Alesbury walked into the parlor looking dashing in a hunter green jacket, cream waistcoat, and tan breeches that hugged his strong thighs. Violet stood and curtseyed. “Lord Alesbury, what a pleasure to see you.”
Lavinia also stood. “My lord.”
Alesbury strode forward and handed a bouquet of flowers to Lavinia. “I do hope you like roses, Lady Edgerton.”
Lavinia graciously accepted the flowers. “I do indeed. They’re beautiful. How thoughtful of you.”
He then turned to Violet with a gleam in his eyes and handed a second bouquet to her. “Miss Bainbridge, I thought you’d prefer wildflowers to remind you of the countryside you love so much.”
Violet took the flowers, and their hands briefly touched. Even with Alesbury wearing gloves, she felt an intense thrill run up her arm and warm her insides. How she longed to be in his arms again. There was no chance to think about it further because her mother made sure to sit beside her, denying Alesbury that seat. “These are perfect. Thank you. I do adore wildflowers.”
The maid stepped forward and took both bouquets to put them in water.
“Would you like tea?” Violet asked.
“Yes, one sugar, please,” Alesbury said.
Violet poured his tea and filled the plate with sweet cakes before handing it to him. She hoped he didn’t notice how much her hand trembled.
“Did you enjoy the ball last evening?” Alesbury asked.
“Indeed I did. There were so many people in attendance—I’d never seen so many at one event. Our assemblies in the country don’t have nearly as many guests.”
“I can imagine your surprise. London events can be quite the crush.”
“The evening was quite pleasant with several lords paying Miss Bainbridge gratifying attention including the Duke of Richmond,” Lavinia said, taking a sip of tea.
Alesbury nodded. “I’ve known Richmond since our Oxford days.”
“I had no idea you were acquainted with him,” Lavinia said. “He’s very charming and has offered to escort my daughters to the British Museum this afternoon.”
Violet thought Alesbury looked surprised at her mother’s comment. He took a sip of tea before answering.
“I see that the duke has beaten me to the invitation,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the outing. However, there’s so much to see that I daresay more than one visit will be necessary to view everything. I’d be happy to escort Miss Bainbridge and her sisters for a second outing.”
Violet looked at her mother, who frowned at Alesbury’s invitation. She didn’t appear to be softening toward the viscount.
Taking advantage of her mother’s slight hesitation, she rushed to accept the invitation. “That would be delightful, my lord. I look forward to a second visit” Before she could say anything more, her brother walked into the parlor.
“Alesbury, a happy coincidence indeed. I was about to send a note around—I need to talk to you.”
Violet was disappointed that Edgerton was cutting her visit with Alesbury short, but at least he’d asked for another outing with her. She hadn’t had a chance to ask if he would be attending the Wollard ball next week.
Alesbury stood and placed his teacup on the table. “Lady Edgerton, Miss Bainbridge, a pleasure to see you both again,” he said before following her brother to his study.
With Alesbury gone, Violet turned to her mother. “Mama, don’t you approve of Lord Alesbury? I saw you frowning when he invited us to visit the museum a second time.”
“Violet, you’ve caught the interest of a duke. You should concern yourself with Richmond.”
“But Mama—”
Lavinia stood. “Not now, Violet. I must confer with Mrs. Spencer about the menu for the week.”
Violet watched her mother leave, whispering, “But I love him.”
“If you love him, than you must fight for him,” Emma said.
Violet startled. She’d forgotten her sister was reading in the corner. “That will be hard to do with Mama pushing me toward the duke.”
