Violet was struck dumb, finding herself with mouth hanging open. She turned fully to face Ambrose, her hand falling from Alexander’s arm.
“Did you, indeed? Well, that is quite the coincidence. It is a small world in which we live,” Lillian said brightly.
“I would gladly put off my business in the House in order to talk about her with you. Reminisce,” Ambrose said, walking back towards Violet.
His voice was confident now, his charming smile projecting that confidence with the force of a sun. For a moment, Violet considered asking Alexander to excuse her. For a moment, she thought that he would surely understand that she could not ignore an opportunity to learn more about her parents.
“I would also dearly love to hear more about Lady Violet’s mother. A man should know about the family of one he cares for,” Alexander said, moving to Violet’s side.
Ambrose stopped in his tracks, briefly glaring at Alexander. But only briefly. Then, he got himself under control, his arrogant smile returning.
“Care for? I had not heard that Lady Violet was…courting. What lovely news for the Ton.”
Violet put her hand through Alexander’s arm once more.
“Alexander and I have become close and no longer wish to keep it secret,” she said.
“Well, I sincerely hope that our Scotch friend proves himself worthy of you.”
“Perhaps you could join us to talk about my mother. If your business is not so urgent after all,” Violet said.
“Alas. I have just remembered something more urgent. Forgive me,” Ambrose said, sweeping a bow.
He turned on his heel and began to walk away. Lillian watched him go and then turned back to Violet and Alexander. She clapped her hands twice.
“Bravo! I have been privileged to see a master at work. Two in fact. That was a quite superb job of deflating an arrogant fop,” she crowed.
“I wanted to deck the fella,” Alexander growled.
Deck? What language he comes up with in a pinch. Descriptive and to the point.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” Violet replied faintly.
“Do you think he really knew Aunt Fiona?” Lillian asked as they resumed walking.
“It’s possible. Mama moved in similar social circles to us. It is entirely likely she could come into contact with Lord Ambrose,” Violet said.
“Does her diary make mention of him?” Lillian asked.
“It makes no mention of anyone. Not by name. There was certainly a gentleman in her life, one of whom she was fond. She describes going to his country estate,” Violet replied.
“I hope for Aunt Fiona’s sake that it was not his. He is odious. A more arrogant man I have never met. And to think I wished to speak with him,” Lillian said.
“You are a fine judge of character. The man is a reptile,” Alexander replied.
“But he is also a Lord of the Realm and a central figure in the Ton and the Court. Respected and wealthy. And with the social capital to make anyone he chooses into a pariah. It seems he is also your political opponent?” Violet asked.
“Aye, he is that.”
They proceeded through Hyde Park, emerging onto Oxford Street. Violet led them to a restaurant overlooking Portman Square. It was quiet and discreetly located but those who had found it were all of London’s social elite. Heads turned as Alexander entered and Violet could feel the furtive attention directed towards him as he dealt with the maitre de and led his companions to an excellent table. The luncheon proceeded and Alexander acquitted himself well, projecting the image of a perfect gentleman. After their meal, Lillian took Violet aside while Alexander blithely talked to a Baronet who had come to the table to introduce himself to the Duke.
“I am going to take a cab back to Brompton Row,” Lillian said. “I think you and Alexander would rather be alone anyhow.”
Violet felt mortified, thinking back over the entire luncheon, and wondered how badly she had been neglecting Lillian.
Surely, we weren’t so occupied by each other that we made her feel excluded. Oh my, poor Lillian!
She began to speak but Lillian put a hand up and whispered, quickly.
