“I know what you mean,” Violet said with feeling. “At times, Carlisle and I seem to bring out the worst in each other.”
“In what way?” Em said.
“Well, he has a tendency to be domineering and conservative. Whereas I’m, you know…me.I’m not exactly a run-of-the-mill miss.”
“A hereditary condition, I’m afraid. Luckily, normality is an overrated quality.” Em shook Vi’s skirts into place. “Just ask our husbands who couldn’t give a whit about it.”
“Tremont thinks I’m normal,” Thea said.
Emma’s brows lifted. “You… who foiled the plot of a nefarious spy?”
“Well, I canpassfor normal.” Thea’s smile was demure. “Under exigent circumstances.”
“The pointbeing, the most important thing one can be in a relationship is oneself. Who else can one be after all?” Stepping back, Em inspected Vi. “I think you’re ready, dear. Go have a look in the looking glass.”
Vi trotted over to the long oval mirror—and her lips tipped up in her reflection. She loved the rich hue accomplished by layering pale golden gauze over saffron satin. When she moved, the golden threads caught the light, glimmering. As thecoup de grace, tiny golden blossoms had been embroidered onto the gauze, drifting playfully over the full skirts and piling up richly at the hem.
Twisting this way and that, she breathed, “This gown is theutmost.”
Her sisters’ smiling faces appeared behind her.
“How lovely you are. The gown suits you perfectly,” Thea said.
“And, in the end, finding the right husband is no different from finding the right dress. One must consider the fit,” Em said prosaically, “and whether or not he accentuates one’s best qualities. In his presence, one ought to feel confident and at one’s best.”
Memories of Carlisle’s kisses and his warmly possessive touch caused a melting sensation in Violet’s midsection. Those times with Carlisle had been sublime. Despite the sisterly confidences shared this eve, however, she wasn’t quite up to revealingthattidbit.
Passion aside, she wasn’t sure of the fit between her and Carlisle. Their connection felt both vibrant and fragile, like a breathtaking gown that could snag at any moment. She was beginning to recognize his good qualities… but was he seeing hers? When it came down to it, she wasn’t even sure helikedher.
Swallowing, she said, “Given how we started, do you think it’s possible that Carlisle and I could learn to bring out the best in one another?”
“Conflict is oft the prelude to romance,” Thea said in philosophical tones. “Remember how Emma and His Grace were when they first met?”
“We’re still that way,” Em put in cheerfully, “but we have learned to compromise and that makes all the difference.”
Compromise.Well, she would try. And that reminded her of something else.
“Em, may I ask you a favor?”
“Yes, dear?”
“Would you speak to Ambrose about letting me join the investigation? I promise I’ll be guided by you, will act under your supervision. Please, Em,” she pleaded, “IknowI can help, and I want to be a part of this.”
Her sister studied her. “It’s that important to you, Violet?”
“Remember howyoufelt when you were barred from helping Strathaven?”
During the murder investigation that had brought Emma and His Grace together, the former had had to fight to be included in the proceedings. To be taken seriously… as Violet wished to be.
“I remember. All too well.” Em gave a brisk nod. “I’ll talk to Ambrose, but I’m not guaranteeing anything will come of it.”
“Thank you!” Vi threw her arms around her eldest sister. “You won’t regret it.”
Em returned the hug, sighing, “I hope you’re right.”
Chapter Sixteen
Richard stood with Blackwood in the ballroom after supper. The mirrored walls made the grand space appear even larger, magnifying the effect of the pink marble floors and crystal chandeliers. The night was surprisingly balmy, and the balcony doors that lined one side of the dance floor were left open, navy curtains stirring in the breeze.
