“Yes, Mama.”
“Emma, you will join us as well. With your own come out next Season, it will be beneficial for you to see what preparations are needed for a successful presentation to the queen.”
Emma nodded.
“May I join you, Mama?” Julia asked. “I promise to be quiet and merely observe.”
Lavinia shook her head. “You must attend to your lessons with your governess, Julia. There will be plenty of time for you to prepare for your own come out in a few years.”
“But, Mama—”
“Not another word, Julia.”
While Charles and Courtney lingered at the table, Violet followed her sisters out of the dining room. Julia headed upstairs to her governess while Violet and Emma waited for their mother in the family parlor. Violet took the opportunity to talk with Emma privately. It wasn’t often they were the only ones present. “Are you looking forward to your come out next Season, Emma?”
Emma shook her head. “Not at all. I tire so easily of silly conversations about fashion or the weather. Why must these be the only topics a young lady is allowed to converse about with a potential suitor? What about science or architecture or even Shakespeare? I fear I won’t be successful on the marriage mart and will be a disappointment to the family.”
Violet squeezed her sister’s hand. This was the longest speech she’d heard from Emma in quite some time. “You can never be a disappointment. Do not over-stress yourself about it now. I’m sure there will be many fine gentlemen who will admire you not only for your beauty, but your keen intelligence.”
Emma turned toward her, a sadness lingering in her eyes. “Always so kind, sister, though I’m not blind. Julia’s the beautiful sister, you’re the elegant sister, and I’m already considered a bluestocking—as if reading and expanding one’s mind is something wrong for a young lady to indulge in. I won’t hide who I truly am and fully expect to fail in finding a husband next Season. How many Seasons will Charles and Mama allow before they realize I will forever be a disappointment?”
“You shouldn’t hide your true self, Emma. You’re a jewel to this family and much loved. I’m sure there’s a gentleman who will appreciate you.”
Emma opened her mouth to respond but quickly closed it when their mother chose that moment to sweep into the room. Violet was disappointed, as she’d wanted to continue talking with Emma about her hopes and dreams, but the moment of closeness had passed. She doubted her sister would be so forthcoming again any time soon.
“Violet, the gown Mrs. Phillips designed for you is exquisite,” Lavinia said.
“It’s very beautiful indeed,” Violet said.
“Shall we begin?” Lavinia asked.
Both Violet and Emma nodded and listened intently to their mother as she went over her instructions again.
Finally, after a long day of instruction and preparation, Violet, her sisters, and her mother were handed up into the family carriage, with Charles and Courtney riding in the second carriage. It took a while before they could disembark at the palace because of the long line of carriages ahead of them.
Charles and Courtney, along with Emma and Julia, wished Violet good luck once they were led inside. “You look beautiful, sister,” Charles said, kissing her cheek. “You’ll outshine all the other young ladies here.”
“Thank you, Charles. You’re a dear brother, and I feel better knowing you and Courtney are with me today.”
When her name was announced, Violet took a deep breath and walked toward the queen with her mother by her side. She did feel elegant, as Emma had dubbed her, mostly because of the white silk dress Mrs. Phillips had created for her. It swirled around her ankles like froth in the ocean as she made her way forward. She dared not look at Julia as she passed her family, for fear her sister would make her laugh.
She sank into a deep curtsy before the queen, who seemed to take an inordinate amount of time looking at her before nodding for the next young lady’s name to be announced. Violet hoped that was a good sign for a successful Season, although the only gentleman she wanted vying for her hand was a certain viscount.
On the carriage ride home, Lavinia kissed her cheek. “You did well, my dear. I’m very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mama. I wasn’t sure, especially when the queen took her time looking at me.”
“Trust me, my dear, if the queen had been displeased with your presentation, you and everyone in the room would have known it.”
Later that evening after Katie had helped her into her nightdress, Violet took the candlestick to the small desk in the corner of her bedchamber. She sat down, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began to write to her dearest friend Daphne, who’d recently married the local magistrate, Thomas Hutchington. Daphne was two years older, and Violet missed her desperately, especially her wise counsel. They’d become fast childhood friends, as Daphne’s family lived on the land adjacent to the Edgerton country manor.
My dear Daphne,
My very best greetings to you from London. It has been a whirlwind of activity since we arrived last week, between trips to the modiste and preparing to be presented to the queen today. I presume it went well, as Mother seemed pleased, but I’m glad it’s over. However, I wish to share other news. I was most excited to be seated next to Lord Alesbury at the Tisbury dinner the prior evening. Oh Daphne, he’s as handsome as I remember, and though my heart still soars at the sight of him, I’m uncertain precisely what feelings he harbors for me.
He seemed to enjoy my company at the dinner and asked for the supper dance for the Huntington ball. Is that enough interest? How did you know that Thomas was the love of your life? I envied your swift courtship and wonder how I may go about learning if Lord Alesbury is indeed my destiny.
Please send your wise counsel as swiftly as possible, as I shall attend the Huntington ball on Saturday next.
