Violet’s maid finished weaving a white ribbon through Violet’s rich brown locks. “There you go, miss. You look beautiful.”
Violet looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror and was pleased with her maid’s ministrations. “Thank you, Katie. You’re a wonder.”
“Thank you, miss,” Katie said, curtseying and leaving the room.
Violet slipped on her gloves while Courtney picked up her shawl and handed it to her. “Ready?”
With one last look in the mirror, Violet stood. “Yes.”
“There’s no reason to be nervous. You look beautiful.”
Violet wasn’t so naïve as to completely believe her sister-in-law. She thought her best feature was her blue-gray eyes, although they looked rather dull compared to the bright blue eyes of her sister Julia. Her face was slender, not the heart shape with high cheekbones thetonpreferred, and she was the shortest of the Bainbridge sisters, with a slim willowy figure. She’d often wished for more feminine curves, but there was no hope for it—she’d had the same figure for three years now. “Thank you. You’re too kind.”
“Kindness has nothing to do with it. I speak the truth, dear sister.”
Violet locked arms with Courtney, and together, they descended the stairs to the foyer.
“There you are,” Lavinia, the Dowager Lady Edgerton said. “Let us depart. I don’t wish to be late.”
“Are my ladies ready?” Charles asked, walking down the hall to join them in the foyer. He kissed Courtney’s cheek. “You look stunning, my love.”
Courtney smiled at her husband. “Thank you, my dear.”
Charles turned to Violet. “Violet, you’re a vision this evening.”
“Do you truly think so?”
“I do. Every man at dinner will be requesting a dance with you later in the evening.”
Violet smiled at her brother, even though he exaggerated a bit much. She’d be happy to have just one lord request a dance this evening: Lord Alesbury. Even though she’d always been taught she needed to marry well, Violet cared little for Alesbury’s title. She was enamored of the man himself. Many, many nights since last Christmas, she’d fantasized in the privacy of her bedchamber about talking with him again, what it would be like to kiss him and lose herself in his mesmerizing hazel eyes. Whatwouldit be like to actually feel his lips pressed to hers? She’d never been kissed before and wanted Alesbury to be her first kiss. She could imagine no other.
Akers, the Edgerton butler, handed out the coats before opening the door. Winter was reluctant to fade, and a cold wind whistled through the April night air. “There are warming bricks in the carriage, my lord.”
“Very considerate, Akers. I’m sure the ladies will appreciate them.” Edgerton led them outside and handed the women up into the carriage before joining them. He and Courtney sat in the rear-facing seats.
Lavinia placed her hand over Violet’s clasped hands. “Darling, don’t fidget. You’ll wrinkle your dress.”
“Yes, Mama.” Violet’s mouth was dry, and her fidgeting caused by thinking about Viscount Alesbury. She tried to calm her pounding heart while wondering if she’d be seated beside the handsome lord this evening. When he showed interest in her last fall, she’d been delighted although more than a little tongue-tied at his attention. Who could have guessed such a devilishly handsome man would be interested in her?
She’d been sorely disappointed when he left London soon after Christmas and hadn’t reappeared since. Would he still be interested in her when they meet again this Season? She dearly hoped so because her feelings for him had only grown over the winter.
It didn’t take long to reach Lady Tisbury’s townhouse. When the carriage stopped, the footman put down the steps and handed down each of the ladies.
Edgerton and Courtney led the way up the steps, where they gave over their coats to Mr. Watson, the Tisbury butler, who waited in the foyer. Lavinia was the first to greet their hosts.
“Mary, it’s so lovely to see you again,” she said, bussing her cheeks. “You remember my daughter, Violet?”
Violet curtseyed. “Lady Tisbury, thank you for inviting me this evening.”
“We’re delighted you’re here, my dear,” Lady Tisbury said.
Violet curtseyed to Lord Tisbury before following her mother into the front parlor. She scanned the room, but Lord Alesbury was nowhere in sight. A disappointed sigh escaped her lips. She hoped he would arrive soon and kept an eye on the door while she and her mother greeted the other guests.
Half an hour later, Watson called them in to dinner. Edgerton escorted Lady Tisbury while Lord Tisbury escorted Courtney. Violet took one last look at the door, and her heart did a flip.
Lord Alesbury had just entered the parlor and was walking directly toward her. “Miss Bainbridge, may I have the pleasure of escorting you in to dinner?”
“I would welcome that, my lord,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. A small thrill raced up her spine at the contact, even through the layers of clothing.
