The rest of the evening passed in pleasant conversation. On the carriage ride home, her mother peppered her with questions about the duke. “He seemed to be quite enamored with you, my dear.”
“I’m not sure I would say that, Mama. We had a pleasant conversation this evening, and I know Emma and Julia will be thrilled to go to the British Museum. His Grace said he would send a card around when he’s able escort us.”
“Anything else?”
“He asked for a dance at the Huntington ball.”
Her mother smiled and patted Violet’s hands. “I’m well pleased to hear that.”
It was three long days before Violet received an answer from Daphne. She’d intercepted the footman bringing the mail to her brother and hurried up the stairs to the sanctuary of her bedchamber to read her friend’s sage advice.
Dearest Violet,
I was overjoyed to receive your letter and to learn you’re enjoying the Season thus far. I would counsel you not to rush into a relationship with Lord Alesbury. While I understand how your heart beats uncontrollably for him, you must take into consideration other more important issues—will he provide you with security and protection? Does he make you feel cherished above all others?
There’s more to a successful marriage than the initial attraction, although I remember so well the first time my heart beat frantically for Thomas. Thomas does indeed cherish me, and though it seemed as though we had a quick courtship, the truth is we’ve known each other for a number of years and our love has grown slowly over that time.
So, my dear Violet, take the time to enjoy your stay in London. Open your heart to the many opportunities afforded to you. You may be surprised what you discover.
I look forward to your next letter with much anticipation.
Your devoted friend,
Daphne
Violet lowered the letter to her lap. She trusted Daphne’s advice, and perhaps her friend was correct—she should enjoy her time in London and that included the company of both the duke and the viscount. She folded the letter and put it at the back of the drawer in her desk, vowing to do as her friend suggested. Although her heart didn’t flutter in the company of the Duke of Richmond, she planned to enjoy their outing and their dance together at the Huntington ball. Perhaps her feelings would indeed change, although she couldn’t imagine feeling the same thrill for the duke as she felt for Lord Alesbury.
Time would certainly tell which gentleman captured her heart.
Chapter 8
TWO DAYS LATER, ALESBURY SAWRichmond enter the club and waved him over. He rose and shook hands with his friend. “Richmond, good to see you.”
A waiter quickly came over to take their order. “Brandy,” Alesbury said. “Richmond?”
“Brandy as well.”
The waiter nodded and left to fill their order.
“Seems strange to be called Richmond. I keep looking behind me to see if my father’s there,” Richmond said with a chuckle.
“I can only imagine. How are you getting on?”
“My father’s secretary is quite knowledgeable and has been invaluable to me, although I fear I’m not grasping all there is to know.”
“It’ll take time. If I can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to send a note around.”
“Can you keep the matchmaking mamas away from me this Season?” Richmond asked with a chuckle. “I attend very few events because I feel like the fox in a fox hunt.”
“Sorry. That I cannot do, my friend.”
The waiter soon reappeared with their drinks, then left the two men to their privacy.
“On a different topic, I find Miss Bainbridge a welcome relief from the simpering young ladies thrown in my path by overzealous mothers. I shared Lady Tisbury’s box at the theatre the other evening and was delighted when she attended with her family.”
“She is indeed a delight.”
“I’ve offered to escort her and her sisters to the British Museum. She seemed excited for the opportunity.”
