Mother pressed her lips together, and a silent tear slid down her cheek.
As much as Vivienne agreed with Father, seeing Mother so upset broke her heart. She squeezed Mother’s hand, but Mother didn’t acknowledge her as if there were an invisible barrier between them, as if Mother were trapped in her own world of pain, unreachable.
“I didn’t want to come,” Mother whispered.
“You need to spend less time listening to doctors and more time with the living.” The furrows between his eyebrows deepened.
They remained silent for the rest of the drive.
Lord Acton’s house swept into view when they turned a corner. Lights glowed around it and from within, turning it into a shiny, giant diamond. Despite herself, she stared up at the magical building in awe.
A short queue of carriages slowed them down. Through the window she saw the many footmen who helped the arriving guests from their carriages and up a flight of stairs covered by a red carpet.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Father tugged at her gloved hand. “I would like to see you meet someone you like. Lord Acton’s son is a clever young man, and there are other gentlemen I would like you to meet.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” She didn’t sound enthusiastic to her own ears.
Under other circumstances, she would have enjoyed meeting new people, but since Samuel was in her life…Captain Jackson’s words echoed in her mind.
She still secretly believed they would find a way to be together, but Samuel’s peace of mind and health were more important.
Mother wiped her tears discreetly. “It’s too early for Vivienne to have a suitor.”
“Not if she wishes to have one,” he said.
“Please don’t argue.” She took one each of her parent’s hands in her own. “Not tonight.”
He patted her cheek, and Mother nodded.
It took them half an hour to actually enter the drawing room for drinks before dinner. Between the slog of the carriages, the crowded entry hall, a trip to the powder room to refresh her hair and gown, and the endless introductions and greetings, she was exhausted before she held a drink in her hand.
As her gaze swept around the wide room, she spotted several young women her age next to their eager mamas.
She smiled at each introduction although Mother’s black gown attracted a lot of attention and grim comments.
Lady Acton gave Mother an assessing glance, lingering on the black gown. “Jane, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Mother jutted her chin out. “Mary.”
“Many guests tonight,” Father said in a cheerful tone. “I don’t believe I know the gentleman over there.”
“Oh, he’s a new friend of mine. Dr. Tucker.” Lady Acton stopped a passing footman. “Ask Dr. Tucker to come over here.”
Vivienne groaned inwardly. Not another blasted doctor.
Dr. Tucker walked over to them, limping badly. His beady black eyes didn’t reassure her at all.
The light from the chandelier glinted off his bald head when he bowed. “My lady.”
Lady Acton beamed. “Lord and Lady Huntington, and their daughter Lady Vivienne, this is Dr. Robert Tucker. He’s recentlyarrived in London from overseas, but has quickly become the favourite physician of many of my friends.”
“My ladies, my lord.” Dr. Tucker’s gaze lingered on her for a brief moment.
Mother was staring at the physician with interest.
“Dr. Tucker has worked at some the most prestigious clinics on the Continent,” Lady Acton said. “He’s an expert in medicinal herbs and homeopathic medicine from the Americas to the Far East. There’s nothing he can’t cure.”
