“Did you meet anyone of note?” Lavinia asked.
Violet turned to her mother. “Yes. I had the pleasure of meeting the Duke of Richmond.”
“I heard he was in London for the Season,” Lavinia said, smiling at her.
Violet wasn’t sure why her mother was so happy. The duke had been polite and was more concerned with avoiding certain young ladies and their matchmaking mothers than chatting with her.
“Perhaps, we’ll see him this evening at the theatre.”
“Perhaps,” Violet said.
When tea ended, Lavinia escorted Violet upstairs to choose a dress for the evening.
“Mama, Katie is perfectly capable of choosing my eveningwear.”
“Of course, dear, I only wish to see which gown she’s chosen.”
Katie was busy preparing Violet’s bath when they entered her bedchamber. “Your bath is nearly ready, miss.”
“Thank you, Katie. My mother wishes to see the gown you’ve chosen for the evening.”
Katie nodded and went to the armoire, pulling out a gown of palest pink with delicate lace at the bodice and sleeves. “Will this do?”
Lavinia shook her head. “Not for this evening.” She pulled out a white silk with a lace overlay studded with crystals. “This one will be better.”
Katie curtseyed. “Yes, Lady Edgerton.”
With the dress selected, Lavinia left Violet in Katie’s capable hands.
“Katie, you mustn’t think my mother is displeased with you. The pink gown would have been wholly appropriate as well.”
“Your lady mother only wishes for you to shine like the jewel you are,” Katie said.
“Wasn’t Lord Alesbury so very kind today? I fear he’s spoiled me and I’ll wish for more strawberry ices.”
“He was indeed kind, buying me an ice as well. Do you fancy him, miss?”
Violet nodded as she stepped into the steaming bath. “I do believe he’s the perfect man for me. What do you think?”
“He seems kind and most attentive.”
“He is, Katie. He most certainly is.”
When they arrived at the theatre, Lady Tisbury was chatting with others in the lobby before turning her attention to them. She greeted Edgerton, Courtney, and Violet before turning to Lavinia. “I’m so very pleased you were able to join me this evening.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Lavinia said. “I haven’t been to the theatre in years.”
“Lady Tisbury, good evening,” came a deep voice from behind them.
“Your Grace, I’m so very pleased you accepted my invitation this evening,” Lady Tisbury said, turning her head to see who had addressed her.
“Your Grace, good evening,” Violet said, curtseying.
Edgerton held out his hand. “Richmond.”
The duke took his hand in a firm handshake.
Courtney curtseyed. “Good evening, Your Grace.”
