“What happened that day?”
Duke sighed and regretted it when his ribs gave an uncomfortable stretch. “I scarcely had a moment to react. Two men. Gave me a good kicking.”
“But did not take anything, am I right?”
“I came away with my pocket watch and money. Must have been scared off by something.”
For several moments, Roman eyed him. They’d been friends long enough to know when each other were hiding something but it seemed his friend decided not to probe. He leaned back in the chair and folded one leg over the other.
“I hear Violet has been watching over you.”
“They have all been tending to me,” Duke said.
“But Violet more so.”
“If this is about to turn into some lecture...” Duke lifted a hand, “it is entirely unnecessary. You already did the whole ‘do not go near my sister-in-law talk’ before you married Clem remember?”
“Yes, and it seems it did not work.”
“Look, Vi and I are good friends. The best of friends even. With you off enjoying your honeymoon and married life, what was I meant to do?”
“You are hardly dependent on me in your life, Duke. It’s not like we never spend a moment apart.”
“Vi is a good girl and excellent company.”
Roman narrowed his gaze. “Excellent company?”
“Not like that, damn it.”
“Don’t make me warn you again.” Roman shook his head. “We both know what you are like, Duke. It’s almost impossible for you not to pursue an attractive woman.”
“We are friends, nothing more.” The word felt like a lie given the many times he’d wanted to kiss Violet. He sure as hell had never wanted to kiss any other friends of his. Of course, Roman had a lot less feminine appeal than Violet. “Can a man and a woman not be friends?”
“I thought Clem and I might just be friends...and we are. But I love the woman to distraction too.” Roman shrugged. “Friendship is an excellent start to a romantic relationship.”
“There’s no romantic relationship.”
“None of us want to see Violet hurt.” Roman leaned forward. “She’s no fool but you are not the sort of man to settle down and wed.”
Duke attempted to straighten his position in bed. “Look, I have no desire to hurt Vi. We are good friends and that is how it shall remain.”
The look Roman gave him said he didn’t believe him one jot. Duke wasn’t even certain who he was trying to convince—Roman or himself.
Chapter Seven
“Such a good little fern.” Violet stroked a finger over the glossy leaves of the plant. “You’re going to grow up big and strong.”
“You talk to plants?”
Violet whirled around. Duke standing in the doorway to the ballroom, a hand wrapped about his waist. He’d made some attempt at getting fully dressed today it seemed wearing an unbuttoned waistcoat and even a cravat. She hated to think how much effort it had taken even with the help of a valet.
“What are you doing out of bed?”
He hobbled toward her, coming to her side to peer at the plant which sat upon a small stone plinth in a blue and white pot. Violet swore she saw the leaves ruffle as though the plant was preening itself in Duke’s presence.
Of course it could have been the slight breeze created by the open rear door as reams of greenery was brought in and piled in corners by the two kitchen boys. However, after witnessing Ava’s display last week Violet thought it most likely the plant was flirting with Duke. Nothing, not even a fern, was immune to the man.
Except her, naturally. She wasn’t going to ruin a friendship nor her reputation by thinking on his handsomeness and charm and how they never failed to feel utterly comfortable in one another’s presence.