You’ve not heard the last of me yet, Edgerton.
AS VIOLET WALKED AWAYwith Courtney, she whispered, “Who was that?”
“Someone you should avoid at all costs. He’s not fit company for any young lady,” Courtney warned Violet.
“I shall endeavor never to go near him again.”
“Good. Trust me, he’s no gentleman.”
On the carriage ride home after the ball, Lavinia grasped Violet’s hand. “My darling girl, I see you’ve caught the attention of the duke. I have no doubt you would be a perfect wife for him”
Violet nodded. “I don’t know, Mama. We’ve only danced once. That’s hardly capturing his attention.”
“You would do well to encourage him during the visit to the museum. It will be the perfect time to show him what a perfect duchess you’d make.”
“Mother,” Edgerton warned.
Lavinia nodded and remained quiet for the rest of the carriage ride home.
Violet was relieved when they arrived at the townhouse and she could escape to the solitude of her bedchamber, where Katie was waiting for her. She didn’t want to hear anything more from her mother about being duchess material.
“Did you enjoy the ball, miss?”
“It was positively delightful.”
Katie soon had her out of her ball gown and into her nightdress. “Shall I brush your hair for you?”
“No, thank you. I shall take care of it. It’s late; go to bed.”
“As you wish. I shall see you in the morning,” Katie said with a curtsey.
“Good night, Katie,” Violet said, taking the pins out of her hair. Her long brunette locks fell down her back in waves, and she ran the brush through her hair until it shone. She braided her thick locks and tied the braid off with a bit of ribbon before climbing into bed. She was tired, but her mind wouldn’t settle. The wonderful feeling of being in Lord Alesbury’s arms during their dance invaded her mind. She knew her mother favored the duke, but she didn’t feel the same nervous anticipation when she danced with Richmond as she did with Alesbury. What could she do to win her mother over to Lord Alesbury’s charms? She hoped her brother would support whatever decision she made, and that could help her when it came to her mother’s matchmaking scheme. She didn’t wish to openly defy her mother. They’d always had a close relationship, and she would hate to disappoint her, but she couldn’t control her heart. It wanted what it wanted. She pushed the covers back and went to her desk to find paper and ink to pen a letter to her dearest friend.
Dearest Daphne,
Thank you for your sage advice in your last letter. At the Huntington ball, I danced with both the Duke of Richmond and Lord Alesbury. While I very much tried to keep my heart open, I nearly swooned with intense fluttering at being in Lord Alesbury’s arms while we danced. He makes me feel so much, it’s hard to put it into words. The duke is handsome and was most gracious and we partnered well, but while it was indeed pleasant being in his company, my heart didn’t swell with a tendre for him. Mother, of course, encourages the duke’s suit and I do not wish to disappoint her, but shouldn’t I be allowed to marry for love? I fear I’m falling hopelessly in love with Lord Alesbury and no amount of dancing with His Grace will change that.
Might I implore you for your advice on how to convince my mother Lord Alesbury is worthy and the man I want to spend the rest of my life with?
Always,
Violet
She sanded the letter before folding it and left it for Katie to post in the morning. Then she climbed back in bed and let the memory of dancing with Lord Alesbury wash over her. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
Chapter 10
THE NEXT MORNING, VIOLET WASthe last to enter the dining room for breakfast. She went to the sideboard and loaded up her plate with eggs, bacon, and toast before joining her family at the table. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning, sister,” Edgerton said. “You look a little tired. Did you sleep well?”
“It was a late night. I’m slowly adjusting to town hours.”
“It does take some getting used to,” Courtney said.
“Do you think the duke will send a note around today?” Julia interrupted, nearly jumping out of her seat. “It’s been days since he offered to escort us. I’m so excited to visit the museum. Oh, he must not keep us waiting overlong.”
Edgerton chuckled. “Julia, if Richmond agreed to escort you to the museum, I’m sure he’ll send a note soon. He’s very busy these days.”
