Violet laughed. “I quite understand. But you are enjoying yourself?”
Violet truly was curious. Neither of Chaswick’s sisters had had an easy time of it. Although many socialites were willing to look beyond the girls’ circumstances in deference to Chaswick’s position, a number of sticklers were not.
“I’ve only been given the cut once this evening. And although it was satisfying when your cousin asked them to leave, I hate that there was any ugliness at all tonight.”
“I’m afraid he’s going to have to get used to that. At least until word spreads that such behavior will not be tolerated.”
“I hope she doesn’t have too difficult of a time.” Miss Jones stared across the dance floor where her sister was making conversation with the Duchess of Corbridge.
“It isn’t going to be easy for her,” Violet conceded. “But she is a force in her own right, and with Greystone’s support, she’ll find her way.” She met the other girl’s stare. “I understand you have chosen another sort of life…”
“I have.” Miss Jones smiled. “This is all fine, but it isn’t…me. Chase, Lord Chaswick—he’s made arrangements for me to begin teaching next autumn at Miss Primm’s Private Seminary for the Education of Ladies.”
“And that is what you want?”
“It is.” The girl seemed quite sure of herself, giving Violet pause to stare out at the world she’d belonged to all her life.
“They can, indeed, present a formidable challenge at times,” Violet acknowledged.
“Yes. But it is more than that, I think. No one is who they seem. Present company excepted.” She touched Violet’s arm. “But growing up in Mayfair, I remember watching all the lords and ladies driving in their fancy chariots.” Miss Jones smiled. “Believing that their lives were perfect. It made me feel as though I must be flawed. But I’ve since realized that there is no such thing as a perfect life. I would rather focus my energies on teaching, improving the lives of students, and also my own, rather than pretending to be something I’m not. If that makes any sense at all.” She laughed and then reached into the folds of her gown before offering a small tin. “Would you care for a comfit?”
Violet accepted and popped one of the mints into her mouth. “Thank you.” But she was mulling over Miss Jones’s words.
With Simon, Violet never felt the need to be anyone but herself. She’d told him things she’d never told anyone—and he’d never once balked.
She’d felt no need to impress him, and she’d never feared that he would betray her confidences. That sort of freedom was new to her.
And thinking about him sent her gaze searching the ballroom for the man who stood out to her more than any other.
She hadn’t seen him since before the guests had arrived. For him to have neglected his duties upstairs, the kitchen must be experiencing some sort of difficulties that required his presence.
If he didn’t appear when supper was served, she’d have to go down to check with the cook herself.
But then her concerns jumped to her more immediate responsibilities. Although Aunt Iris had promised to keep a close eye on Posy, Violet barely caught sight of her niece exiting onto the terrace alone, looking quite purposeful.
The back of Violet’s neck tingled.
She’d encouraged Posy to be friendlier to any suitors, but she’d not intended that she have an assignation with one of them.
“Would you mind terribly, excusing me for a moment?” Violet rose, anxious that she catch up to Posy.
“Of course not.” Miss Jones stood as well. “But I hope I haven’t offended you.”
Violet shook her head. “Not at all. Because you are correct. It can be exhausting. But putting on a brave face for the world is very English, is it not? And quite appropriate most of the time.” Violet smoothed her skirts, restless to take her leave but also wanting to make a point. “So long as we have people in our lives with whom it’s not necessary to pretend, I think we can strike a favorable balance. I think your sister and my cousin have found that together.”
“I hope so, Miss Faraday.” Miss Jones sounded a little forlorn, and Violet realized that with her sister’s marriage, this young woman faced significant changes as well.
“Don’t abandon the idea of marrying altogether, Miss Jones,” Violet said. “Just remember, even the loftiest duke puts his pants on one leg at a time.”
“But with the help of a valet,” Miss Jones pointed out.
“I suppose there is that.” Violet laughed.
And on that note, she smiled and left the young woman to her place in the shadows. Then, after glancing around one last time in hopes of finding Simon, Violet ventured toward the terrace to locate Posy.
Outside, Violet’s eyes required a moment to adjust to the darkness despite the orange glow of a few lanterns. The air was warmer than it had been the night she’d gone walking with Simon, and that memory gave Violet an idea as to where to check first.
It was possible she was wrong in thinking Posy would do anything scandalous, especially after she’d shown so little interest in any of the gentlemen she’d met all spring.
