“I’ll set someone on Carlisle’s townhome to discover who this Ray is and where he goes. In the meantime, the renovations are finally complete at Blakely Manor. The property was run down, so it took longer than I expected to open it up. I’ll be staffing it with some of our people as well as hiring locals. That should also give us a better picture of what’s going on in Bellericay. Courtney suggested having a garden party there once the manor’s fully staffed.”
“That’s a good idea. The staff are always the ones who know what’s going on, and they’ll talk to the other villagers. Unfortunately, my face is too well known around Billericay so I can’t attend when you invite guests to Blakely. I shall be staying in London for the Season and taking a step back from future missions involving Carlisle. There are other matters I must attend to.”
Edgerton chuckled. “I see. Is there a particular matter I should be informed about?”
“You know there is. Spending the winter in Bellericay hasn’t dampened my interest in your sister. I’ve asked Violet to join me for a carriage ride in Hyde Park and would like your permission to court her.”
Edgerton slapped Alesbury on the back. “I couldn’t approve of your interest in my sister more, but I won’t be forcing her to accept any suitor this Season if she doesn’t wish it. Violet is a sweet young woman, and I would not like to see anyone toy with her feelings. Does she share your interest?”
Alesbury nodded. “I believe she does.”
“Well then, we should return to the parlor for the dancing post-haste.”
“Absolutely.”
VIOLET SMILED WHEN SHEsaw Lord Alesbury enter the parlor. She tried hard to give her full attention to her current dance partner, but she could barely drag her eyes away from the handsome lord. His black eveningwear fit his broad shoulders to perfection. His light-brown hair curled slightly around his ears, and she longed to find out if it was as soft as it appeared. A strong jaw line and gorgeous gold-and-hazel eyes rounded out his masculine beauty. No man had the right to look like a chiseled statue come to life, but Lord Alesbury fit that description with ease. She was glad when the dance ended and her partner returned her to her mother.
Butterflies danced around Violet’s insides when Lord Alesbury walked over to them. “Lady Edgerton, Miss Bainbridge,” he said with a bow.
“Good evening, Lord Alesbury,” Lavinia said.
“Miss Bainbridge, would you care to take a turn around the room?”
Violet looked at her mother and was relieved when she nodded. “I’d be delighted, my lord. Thank you.” As she took his offered arm, she inhaled and let the smell of sandalwood and his own masculine scent wash over her. Delicious warmth traveled along her nerves and wrapped snugly around her. She relished it; she hadn’t known she could crave him on so many levels.
“Your brother has no objection to my taking you for a drive in Hyde Park. Would you honor me with your company?”
Violet looked up, and his intense stare captured her, rendering her momentarily speechless. This breathtaking man wanted to spend time with her. Could it be so?
“Miss Bainbridge, is something wrong?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Forgive me. I’d be honored, my lord. Tomorrow, I’ll be at Court being presented to the queen, but the next day, I’m free. Will that suit?”
“Two days hence then. I shall call on you at five. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
“As am I. Thank you, my lord.” Violet wanted to say that she would be impatiently counting the hours, but this feeling of breathlessness was so new to her, she kept that detail to herself. Her interest in Lord Alesbury hadn’t wavered during their time apart and had come rushing back stronger than ever this evening. It was no school-girl crush, of that she was certain. When she thought of him, her insides filled with butterflies, and she longed to spend time in his presence. Was this how love started? How could she be sure? She had no experience with men or love for that matter, but she would be happy to discover all with him.
When Courtney began to play another song, Lord Alesbury asked, “Would you honor me with this dance?”
Violet gave him her prettiest smile as her heart soared. “I’d be delighted.”
Lord Alesbury escorted her to the floor, and Violet was swept away by emotion. She was dancing with the man who’d captured her attention so fully she could scarcely breathe, and soon, they would take a carriage ride in Hyde Park at the fashionable hour. All of Society would know of his interest in her. She could hardly wait.
Chapter 4
CARLISLE WANTED TO SMASH SOMETHINGas he sat behind the massive mahogany desk that had been used by three generations of Carlisle men. This week, he’d received two invitations to musicales, but none at all to any balls. That would not do. He needed access to the young ladies making their come out this year and that old biddy Lady Tisbury did not help his cause by excluding him from her dinner party. While he thought about how to crash the next suitable ball, there was a knock on his door. “Come.”
“My lord, you have a visitor,” Enfield said.
“I’m not receiving any visitors.”
“He said it’s urgent he speak with you.”
That got Carlisle’s attention. “Very well. Show him in.”
Enfield nodded and quickly returned with a well-dressed gentleman. “Shall I bring a tea tray, my lord?”
Carlisle shook his head. “That won’t be necessary.”
