“Oh? What kind of delicate matter? Would you feel more comfortable if I asked Courtney to join us?”
Violet shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary. It’s about Mama.”
“I see.”
“Do you, brother? She wants me to marry the Duke of Richmond. He’s an honorable gentleman, but I don’t love him.”
“Is there someone else who’s engaged your feelings?”
“Yes, and I do hope you’ll approve of him.”
“Shall I guess or would you like to tell me who the lucky fellow is?”
Violet began to pace. It was harder than she’d thought to tell her brother of her feelings for his friend, Lord Alesbury.
Edgerton stood and walked around the desk, taking her hands in his larger ones. “Violet, don’t stress yourself overmuch. Could it be you’ve developed a tendre for Lord Alesbury?”
Violet’s eyes widened. “You know?”
“I confess I didn’t know for sure until this very moment. I approve of Alesbury and told him so when he asked for permission to court you.”
Violet threw her arms around her brother’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Charles. My heart gladdens to hear this, but I don’t think Mama shares your good opinion of him.”
“You mustn’t worry about Mother. If Alesbury is the man you wish to marry, then she’ll have to accept it. I wholeheartedly approve of the match.”
Violet took a step back. “Will you speak to her?”
“Has Alesbury made his feelings known to you?”
She shook her head. “Not yet, but he is very attentive whenever we’re together.”
“I see. Perhaps he’s waiting for some sign that you share his feelings.”
“Do you think so?”
“I do indeed.”
“Thank you, Charles. You’ve lifted a great worry from my heart. I do wish we weren’t leaving London though.”
“Don’t fret, dear sister. Alesbury will wait for your return. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters that require my attention.”
“Of course,” she said, exiting his study and closing the door behind her. The frantic beating of her heart had lessened, and she would be forever grateful to her brother for letting her choose the man she wished to marry. Too many young women were forced into marriages of their fathers’ choosing, and being dutiful daughters, they had little choice but to comply. Her brother would never force her to marry someone, and her heart swelled with love for her older sibling. She hurried upstairs to see how Katie was coming along with the packing.
That afternoon, Alesbury met with Edgerton. “I wanted to speak with you before you left for Blakely Mannor,” he said.
“Oh? I wasn’t expecting you today. What brings you by?” Edgerton asked.
“I want to press my suit with your sister and seek your permission to propose.”
“I see. When do you plan to make your feelings known to her?”
“I’ll wait until you return and plan on asking her at the Wollard ball,”
Edgerton stood and extended his hand. “Excellent. I’ll be thrilled to welcome you to the family.”
Alesbury took his hand in a firm handshake. “Thank you.” He left the Edgerton townhouse feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. It was going to be a long five days until he could propose to the woman he loved.
The following day dawned bright. Violet joined Charles and Courtney in the first carriage, while her mother, Emma, and Julia were in the second one. The lady’s maids, traveled in the baggage carriage with Akers. The servants wouldn’t be stopping for the picnic lunch with the family so they could arrive at the manor ahead of them to prepare for the family’s visit.
