Page 90 of The Duke of Ruin

Heat spread through Simon. Impossibly, his love for her grew day by day.

“What a sickening lot,” Nick said.

“We deserve it, don’t you think?” Simon asked wryly. He and Nick had known each other since Oxford, and between them had spent more time battling sadness and despair than anyone ought.

“Of course you do,” Violet said. “We all do.”

Nick came forward and stood in front of Diana. “I owe you a sincere apology. I never meant to cause you distress—or scandal. I’m afraid I was an enormous ass.”

“I made him stand in the snow for days before I would forgive him,” Violet said. “I only relented because I feared he would freeze to death.”

Diana put her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

“Would’ve served him right,” Simon muttered with a smile.

“Indeed, it would have,” Nick agreed. “But fortune took pity on me, apparently.”

“No,Itook pity on you, and don’t ever forget it.” Violet narrowed her eyes at him playfully.

“Anyway, I’m the one that ended up causing a scandal,” Simon said, putting his arm around Diana and drawing her close. “In trying to rescue the fair damsel, I delivered her right into the heart of disaster when we were recognized on the road to Gretna.” Simon had explained all their travails when he’d written to Nick.

“I received a letter from Hannah,” Violet said, glancing toward Simon and Diana. “Mrs. Linford—she hosted the house party where you met.”

Simon briefly recollected that house party and the first time he’d kissed Diana. He’d gone in the hope of emerging from his grief, never imagining that it would so utterly change his life for the better. He itched to kiss her right now.

Violet continued, “Hannah asked if you two were going to duel. Since Simon stole Diana from Nick.”

“What a brilliant idea,” Simon said. “We’ll organize it for the start of the Season and stage it in Hyde Park.”

Diana’s and Violet’s eyes rounded. “You can’t mean that,” Diana said.

“I most certainly do. We wouldn’tactuallyduel, of course. But what a laugh it would be at everyone’s expense.”

Nick joined Simon in laughter. “I like this idea. We’ll need to explore its merit.” Since they’d be staying for a week, they had plenty of time to do so.

“Excellent.” Simon reached over and clasped his friend’s hand. “It’s good to have you here.”

“It’s good to be here, and thank you for cleaning up my mess.”

“Your mess ended up being my miracle.” Unable to hold himself back any longer, Simon kissed Diana briefly, his lips grazing hers. “And I shall thank you for all eternity.”

The end