“You’ll attend many dinners in the future, sister,” he said.
Violet glanced at Emma, who wore a frown on her pretty face. She knew her sister didn’t enjoy these functions, but perhaps she would not be averse to attending, knowing the Duke of Richmond would be in attendance.
She was determined to talk more to Emma and found her opportunity when they were alone in the parlor before morning calls began. It had been enlightening to hear her opinions yesterday, and she hoped that this could be the beginning of many more conversations and a new closeness between them. She followed Emma to the corner where she loved to read. “Emma, I saw you frown when Mama said you were to join the dinner tomorrow evening. Are you unhappy about attending?”
“I see no reason I should be subjected to such tedium.”
“Perhaps, it won’t be all tedium, as you say—the Duke of Richmond shall be in attendance.”
“Why should that matter to me? He’s courting you, dear sister, not me.”
“He won’t be continuing his courtship after tonight. I plan to tell him my heart is already set on Lord Alesbury.”
“Do you think that will stop Mama from her efforts to bring you two together?”
“It will if the duke doesn’t pursue a relationship with me.”
“You may have the right of it, but don’t discount Mother’s determination for you to become a duchess.”
“I won’t. But I must follow my heart, and my heart is set on Lord Alesbury.”
Violet left Emma to her reading and went to the pianoforte to practice a new piece of music. She wanted to perfect it in the event she was asked to perform after dinner tomorrow.
After morning calls concluded, Violet sought a few words with Courtney. They were the last two to leave the parlor. “Courtney, do you have a moment?”
“Always for you. Is there something you need?”
“Not for me, but for Emma. Would you arrange to have her sit next to the Duke of Richmond tomorrow evening?”
“Emma?”
Violet nodded. “Yes. I think the evening won’t be so tedious for her with him as her dinner partner.”
“Is there something between them?”
“Not that I know of, but Emma did enjoy speaking with him during our museum visit.”
“I see. And what of you?”
Violet chuckled. “My dear sister-in-law, I believe you know my feelings.”
Courtney hugged her. “Indeed I do. It will be no problem to do as you request. Shall I put Alesbury between you and Lavinia?”
“Yes of course, Alesbury on one side, but perhaps Lady Tisbury would be a better choice on the other.”
“Consider it done. Anything else?”
“No. Thank you for your consideration. I need to practice more on a new piece of music. Would you like me to perform after dinner?”
“That would be lovely,” Courtney said. “I’ll see you later.”
THE NEXT EVENING, ALESBURYwas relieved to see he wasn’t the first guest at Edgerton’s townhouse. He didn’t wish to endure Lavinia’s withering looks without any options for engaging in other conversations.
Akers took his hat and gloves. “The guests are in the parlor, my lord.”
“Thank you, Akers.”
Alesbury walked into the parlor and went to greet his hosts. “Good evening, Edgerton, Lady Edgerton,” he said with a nod.
