It was at that moment Akers entered the dining room carrying a silver salver. “This just arrived for you, my lord.”
Edgerton took the note and broke the seal. He looked at Violet and then Julia. “Well, it seems you won’t be waiting long after all. This is from Richmond, requesting your attendance this afternoon for a trip to the museum.”
Julia jumped out of her seat. “Oh, Mama. We can attend, can’t we?”
Lavinia chuckled. “Julia, calm yourself. Of course you may go, but you must promise me that you’ll contain yourself while you’re out in public. Such enthusiasm is not becoming for a young lady. Your governess will go with you to remind you of that.”
Julia sat down. “I will, Mama. I promise.”
“Are you looking forward to the visit?” Lavinia asked, turning her attention on Violet.
“Yes, Mama. I’ve always wanted to go to the museum. It’s very kind of the duke to escort us.”
“My darling girl, it’s not merely a visit to the museum—you’re being escorted by the Duke of Richmond. Thetonwill notice, I’m sure.”
Violet was uneasy with how determinedly her mother was pushing her toward the Duke of Richmond. She hoped her mother would show the same welcome when Lord Alesbury came by during morning hours today. She could hardly wait to see him again.
Julia continued to chatter on about visiting the museum during the rest of the meal. When they were finished, Violet and Emma headed to the front parlor. As usual, Emma had a book in her hand.
“Emma, you’re very quiet this morning. Would you mind terribly if I play the pianoforte? I don’t wish to disturb your reading.”
“Not at all, please play. You play beautifully,” Emma said, taking the farthest seat from the pianoforte.
Violet followed her to the corner. “Are you excited to go to the British Museum with His Grace?”
“I’ll be pleased to see the Egyptian collection, although I don’t look forward to Julia’s constant chatter this afternoon.”
“She does get overly excited, especially being in London. What about you? Are you happy to be here?”
“I like that there are many bookstores to explore, but it’s quite noisy and I miss breathing in the clean air of the country.”
“There’s a lot more to enjoy in London than just the bookstores. You’ll be making your come out next year. Are you looking forward to it?”
Emma sighed. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? I hope to steal quiet moments reading now and again next year. That’s what I’ll be happy about.”
Violet bent down and hugged her sister. “I only want happiness for you.”
Emma gave her a weak smile. “I know, sister, but Mother doesn’t share your desire. She’ll demand I attend every event we’re invited to, which won’t be to my liking, especially when she starts introducing lord this and lord that in a frenzied attempt to see me wed.”
“Don’t you wish to find a husband?”
Emma was silent for so long, Violet almost thought she wouldn’t answer.
“I don’t think a husband will suit me. He’ll demand my attention until I give him an heir, and then I’ll be saddled with a child or children who deserve a better mother than I can be.”
“How can you say that? You’ll make a wonderful mother. You’re kind, dependable, resourceful, and a lovely young woman.”
“But what about what I want?”
Violet noticed that Emma was gripping her book so hard, her knuckles had turned white. She was clearly agitated, and the last thing Violet wanted was to upset her sister. She grasped her hand. “I don’t mean to upset you, dear sister. Tell me, what do you want?”
“No one has ever asked me that. Thank you. I want to continue to expand my mind and learn new things, and to travel to Italy to see the great works of art by the masters. The world is full of wonder, and I want to experience it all, not be stuck in the country with a bunch of children while my husband spends his time in London doing whatever he wishes. A woman loses all independence when she marries. She’s at the mercy of her husband and what he wants. Her hopes and dreams are for naught if he doesn’t agree with them.”
Emma had never opened up to her before, and Violet felt like her sister was giving her a precious gift. “I shall endeavor to help you in any way I can, and if Mama becomes unbearable, I’ll go to Charles. Surely he’ll not force you to marry against your will.”
“I shall be fine. Besides, you’ll be too busy with your new husband to worry about me.”
Violet didn’t know what else to say so she walked over to the pianoforte. Her thoughts were so unsettled. It was a shock to learn Emma didn’t want to get married and have children, and Violet foresaw much drama between her and their mother. She hoped Mother would listen to Emma, but she wasn’t sure that would happen. She was resolved to keep her promise to help if she could as she didn’t want her dearest sister to endure a lifetime of disappointment.
