Perfect.
Bethany’s younger sister, Lady Tabetha, sat on Violet’s opposite side. “If I didn’t know you were so proper, Miss Faraday, by that smug look on your face, I’d imagine your thoughts to be scandalous ones.”
“She does rather look like the cat who got the canary,” Bethany added.
Although the two sisters’ eyes were similar in color, their similarities ended there. Lady Bethany wasn’t plain by any means but possessed a demeanor that lent her an approachable appeal. Lady Tabetha, on the other hand, was something of a beauty, with golden hair and features to rival any princess. The younger girl had seemed snobbish on first meeting, but Violet had soon realized she was as friendly and kind-hearted as her sister.
Both were recently married and, overall, had little complaints about life.
Bethany sent her sister a disapproving stare and changed the subject.
“Tabetha and I spent many a summer on the beaches at Brighton as children, but I am quite looking forward to diving into Blackheart’s pool,” Bethany admitted.
“Are you a proficient swimmer, Miss Faraday?” the blonde girl asked.
“Not in the ocean, as I’ve spent most of my life in the North, but we have a lovely spot that dams up the brook. Posy and I sometimes go there to cool off in the summer months.” And then she added, “I’ve never seen a bathing pool, though.”
“Blackheart put it in after the fire,” Bethany supplied. “Heart Place is possibly my favorite manor in all of Mayfair. Not only because it is so very grand and fashionable, but because it has been outfitted with all that latest conveniences.”
Would Simon be showing her some of those tomorrow? Her heart leapt happily at the prospect of spending more time with him. He’d promised the duke would not be in residence.
“The duke hasn’t been at any of the balls I’ve attended,” Violet pondered. “Is he a recluse?”
“Blackheart? Hardly.” Lady Tabetha giggled and addressed her sister. “He attended Ladies Lucinda and Lydia’s debut ball. Did he leave London after that?” Lady Tabetha had just returned to Mayfair herself and married shortly after.
“He brought two sisters out at once?” Violet asked.
“They are twins,” Bethany supplied. “As their mother died years ago, Lady Ravensdale sponsored them. And Lady Lydia will participate in our bathing lessons, so you’ll have a chance to meet her later this week.”
“But has Blackheart remained in Mayfair?” Lady Tabetha asked her sister. “It’s not like him to be so scarce.”
“Chaswick has run into him a few times, but Lord Lucas has been acting as escort to the twins.” Bethany fidgeted, tapping her fingers to her thumbs in her lap, but turned to Violet to explain. “Lord Major Lucas, er—he is Blackheart’s younger brother.”
Bethany’s demeanor seemed… off, but Violet didn’t want to press her.
“It is kind of him to open his bathing pool for us, nonetheless.” Violet turned back to watch as Posy twirled around for the dressmaker. The bathing costumes provided for adequate modesty, but the material was thin and the pantaloons almost scandalous. “I admit to being relieved that the duke will not be present for our lessons.” She laughed. “I’d rather not meet a duke for the first time wearing something that is little more than a shift.”
“Oh, but this is going to be fun,” Tabetha laughed along with her.
Bethany smiled weakly, not quite meeting either of their eyes. “It’ll be different, that is for sure.”
* * *
Bright and early the following morning, a sealed envelope was delivered along with Violet’s morning tea.
Miss Faraday was written in an unfamiliar masculine script.
She didn’t open it until Gwen disappeared to attend to Posy and her aunt.
Violet,
I’ll await you in the mews at one o’clock.
Anxiously.
Yours,
S.
