Patrick strolled into his study, his mood pleasant after a day spent making preparations for the birth of Margaret's child. Even though they were several weeks away from the due date, he had always been one to get things done early. Not even Mrs. Devon's announcement that Princess Belanov had taken Violet on a shopping spree could dampen his mood. Yes, he had wanted Violet to be here when he came home, but it was no matter, she would be back soon.

Picking up the first of the two letters lying on his desk, Patrick read quickly. It was a note from Alexander; he was still attending business in Eastern Clan territory but would be back soon. Patrick picked up the second letter. He was halfway through the communication from his solicitor when there was a knock on the door.

"Yes?"

"I am sorry, my Lord, but a messenger just came and he says he has urgent news," Mrs. Devon spoke from the crack in the doorway.

"Thank you Mrs. Devon, send him in."

***

Violet walked up the steps to Patrick's town house with a smile on her face. The blue tulle dress in the package under her arm had felt wonderful on her skin, and Angelica assured her that it looked just as good.

Would Patrick like it?

She couldn't wait to find out. Getting excited about something as simple as a dress was not at all like her, but she was doing all sorts of uncharacteristic things since she met Lord Bruce. 

"Violet?"

Violet almost jumped in surprise as someone said her name from a few feet behind her. A quick sniff told her it was Old Graham. She turned about, annoyed with herself for being so distracted that she had allowed someone to sneak up on her. 

"Graham, how are you?"

"I'm fine Violet, we are doing well." The little rustling sound alerted her to something in Graham's hands. She turned her head a little to the left: Smoke, hair wax, sweat, hay and the unmistakable scent of the circus animals. Only cloth soaked up smells in such a way, the object had to be Graham's hat.

"That is good to hear," Violet smiled, waiting for Graham to explain what he was doing there.

"I know I shouldn't be here, but I came to see if you might agree to do the show tonight."

Violet was immediately worried, "Has something happened to Nicu?"

"No, no. But Nicu did have to leave all of a sudden and I'm left without a musical act. He will be back tomorrow," the Circus owner rushed to add, "So it really is only this evenings show that is short handed. And I was wondering if perhaps you have time..."

Relieved that there was no real problem, Violet considered for a moment. Patrick had planned out their evening; they were going to dine out together for the first time, take a walk and then he was going read to her again. When he was making such an effort to treat her like she was special, she couldn't just renege on their plans. "I'm sorry Graham, but I have a prior engagement this evening. You know I would love to help you."

Graham cleared his throat, and stepped closer. Taking her hand he raised her gloved fingers to his lips, "I know you would help if you could lass, so I wont badger you. Good day, Lady Violin." 

"Good day," Violet replied, feeling sorry for disappointing the man that had treated her well these past months. 

Turning back towards the house, she was almost at the door when Patrick's scent drifted over her.

"Violet, there you are!" 

"Hello Pat - "

"I'm glad I caught you," he cut her off quickly, and for the first time she took notice of the other scents surrounding him. He was wearing several layers of clothing, the scent of soap permeated from his face and there was felt above his hair. He was definitely dressed to go out. "There is something I need to do, so I will see you in the morning."

"Alright, I..." Violet did not manage to say more before he rushed down the stairs and she heard the small iron-gate by the pavement snap shut.

He hadn't even bothered to explain why he was canceling their evening together. 

That was how special she was.

She was a fool. 

A bloody fool.