Ruined.The word most feared by every society girl since, it seemed, the dawn of civilization. Eve would’ve been just fine if the serpent had kept its jaws shut. “How—what happened?”
“Your mother never told you?” When Violet shook her head, Margaret crossed her arms. “I wouldn’t expect her to. My sister, your grandmother, so enjoyed using me as a cautionary tale.”
Violet’s fingers trembled with the need to know her aunt’s story.
After a pensive moment, Margaret shrugged. “There isn’t much to tell. I was enamored of a man who was reluctant to ask for my hand, so I arranged for him to catch me in a compromising position at a party, hoping jealousy would push him into action. Unfortunately, it was the hostess who stumbled upon me.”
Violet wondered if her eyes would fall from the sockets. “Did the man who compromised you not propose?”
“He did, begrudgingly, of course. But I refused him.” She gave a soft smile. “And my beloved never asked for me, either. So I was left ruined while both of them lived their lives. Although they’re both dead and buried, and I’m still attending parties.” She chortled while Violet sat back in awe.
“The man who—who compromised you. Did he face consequences as well?”
She scoffed. “None at all, the lout. He did his part by offering for my hand, however begrudging the offer may have been. Women are forever carrying the burden of men’s misdeeds. But, nevertheless, I persevered, as all great women do.”
“And you don’t regret refusing his offer?”
“Not at all! Darling,” she sat up and took Violet’s hands, “I’ve had affairs with men around the world, live in a splendid cottage, eat what I want, go where I please, and worry about nothing but where I will find my next glass of sherry.”
“But were you excluded—”
She dropped Violet’s hand to make a dismissive gesture. “At first, yes, but it was a different time. The English are far more progressive now. Even then, after a few decades of decadence in Hampshire, I was welcomed back as though I’d never left.”
As hercottagein Hampshire was a fifteen-room Tudor estate with a full staff of servants, her period of isolation sounded quite appealing. “So you’d rather be ruined than married,” Violet said, more a statement than a question.
Margaret’s features softened. “No, darling. I’m saying you have more control over your future than you think. But every decision has consequences, for better or for worse.”
Chapter 7
“This is remarkable, milord.”Callum’s voice bounced against the water and domed ceiling above, echoing until it faded to nothing.
The earl planted his hands on his hips and beamed. “Isn’t it? I always visit the bathing houses in London, but never made use of our own swimming pool here, as the weather rarely allows it.”
Callum lifted his attention to the panes of glass inlaid with wrought iron, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the still cerulean water below. The oppressive quiet pushed into his ears, the silence weighing like a sound of its own. “How long did it take to build?”
“Three years. The outdoor pool was already in existence, but I wanted to improve the filtration so I’d have access to it year-round.” He crossed the travertine-tiled floor and opened a door to an enclosed closet.
Callum peered inside, nodding at the familiar set-up. “We use similar pumps to keep water out of the cargo holds.”
“Precisely.” He pointed to a large cylinder dominating the room. “This tank circulates the water with chlorine. In small amounts, it purifies the water and ensures it is safe to swim in.”
“I’m impressed ye replicated the filtration system on a smaller scale.” Callum followed Valebrook onto the pool deck, admiring the cedar planks that covered the walls, the inset electric lamps allowing the facility to be used in all seasons. A seating area with plush cushions atop rattan furniture was tucked in a corner and bracketed by potted palms.
The earl clapped his hand on Callum’s shoulder. “Bridget told me you’d enjoy a good swim, but it’s too chilly for the lake to be pleasant. You’re welcome to make use of the pool at any time.”
Callum swung his eyes to the earl’s. “Ye’re certain?”
“Of course. I’ll be far too busy catering to my dear wife’s every need for the next fortnight, so you might as well. I’ll give you my key. I’m the only one who uses it.”
Callum’s chest warmed. “Thank ye. I’m grateful ye thought of me.”
“I’m happy to see it put to good use.” He hesitated for a moment, and Callum tensed. “I couldn’t help but notice you chatting with Violet Waverly last night.”
He swallowed around the sudden lump in his throat. “Aye, we—we were, we did, aye.”
Ye bumbling bampot. James would be horrified.
Valebrook chuckled. “Yes, it’s always a delight when a lady leaves you speechless.” Callum pulled in a breath to argue, but the earl pressed on. “Violet’s father and I have been friends since we werelads, and Violet and her sisters are like daughters to me. She’s a good girl, no matter what happened in her past.”
