“I wouldn’t give up on him yet, but maybe give him more time to adjust to being a duke and all that entails.”
“That’s what I thought as well.”
The two men talked for another quarter-hour before Alesbury took his leave to dress for dinner.
“VIOLET, I WANTED TOtell you that I invited the Duke of Richmond and his sister Lady Charlotte Davies to dinner this evening,” Courtney said when they met in the parlor again.
“You did? Did Mama ask you to?”
Courtney shook her head. “No. I thought it would be lovely for Lady Charlotte to have some experience with these types of events. She’ll make her come out next year.”
“She’s the same age as Emma?”
“Indeed, and what better way than to forge a friendship now.”
“Unless Lady Charlotte is a book lover, I’m not sure Emma will warm to her.”
“Let’s wait and see. I know Emma isn’t looking forward to her Season, but perhaps with a trusted friend by her side, she’ll be more amendable to attendingtonevents.”
“I hope you’re correct, or else next Season will be a battle of wills between Mama and Emma.”
“I fear you’re correct.”
That evening at dinner, Violet wasn’t surprised to see that Courtney had seated the duke on one side of Emma and Lady Charlotte on her other side. From what she could see, Emma and Lady Charlotte seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, and the duke certainly did his part to keep Emma engaged in conversation throughout the meal. She hoped her sister would find the same happiness in Richmond that she’d found in Alesbury. Only one more day, and she would be the new Lady Alesbury. She could hardly wait. She never wanted to be parted from him again.
“YOU’RE THE MOST BEAUTIFULbride I’ve ever seen,” Katie gushed as she wove the pearls in Violet’s hair.
“Thank you, Katie.”
A knock on her bedchamber door brought a smile to her face. That would be her brother to escort her to the church.
“Come.”
Edgerton walked in and stopped, staring at his sister. “Violet, you look breathtaking.”
“Do you think Alesbury will think so?” Violet asked.
“Everyone who sees you will think so. Trust me, Alesbury will be thrilled.”
Violet stood and smoothed down the lace overlay on her silk dress. She felt beautiful today and couldn’t wait to meet Alesbury at the church.
“Are you ready?” Edgerton asked.
“I am indeed.”
He held out his arm, and Violet slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow. “The day is glorious—perfect for a wedding,” he said.
They walked down the stairs to the foyer, where Akers and a number of staff members waited. “Miss Violet, on behalf of the staff, we wish you happy.”
Violet smiled. “Thank you, Akers. I’ll miss all of you very much.”
Akers opened the door, and Edgerton led her outside and to the carriage. He helped her inside and took the seat opposite. It was a short drive to the church, and she took a deep breath as her brother handed her down.
Today was the first day of the rest of her life, and she couldn’t wait to get started. The church was full of well-wishers, but Violet only had eyes for the handsome man standing next to the vicar.
“You’re stunning, my darling,” Alesbury whispered to her when she reached his side.
Violet didn’t remember much about the ceremony, but the one part she recalled clearly was signing her name in the parish registry. She was now the Viscountess Alesbury.
