“An alliance of politics! Lord Godstone has made it very clear to me that my allegiance is regarded as essential to the Tory cause. Very flattering of course.”
Violet couldn’t help but smile. Her Uncle had never paid much attention to politics, rarely going to Parliament, or participating in debates or votes. Godstone had clearly been flattering him to get as many votes as he could.
“I know. It is exciting and thrilling, is it not?” Uncle George enthused, seeing Violet’s smile.
He resumed his seat but sat on the edge, hands clasped between his knees.
“Well? Are you going to open it?” he asked.
Violet took a deep breath and reached for the envelope. As she broke the wax seal that held it closed, the door to the library opened and Lillian came into the room.
“Father, I should like to ask you something…” she said.
“Yes, yes, yes my dear. But wait a moment. Violet has a very important letter to read and I am keen to hear its contents,” George said, waving a hand to Lillian dismissively.
Lillian stopped in the middle of the room.
“Indeed? A letter from whom?” she asked in a voice devoid of emotion.
Violet hesitated and Uncle George leaped into the breach. “Why, from Lord Godstone! And I sincerely hope it marks the beginning of a close alliance between our two houses.”
Lillian’s eyes were cold as she stared at Violet. Cheeks flushing brightly, Violet held her cousin’s stare.
I am doing nothing wrong and one day you will see it. I hope you do not hate me too much in the meantime.
“What does he say?” Lillian asked.
Violet sighed and unfolded a creamy, thick piece of paper. The handwriting was elegant and the signature at the bottom elaborate and extravagant. The crest of the Godstones, a tower beneath a cross, was inscribed at the bottom of the letter. Violet’s eyes filled with tears as she read the few lines written there. Tears because she knew those words were the death knell for her relationship with Lillian.
She will believe herself betrayed. She will think that I have seen her take an interest in a man and have poached him for myself.
“Well? Read it out!” Uncle George said impatiently.
Violet began to read aloud.
“My dear Lady Violet. There is a matter that must be discussed between us at your earliest opportunity. It is a subject that has long been between us, though you did not know of it. I mustconfess that I have been aware of you for a long time, though have not spoken. That must now change and I must reveal to you the nature of my feelings toward you. I shall be at my house from three o’clock this afternoon and available to you. I urge you to come to me at the address above.
Ambrose”
Violet sat back, a hand to her brow and eyes closed. She heard Lillian leave the room and felt the letter taken from her hand by Uncle George.
“By God! This is everything that I could hope for! I don’t know what is wrong with Lillian, by the way. You would think she would be excited for you. Perhaps she is envious. And with good reason, I should say!”
“I shall go to him at once and see what it is he wants to discuss,” Violet said without emotion.
“Yes, yes, yes. I shall send a maid to help you dress,” Uncle George added.
“I shall go as I am,” Violet said, standing.
“Nonsense. You must make a good impression,” Uncle George insisted. “That rogue Lorchester may not have cared what you looked like but Lord Godstone…is a different class of man altogether.”
“I shall go as I am and leave forthwith,” Violet said firmly.
Uncle George glanced at her face and did not press the matter any further.
“Very well. I shall have a cab summoned for you. Shall I accompany you?”
“That will not be necessary, Uncle George. I am sure Lord Godstone can be trusted to behave as a gentleman,” Violet replied.
