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She would spend Christmastide alone. It was for the best.
“Hello,” her sister, Violet, said as she entered the sitting room. “I’m glad you’re home.”
She turned to meet Violet’s gaze. “Where else would I be?” Her tone was monotone as she spoke.
Violet waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, I don’t know. Paying a call on someone.”
“The only ladies I visit are you and Francesca. As Francesca is in the country and you are here, I would think it obvious where you could find me.” Her bitterness was a sharp knife, and it couldn’t be contained. Even with the sister she adored. Violet was happily married, and sometime Iris didn’t think she understood how unhappy she had become. Her sister had a husband that adored her. They had their share of difficulties. The Marquess of Merrifield doted on Violet. Iris was glad for that. She wanted Violet to be happy. The problem was, it made her own unhappiness even more noticeable.
“You’re right,” Violet agreed, then sighed. “Please accept my apology. I had hoped that if I kept a light tone, it might help...”
“Brighten my dull spirits,” Iris finished for her. How could she be so bloody selfish? Her sister was trying to help her and Iris should be better. “I should be the one apologizing. Thank you for visiting.” Iris tried to keep her tone jovial, but it came out much less than that. “When do you depart for Lindsey?”
“In the morning,” Violet told her. “That is why I am here. I had hoped to change your mind.”
“You’re leaving so soon?” The house party wasn’t supposed to begin for another sennight. “Why?” She ignored the last part of Violet’s statement. Iris had no intention of changing her mind about attending.
“Lindsey asked Zachariah to come early.” Violet shrugged. “I don’t mind. It gives me more time with Francesca before her hostess duties begin.”
“That is lovely,” Iris said. “How is Francesca?”
“She’s doing well,” Violet told her. “But you’re going to see that for yourself. We will be here in the morning to retrieve you.”
They were back to that again... “I told you I am not attending the house party.” She didn’t know why Violet was being so stubborn about it. “I don’t want to go.”
“Well,” Violet began. “As I stated earlier, I had hoped to change your mind.”
“You’re not going to,” she interrupted her.
“I don’t need to,” Violet said, then smirked.
Iris narrowed her gaze. She had to have heard her sister incorrectly. “I’m confused.” She tilted her head to the side. “If you don’t need to convince me to go, why do you seem so thrilled.”
“Because father is ordering you to attend.” She grinned. “I spoke with him before I came in here to speak to you. He agrees it will be good for you.”
“What?” She glared at her sister. How could Violet have done this to her? Lord Hampstead was going to be there. Iris could not see him again. At least not until she was happily married to another man and could pretend nothing had happened between them. “No. Just no.”
“It’s too late, little sister,” Violet told her. “I already told your maid. She is packing your trunk now. It’s going to be fun. Quit being so grumpy about Christmastide. It is time for you to remember how much you love this time of the year.” With those words, Violet stood. “I know why you won’t go, but you shouldn’t let him prevent you from doing something that will make you happy. Take back what it is important despite him.” She placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “You deserve happiness.”
She didn’t give Iris a chance to say anything else. Iris wanted to stay mad, but she couldn’t find the motivation to continue sulking. Instead, she resigned herself to her fate. She had no choice. The Christmastide party would be in her future, and Violet was right. Shediddeserve to be happy.
