“We’ll talk tomorrow,” she forced herself to say. “Goodnight, James.”
“Goodnight, Violet.”
He dropped her hand to move to the door, but she was sure she saw reluctance in his eyes—reluctance to go to bed, to let go of her hand, and to leave her for the night.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Flowers have arrived, Your Grace.”
Violet looked up from where she was sitting in the drawing room to see the housekeeper standing in the doorway, looking disgruntled.
“Far too many flowers,” the housekeeper added, casting an annoyed look over her shoulder.
“Oh?” Violet raised an eyebrow. “And who might these flowers be from?”
“From a Mr. Cain,” the housekeeper replied, holding out a tray with a calling card to Rosalie, who was sitting opposite Violet.
Rosalie’s head snapped up, and she stared wide-eyed at the housekeeper. “For me?” she squeaked.
“Yes, Miss. He is waiting in the foyer. Shall I tell him he can come in?”
Rosalie leaped to her feet and grabbed the card, her eyes scanning it with eager intensity. Then she turned to Violet. “Oh, can he come in, Vi? Please say that he can!”
Violet frowned. “You are too young to be receiving gentlemen callers,” she said. “You are not even out yet.”
“Oh, please, Violet!” Rosalie begged. “He was ever so gentlemanly and attentive last night at the ball, and I have never received a gentleman caller before! It is ever so exciting! He even sent flowers!”
“He has a bouquet with him,” the housekeeper piped up, “and also several more that are too large to carry, including an arch. He had to hire several men to carry them into the house. It is ostentatious if you ask me.”
“Yes, it is a bit excessive,” Violet agreed, her frown deepening.
A bit over the top for sharing one dance at a ball. What is Mr. Cain playing at?
Rosalie, however, did not share their opinion. “It is a grand romantic gesture!” she gushed. “Mr. Cain must be desperately in love with me!”
“He hardly knows you,” Violet pointed out. “More likely, he knows that as the sister-in-law of a duke, you must have a large dowry. And he hopes to snatch you quickly, as you are too young and naive to be able to see through his motives.”
Rosalie’s smile dropped, and she glared at her sister. “Why are you being so cynical?” she snapped. “Just because your husband doesn’t want you doesn’t mean?—”
“Rosalie!” Violet gasped, cutting her off. She glanced at the housekeeper, who was watching their exchange with a slightly open mouth.
Rosalie blushed and lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “Please forgive me, Violet. I spoke in anger. It just feels that you have been pitted against Mr. Cain ever since last night, and I don’t know why. Is it really so shocking that a handsome gentleman has taken a liking to me so quickly?”
Violet felt her heart grow heavy at the look of disappointment and embarrassment on her sister’s face. “No, of course not,” she said quickly. “I am merely skeptical of most men, after everything we have been through. I didn’t mean to be so ungenerous and hurtful about Mr. Cain. You are a beautiful, smart, lively young woman, Rosalie. Of course, you sparked his interest.”
And maybe I was a bit jealous, she silently added as she watched her sister’s eyes light up.I had hoped the flowers were from James.
But then when had her husband ever sent her flowers or shown her affection, other than their one kiss, which he had immediately regretted?
“You may show Mr. Cain in,” Violet instructed the housekeeper.
“What would you like me to do with the arch of flowers?” the housekeeper asked, sniffing with disapproval. “It will hardly fit in here!”
“Put them in the parlor,” Violet replied, sighing with resignation.
“Very good,” the housekeeper said with a nod, then she left the room.
“Oh,thank you, Violet!” Rosalie squealed once they were alone, before she launched herself at her sister, throwing her arms around her and hugging her tightly.
