to read. I guess I dozed off."
She picked up the book and flipped through the pages, trying to find her place.
"You couldn't sleep?" Greg repeated.
"No."
"Was it ... because of me?" he asked.
"Oh, no sweety, I don't — no, it wasn't because of you." Veronica got up from the chair and the two stood apart from one another, Greg not quite meeting her eyes. "No, I just couldn't sleep. That's all."
"Well … okay," he said. "I'll go get some breakfast started."
"Okay sweety," she said, and Greg turned to go into the kitchen.
Veronica flipped through the pages of her book again, finding her spot and marking it before putting it back on the table. She went upstairs to the bedroom, stripped down and got into the shower.
When she came out again she could smell breakfast being cooked. Greg had certainly gotten better at making meals, that was for sure. Veronica got dressed and went down to join him in the kitchen. They chatted about minor things, and after they'd eaten Veronica offered to clean up while Greg got ready for work.
"Thanks babe," he said, getting up from the table. "I'm running a little late anyways."