“But I’m not looking—”
“Mrs. Dove-Lyon has a highly successful business as a matchmaker. She actually makes more money arranging marriages within thetonthan she does from those who take a chance at her tables. With little to no time, she’ll be able to determine a gentleman who would be a perfect husband for you,” Patience declared before reaching over to take Violet’s hand. “I just want you to be as happy as I am, cousin. You spend far too much time in the apothecary. It’s time you thought of yourself first for a change.”
“But Ilikethe time I spend in my apothecary! What’s wrong with that? Please, tell me you didn’t pay this woman to find me a husband!”
Patience shrugged with a light laugh. “It will be money well spent. Besides, her fees are nonrefundable, so you’ll just have to play along and be open-minded to the possibility of finding love.”
“I highly doubt love has anything to do with the fees that woman charges you and others whom she might deceive.”
Patience laughed again. “You would think so, but I’ll have you know that all four of us women who used the services of the BlackWidow of Whitehall couldn’t be any happier than we are today.” Patience gazed out the window again. “At any rate, we’ve arrived, so let’s see what she has in store for you.”
The wheels to the carriage came to a halt before a five-story building. Lanterns lit the walkway both to the main entrance and the side of the establishment. The carriage door was opened and the footman helped her and Patience to the ground while her cousin explained that the lady’s entrance was located on the side of the building. They made their way down the walkway and Violet saw that the lady’s door was guarded by two women bouncers.
“Welcome back to the Lyon’s Den, Countess Rowley,” the two women stated in unison.
“Thank you, Hermia and Helena.”
“We haven’t had the pleasure of seeing you here of late,” Hermia declared.
“It has been a while, but let me introduce you to my cousin. This is Miss Violet Barnet. You’ll be seeing her in the coming days.”
“Welcome to the Lyon’s Den, Miss Barnet,” Helena said before opening the door for the women to enter.
Violet stepped through the doorway into the opulence of a room the like of which she had never experienced before. She immediately felt completely out of place, like a country bumpkin pretending to be a princess. Surely, anyone she might encounter here would know she did not belong among them.
She gripped her cousin’s arm. “Patience… honestly, I can’t do this,” she said, pleading with her in the hopes she’d see reason, but Patience only patted her arm.
“Of course, you can. Besides… as I mentioned in the carriage, everything has been put into motion. You have no choice but to proceed with whatever is planned. Take a deep breath and enjoy the situation. You just might be surprised on what, or who, you might find.”
That might be so, but Violet had her doubts. Being here was surprise enough.
Their wraps were taken by a servant while another came with a tray that held two crystal flutes of bubbling champagne. Violet’s hand shook as she reached for the glass as she took in her surroundings. Laugher could be heard in another room giving evidence that people were having a grand time. Patience began whispering that the Lyon’s Den was also known for having the best food and wine in London and that Mrs. Dove-Lyon spared no expense when it came to her clientele. She also mentioned that Violet would be perfectly safe from any of the gentlemen customers since the men and women were kept separate unless Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranged a meeting. Before Patience could explain more, a woman dressed in a mourning gown with a heavy black veil entirely disguising her face made her way toward them.
“Countess Rowley… welcome. This must be the cousin of whom you’ve spoken so highly,” the woman stated.
Patience reached for Violet’s arm bringing her forward. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon, may I present Miss Violet Barnet.” Violet watched the veiled head nod.
“Any relative or friend of the countess is welcome here. In fact, Countess Rowley is one of my best customers. She has ensured me that any bill you might incur here at the Lyon’s Den will be put on her account. She is very generous, is she not?”
Violet whirled to face her cousin. “Patience! You didn’t?” she voiced in alarm as she already worried about how she could ever repay her cousin for the clothes she’d had made for her, along with the fee she’d mentioned in the carriage, let alone anything additional this place might cost.
Before Patience could respond, Mrs. Dove-Lyon took Violet’s arm. “In order for me to determine the best gentleman who might make you a good match, I must observe you and any of the men who might take an interest in you.” She began ushering her through a doorwayinto a room where a banquet was laid out. “Countess Rowley, please enjoy the services the Lyon’s Den has to offer while I speak privately with Miss Barnet. I know I don’t have to remind you of the rules here.”
Patience gave a brief nod. “I will leave her in your capable hands, Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon led Violet through the upper areas of the Lyon’s Den reserved for the women who came to gamble, socialize, or even to enjoy a good meal with friends. She then escorted her out of one of the main rooms and onto an upper gallery where they could observe the gentlemen gambling below. There were several women at the railing looking down and giggling behind their fans. Mrs. Dove-Lyon asked them to leave for a short time while the balcony was reserved for Violet.
“This is normally where my women customers come to watch the gentlemen,” she said quietly. She waved her hand as though Violet couldn’t see for herself that the room below was filled with men gambling. “Rest assured you won’t be bothered here until I deem that this balcony is open again to my other clients.”
“I wouldn’t want any of the other ladies to think unkindly of me because they can’t see the gentlemen,” Violet declared, worried that she was taking up valuable time for someone else.
“Nonsense. This is my establishment and anyone, especially the ladies, are well aware that this can be part of my process.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon turned toward Violet but what her expression might be was completely unknown since Violet couldn’t see any part of the face hidden beneath the heavy material. “Your cousin said you were open to making a possible match. Did she misrepresent your intentions for being here?”
A short snort escaped Violet. “To be honest, I only learned where we were going when I was already in the carriage.”
A chuckle emerged from beneath the veil. “I am hardly surprisedthat you were basically abducted but that still doesn’t answer my question. Are you open to the process and willing to do what needs to be done to facilitate a possible match?”
“I can hardly say no. Not since Patience has already paid your fee.”
