“You’re beyond wise, Miss Emma. Thank you for your counsel.”
By the time the evening ended, Violet was sure Lord Alesbury knew of her tendre for him. He’d stayed by her side while she played, and while she was nervous in the beginning, she soon felt comfortable having him near her. It was time to tell her mother she wouldn’t be marrying the duke.
After the guests had departed, Edgerton and Courtney were the first to take their leave, and soon Emma and Julia followed them upstairs, leaving Violet and her mother alone in the parlor.
“Violet, dear, it looked like you were enjoying the duke’s company this evening.”
“His Grace is a very charming man, but—”
“Has he invited you on another outing?”
“No, Mama. I told the duke this evening that my heart belonged to another.”
Lavinia’s mouth fell open. “You did what? Why would you spurn a duke?”
“Mama, I didn’t spurn him. I don’t wish to marry him, and he doesn’t want to marry me—we’re in mutual agreement on that.”
“And I suppose Lord Alesbury is the one you’re set on marrying. Has he given you reason to believe he shares your feelings?”
Violet shook her head. “No, not yet. Mama, I tried to keep my heart open to all opportunities, but my feelings for Lord Alesbury have only grown stronger. He’s the one I love.”
“I see.”
“Please don’t be upset.”
“Violet, you’re young yet. You don’t understand the ways of men. You could merely be a passing fancy for Alesbury and until he speaks to your brother about asking for your hand, that’s all you are to him. You would do well to think on that,” Lavinia said, standing and sweeping from the room.
Violet watched her mother leave, her heart sinking. What if her mother was right? Was she just a passing fancy? Alesbury was most attentive to her whenever they were together, but he hadn’t yet told her he loved her. How long would she have to wait? What if the Season ended, and he hadn’t yet mentioned speaking to her brother? What would she do then?
Chapter 15
THE NEXT MORNING AT BREAKFAST, Edgerton announced that he and Courtney would be traveling to Blakely Manor the next day. “It’s time to get to know the people at my new estate.”
“How long do you plan on staying?” Lavinia asked.
“At least three days. I want to open the manor up to the locals for a garden party. Everyone loves a party.”
“We should all go then,” Lavinia said. “It will be good to get out of London for a few days.”
It was the last thing Violet wanted, but she knew there no choice in the matter. After last night’s conversation, she didn’t want to was to upset her mother. She wondered if having them all travel to Blakely Manor was what her brother had wanted, but Edgerton didn’t raise any objections to them going so she kept her mouth closed.
“How long will we be cooped up in the carriage?” Julia asked. “I do so hate long carriage rides.”
“It will only take a day to travel there, and we can plan to stop for a picnic lunch along the way. Will that suit you, little sister?” Edgerton said with a smile.
“I suppose that will have to do.”
“Good. Then it’s settled,” Edgerton said. He leaned over and kissed Courtney’s cheek. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have much to do before we leave.”
Violet took her time finishing her breakfast, and when her mother and sisters were occupied elsewhere, she made her way down the hall and knocked on Edgerton’s study door.
“Come.”
She opened the door and slipped inside. “Charles, do you have a moment?”
Edgerton gave her a welcoming smile. “Of course, Violet. What can I do for you?”
She stood in front of his desk wringing her hands. “It’s a delicate matter.”
