“It is nothing important.”
“But you are canceling your plans.”
Dr. Vaughn glanced up from his note, his brows creasing his forehead. “You have your hands quite full at present, and I can be of help. Why wouldn’t I cancel a silly dinner and evening of cards? This is more important.”
The gentleman spoke as though the answer was quite clear, and Violet couldn’t help but stare at him.
“Are you well?” asked Dr. Vaughn, moving to help her to a seat. “You look pale.”
But Violet shook the assistance away. “I am well. I am simply surprised. That is all. You are being so kind. I—”
The pressure filling her chest stole away her words for a moment, and she forced her throat to clear, gathering herself to say that which needed saying. Meeting his gaze, Violet filled her words with all the gratitude coursing through her.
“You are such a good friend to me, Dr. Vaughn. Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure,” he said, motioning her toward the corridor. “But we need to get you fed before you work yourself into the grave.”
*
Miracles came in many forms, and though small, the fact that Arthur spoke with such ease was nothing short of miraculous. Pain struck his heart, and the weight of that word settled into his limbs, making it difficult to follow Miss Templeton as they headed toward the dining room.
Afriend? That was what she’d called him.
Only a friend.
Chapter 21
Being one of the finest houses in the neighborhood (and arguably the finest, even if one included Bentmoor), Farleigh Manor never failed to inspire awe. Violet suspected much of that was due to her limited experience and country eyes, and she couldn’t help but wonder what Dr. Vaughn saw in the sprawling building. But then, the city favored terraced houses, didn’t they? All crushed together until everyone lived atop one another? Perhaps even London did not have such magnificent manor homes.
Violet’s gaze drifted through the concert room that was as much a hodgepodge as the exterior, which had been built up over generations, each adding their own style and tastes until it was a patchwork of eras, colors, and sensibilities. The interior was no less unique, though it had less to do with the previous owners expanding the home without regard for whether the new additions blended into the original façade. This was a bit of design genius.
Having no individual room large enough to allow such a large gathering, the architect had chosen instead to link rooms together with moveable partitions. When closed, they formed a gallery and drawing room, but when opened and the furniturewas shifted about, it provided an expanse that could fit all of the neighborhood’s high society.
However, the separate rooms each had unique decoration and coloring, giving the expanded space a disjointed appearance altogether. And Violet loved it. No doubt others thought it odd or disconcerting, but that is what made it unique.
“You are not listening to a single word I am saying,” said Felicity as she gave Violet a mock glare.
“Do forgive me,” she replied with a shake of her head. “I was admiring your home. I love Farleigh Manor.”
Felicity’s expression melted into a smile. “After I lost the last of my family, it held far too many painful memories, and I was far happier remaining in Portsmouth. But since settling here with Lewis, it feels quite different. I remember all the things I adored about Oakham and Farleigh Manor, and I am quite happy this is to be our home once more. And to reconnect with old friends.”
The lady turned her bright grin to Violet, adding, “I always regretted losing contact with you, and I am glad to have another opportunity to renew our friendship.”
There was something in Felicity’s eyes that made her think she was expected to reply, though Violet couldn’t think what to say.
“It is understandable. You were a child and had just lost your brother and father before being uprooted to live with your uncle in a new city. I understand why you stopped writing me. No doubt, you never expected to see me again, as you had no interest at that time in returning to Oakham. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.”
Violet forced her mouth closed, not allowing anything more to slip out. In her youth, she hadn’t possessed the empathy to accept why her friend had stopped responding to her letters, but with maturity, Violet gained perspective that allowed her to let go of that pain. It wasn’t Felicity’s fault that Violet Templeton was entirely forgettable, and nothing good came from wishing the world were different.
Felicity’s brow furrowed, but her focus shattered when Diana spoke.
“And how are you faring?” she asked with a wry smile. “Have your husband’s family destroyed the last of your sanity? I’ve had an ear out for the gossip, fully expecting to hear that you’ve been committed to Bedlam.”
With a halting chuckle, Felicity shook her head. “It is not as bad as all that. They’ve been quite pleasant in many ways, and Lewis is enjoying the time with his brother. The pair has spent countless hours touring the estate and discussing the improvements, and Phineas seems quite impressed with Lewis’s efforts—even going so far as to ask his opinion on instituting some of them in their family’s estate. However, my husband’s family knows how to try one’s patience.”
“Especially schoolboys on holidays,” added Diana.
Felicity’s eyes widened. “Good gracious, they are vexing. I hadn’t thought the boys’ arrival would cause such havoc, but they are forever getting into trouble. And I fear I may just slap my brother-in-law if he dares call my husband ‘Jack’ one more time.”
