Violet would have loved to take part in the planning—on any other day.
“I’m afraid I cannot,” Violet said. “I’ve other plans.”
“Oh?” Her aunt’s eyebrows rose. “More important than charity?”
“I’m, er, making final arrangements for the bathing lessons.” Best to keep as close to the truth as possible.
At this, her aunt looked even more skeptical, but her skepticism was not because she did not believe Violet’s excuse. “Bathing lessons! A waste of time and most improper if you ask me. But nobody cares for my opinion these days.” She lifted her nose just enough to show that she knew very well her opinion was heeded more often than not.
“Please though, will you tell the Marchioness that I’m more than happy to volunteer my services to her cause otherwise?” Violet had only visited one foundling hospital to know the importance of proper funding and oversight. Not all orphans were as lucky as Posy had been. Most were not, in fact.
Simon’s sisters had been lucky to have such a responsible and loyal brother.
“Very well. I’ll expect to see you for dinner this evening, then.” The older woman fussed with the lace on her sleeve and then sashayed out the door. Violet couldn’t help but smile at the idea of telling Greystone that he possessed some of the same mannerisms as their aged aunt.
Although, he likely already knew. And he wouldn’t care. Her cousin was a most original sort of gentleman.
“You are meeting with Lady Chaswick, then? Collette hasn’t mentioned it.” Posy’s voice was only half interested; otherwise, Violet might have felt it necessary to make up a few details to embellish her lie.
Wincing to herself, Violet doubted she’d lied so much in all her life. But this was the only way. It wasn’t as though she could be courted publicly by a butler.
Her gaze flicked to her wardrobe, where the evergreen gown she favored hung. It was perfect for her afternoon with Simon.
“It’s nothing.” Violet smiled to herself. “Just, you know, finalizing details.”
The Tour
“I wouldn’t mind walking,” Violet announced when she met Simon in the mews giving directions to a driver she hadn’t met before. She had passed Heart Place several times when she’d gone out for a constitutional in the park. It was not quite half a mile distant.
“I prefer to drive you.” Simon, quite stunning in his black coat and tan breeches, looked nothing at all like a manservant. “Unless you don’t mind being seen walking with me?”
Had he dressed like this for her? Did he think she would be ashamed to be seen out with a butler?
The thought brought her up short. Because she felt many emotions whenever she was with him, but she couldn’t imagine being ashamed to have him at her side.
Although, he was right. Suspicions would be raised if she was seen walking with her cousin’s butler. And then there might be talk.
Unseemly talk.
Violet stared across the mews at the very plain carriage awaiting them. It was black, scuffed, and except for the gorgeous team pulling it, inconspicuous.
“Is this one of Greystone’s?” she asked.
“I’ve hired it for the day.” Simon handed her through the door and climbed in behind her.
“Because we must be discreet.”
“Yes,” he confirmed, and then he winked. “But also, because it might rain.”
Violet glanced out the window, and sure enough, dark clouds were moving across the horizon. But Simon was seated beside her now, and rain was the last thing on her mind.
“It would be a shame for you to ruin that gown. It’s perfect on you.”
She sighed dramatically. “As much as I resented your opinions at Madam Chantal’s, I must admit I’ve grown rather fond of my new wardrobe.”
“I’m glad you are coming to realize it.” He sounded sincere despite the teasing look he sent her.
“Realize what?”
