“Oh?”
“Did you realize that women in ancient Egypt wielded more power than we have today?”
“Is that something you crave, Emma? Power?”
Emma shook her head. “Not exactly, but I do want to be in charge of my own life. I value my independence and do not wish to be controlled by any man.”
“You spent time conversing with the duke. Did you enjoy his company?”
“It was pleasant enough, but he’s a powerful duke and will want his duchess to be malleable, I’m sure. That would never be me.”
“Perhaps.” As Violet left her sister to her book, she thought about the look she’d spied on the duke’s face when he was conversing with Emma and wondered if he might have a different opinion about women’s desires. Soon she’d have to tell her mother that she loved Lord Alesbury and not the Duke of Richmond. But who knew, perhaps there would be a duchess in the family after all if today’s visit was any indication of where the duke’s true interests lay.
“What are you smiling about, Violet?” her mother asked. “Thinking about the duke?”
“Nothing of importance, Mama. Shall I pour?”
Lavinia nodded. “How was your visit?”
Before Violet could answer, Julia jumped into the conversation and proceeded to talk about every exhibit they’d seen. Violet passed out the teacups and was content to let Julia talk about today’s visit. She needed to find the right time to tell her mother about her feelings for Lord Alesbury. She would not be marrying the duke.
Chapter 13
ANOTHER WEEK PASSED, FILLED WITHvisits, teas, and musicales that Violet enjoyed immensely. Lord Alesbury had paid her another call, and like the last visit, her mother took the seat next to her on the sofa, although she did seem to soften toward him… that is, until the Duke of Richmond also paid her a visit at the same time. Her mother was clearly thrilled with the duke’s visit, and any softening toward Lord Alesbury seemed to disappear the moment Richmond stepped into the parlor.
Violet was making her way to the dining room when Akers handed her a letter. “This came for you, Miss Violet,” he said.
“Thank you, Akers.” She took the letter and retreated upstairs to the privacy of her bedchamber. Breakfast could wait a few more moments while she read Daphne’s latest reply.
My Dearest Violet,
I so love receiving your letters and hearing about your Season thus far. Was your first ball everything you dreamed about? I was glad to hear you kept your heart open while dancing with the Duke of Richmond. If it was nothing more than a pleasant dance with him, then I agree he isn’t the man for you. When you described your feelings for Lord Alesbury, I must confess, it was how I felt about my dear Thomas. That first blush of love is the most wondrous of feelings. If your feelings stay true as you navigate the Season, then he is indeed the man you should marry.
I would caution you, however, to be mindful of your dear mother’s feelings. Remember, she only wants the best for you. Let her see how happy Lord Alesbury makes you, and then perhaps she will relent on pushing you toward the Duke of Richmond. Write to me soon, my dear friend. I will be anxiously awaiting your next letter.
Always,
Daphne
Violet lowered the letter to her lap while she thought about Daphne’s advice. Had she been dismissing her mother’s feelings? Daphne was indeed wise. Perhaps if Mother saw how happy Lord Alesbury made her, she would realize how much he meant to her. She folded the letter and put it in her desk drawer. As she walked downstairs, she vowed to follow Daphne’s sage advice. The last thing she wanted was for her mother to be unhappy and disappointed in her, but she wouldn’t give up her true love to make her mother happy.
“Good morning,” she said, walking into the dining room. She went to the sideboard and filled her plate with eggs, toast, and bacon before taking a seat beside Emma.
Edgerton cleared his throat, and everyone looked his way. “Courtney and I will be hosting a small dinner party tomorrow evening.”
“Oh?” Lavinia said. “Who shall you invite?”
“A few of our friends, including Richmond and Alesbury.”
“I believe Emma should attend as well,” Lavinia said to her daughter before turning her attention back to Edgerton. “That is, if it will not unbalance the number of guests?”
“Not at all, Mother. That’s an excellent idea. It will give Emma a feel for what she will experience next year,” Edgerton said.
“May I attend, brother?” Julia asked.
“Not this one, Julia.”
Julia slumped in her chair and pouted.
