“I have no idea. Nor do I care.”
She sighed. “That is not fair. I want your party to be perfect, but this is precisely the sort of thing your mother would know and be able to advise me on.”
“This really bothers you, doesn’t it?”
She nodded. “It is just the sort of mistake that will earn you ridicule. I can see the gossip rags reporting it now.Viscount A’s titanic blunder!And it is so easily avoided. Don’t forget that it is your parents who will be left to face the embarrassment.”
“Their hides are tough.”
“Perhaps not as tough as you think. Why put it to the test? Also, should there not be more society paragons invited? I do not mean young ladies and gentlemen, but older, married couples.”
“No.”
“But–”
“No. That list has already exceeded my limit of tolerance. My parents can remedy anyfaux pason my part by throwing their own parties. They have a very elegant London townhouse and a delightful country estate known as Trent Hall. In fact, they are holding a grand ball to celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in a month’s time in their London home.”
“Oh, how lovely. And all the more reason why we should put this list past your mother.”
“No.”
“Then your–”
“No.”
“So I am to put this list past no one?” She began to fret her lower lip, for he was not taking this party as seriously as he ought to be doing. This was a product of her endeavors as well. Perhaps she was being too prideful, but she wanted everything to be perfect.
Oh, there were likely to be mistakes.
But it should not be ones easily avoided just by asking for help from those in the know.
He sighed and ran his thumb over her lower lip. “Stop chewing on it or you will make it bleed. I shall write to my grandmother. She is the only one with an ounce of discretion and one of the most sensible ladies I know.”
Her heart was in her throat.
No one had ever touched her in this intimate way before.
The light rub of his thumb against her lip had felt so soft and exquisite, it shook her to the core. But she knew he meant nothing by it, nor did she dare reveal how much it had affected her. “She sounds wonderful.” She hoped he did not notice the wobble in her voice. “I look forward to meeting her. Of course, I have seen her once or twice over the years when she visited Ardley Hall, but we were never introduced. However, I feel her warmth in this house. Do you think it is odd that I should sense so much of her presence here?”
“No, one feels things and those first instincts are often our best guide.”
“You mentioned she and your grandfather lived here when they were first married and he held the courtesy title of Viscount Ardley.”
He nodded. “She decorated most of the rooms in this house.”
“This explains why I am sensing this strong connection. I’ve only seen a few of the rooms on this floor, but her touch is obvious, down to every nook and cranny, the soft colors, the pieces of furniture. The house is grand and yet feels charming and cozy.”
“I shall tell her you said so, Viola.”
She blushed. “She won’t care what I think.”
“I have every expectation that she will.” He leaned forward. “Let’s talk about the menu next. I can include your dining proposals in my letter to her as well.”
“Would you? That is perfect. How elaborate should these dishes be? Is there anything specifically not to be included? Something considered too common to be served. Any foods you detest? Or that you know members of your family detest? We still have not gotten around to touring your house, but I would love to see the conservatory first. I can make something quite grand depending on the fruits and vegetables you are growing there.”
“Your eyes are alight. You really enjoy cooking, don’t you?”
She nodded. “I know it is frowned upon for a gently bred young lady to be seen in a kitchen, but what is more splendid than a meal that waters your mouth? I doubt you will complain when I test the recipes out on you.”
