Your devoted friend,
Violet
Violet sanded the letter before folding it. Katie would see it was posted in the morning. She climbed into bed, and though it had been thrilling to go to the palace, her thoughts revolved around a certain lord before sleep finally took her.
Chapter 6
VIOLET TRIED NOT TO FIDGETas her mother entertained morning callers a week after her presentation to the queen. Her mother hadn’t been in London for several years, and there was a steady stream of callers wishing to become reacquainted with her. The last caller admitted to the parlor was Lady Tisbury.
“Mary, what a lovely surprise,” Lavinia said, rising from the sofa and extending her hands.
Lady Tisbury took Lavinia’s hands and bussed her cheeks. “I wanted to see how you were adjusting to London. It’s been years since you’ve been here, and we didn’t have much of a chance to talk at dinner.”
“Thank you for your concern. It seems as if I’ve never left,” Lavinia said, chuckling. “There’s been a steady stream of callers today, and it has been wonderful to catch up with so many.”
“Some things never change, especially where thetonis concerned.” Mary said, joining Lavinia on the sofa before turning her attention on Violet. “Violet, dear, I heard you made a good impression on the queen?”
That caught Violet’s attention as she poured Lady Tisbury a cup of tea. “You heard that, Lady Tisbury?”
“Indeed, my dear.”
Violet handed Lady Tisbury her tea before returning to her seat and sipping her own, relieved to learn she hadn’t made any glaring mistakes at the palace.
“Lavinia, are you otherwise engaged this evening?” Mary asked.
“We’re not at present.”
“Then you must join me in my box.”
It was at that moment that Edgerton walked past the parlor and was hailed by Lavinia. “Edgerton, a moment please.”
He walked into the parlor. “Good day to you, Lady Tisbury,” he said with a nod.
“My lord, a pleasure to see you, as always.”
“Lady Tisbury has invited us to the theatre this evening,” Lavinia said. “Would you and Courtney be free to join us?”
“I do believe we are and would be delighted to attend. Thank you for the invitation, Lady Tisbury,” he said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to, so until this evening.” He gave her another brief nod before exiting the parlor.
Violet was watching her brother during the exchange and was surprised when he raised an eyebrow at Lady Tisbury’s invitation. An invitation to the theatre was nothing out of the ordinary, and he and Courtney attended regularly while in town. Was this something more than an invitation to the theatre? She blinked, and just as quickly, Edgerton’s face smoothed. Had she imagined his reaction? Her curiosity didn’t linger long for she was thrilled to be attending the theatre. Could this day get any better? First, she would enjoy a carriage ride with Lord Alesbury, and then this evening, she would attend the theatre for the first time. Life was grand in London, and she hadn’t even been here a week.
Lady Tisbury soon gave her goodbyes, and Lavinia turned to Violet. “That was very generous of Lady Tisbury. I haven’t been to the theatre in years. Dearest, the theatre is an excellent place for you to be seen by eligible young men.”
“Yes, Mama. I’m quite excited to be attending this evening.”
THAT AFTERNOON ALESBURY ARRIVEDat the Edgerton townhouse promptly at five o’clock. He was looking forward to spending time with Violet. She was in the front parlor with Courtney when Akers announced him. “Lord Alesbury to see Miss Bainbridge.”
Courtney and Violet stood. “Good afternoon, my lord,” Violet said with a curtsey.
Alesbury nodded to Courtney. “Lady Edgerton, a pleasure to see you again.” He held out his arm. “Miss Bainbridge, are you ready for our carriage ride?”
“I am indeed,” Violet said, allowing him to lead her to the foyer. His skin seemed to burn through the layers of clothing where her fingers touched him. Her maid was waiting and handed over her bonnet and gloves.
Once outside, Alesbury handed Violet and her maid up into the curricle, and they took the front-facing seats. “Hyde Park,” Alesbury said to the driver, taking the rear-facing seat.
With a flick of the reins, they were off. “It’s a beautiful day for a carriage ride,” Violet said. “London is quite a busy and exciting city, but I do miss the fresh air of the country.”
Alesbury looked at her and smiled. “I agree. May I say how lovely you look, Miss Bainbridge?”
