***
Sliding the hive knife between the slabs of honeycomb, Violet worked it free from the skep. The bees buzzed lazily around her, and the scent of smoke hung heavily in the air as she pulled the last of the comb free and set to cleaning the interior walls. Setting the last of the comb into the basket, she rose to her feet and returned the now empty skep to its alcove in the wall.
And she didnotthink about Dr. Vaughn and Miss Gadd.
With a rake in hand, she scattered the burn pile that had been used to subdue the bees before pouring water atop. Grabbing the baskets in hand, she pushed back the veil that covered her straw hat and carried her load into the house.
All whilenotthinking about the pair of them spending the day together.
Bringing the basket into the workroom, Violet placed the honeycomb in an empty pot. Several others held their golden bounty, ready to be strained and processed into honey and beeswax, though that was work for another day. Setting her hat aside, she ticked that chore from her mental list and considered the rest.
No doubt Dr. Vaughn was fumbling and awkward at first, but Diana was such a talkative soul and lacked Miss Bacon’s assertiveness that set the fellow’s nerves on edge, so he would be at ease in no time. Violet’s first conversation with him hadn’tbeen all ease and amusement, after all. Diana was a good sort, and she’d be patient with his reticent manners.
Wiping her hands on her apron, Violet moved to the workbench and began trimming the stems of the herbs she’d harvested that morning. August was a busy time, and she’d ensured all her drying hooks were empty and ready to be used, though it was likely unnecessary, as this year’s crop was far smaller than usual.
A yawn tugged at her mouth, forcing it wide open despite her protests, and she rubbed at her forehead. The megrim had been an excuse yesterday, and it seemed as though fate was going to punish her for that little fib by cursing her with one today. But that was to be expected when her body refused to sleep.
Had they gone to the bridge? Dr. Vaughn had said that was his plan, but he’d called it “our” bridge, and Violet couldn’t help but think of it in those terms. Which was ridiculous, as friends did not share such things. That sort of thing was reserved for sweethearts.
Regardless, she hoped it had been enjoyable. Dr. Vaughn deserved to have his dream fulfilled, and though she didn’t know if Diana were a perfect match for him, the lady would suit. A physician needed a wife who was skilled with social politics (especially when he struggled with them), and Diana had a sizable dowry to help them get established.
A knock sounded at the workroom door, and Violet called out.
Peggy poked her head through and said, “Miss Gadd to see you, miss.”
Violet’s ribs constricted, but she smiled and nodded. “Please, come in.”
Then, to carry to her friend, she called, “I do hope you don’t mind if I get some work done. I’ve been harvesting all day, and I have so many things that need tending.”
Sweeping in like the whirlwind she was, Diana hardly paused long enough to give her friend a buss on the cheek in greeting before she stood at Violet’s worktable, a scowl pullingat her features. “Do whatever you need to do—as long as you tell me why you none-too-subtly forced me on an excursion with Dr. Vaughn yesterday.”
Chapter 40
Violet turned her gaze to the bundle of lavender in her hand and focused on tying it up with twine. “I thought you two might suit.”
Lifting it, she hung the herb on the hook and set her sights on the next bundle, picking up the shears to clean off the stems.
“I assure you we do not,” said Diana with a vehement shake of her head. “That was the most awkward and unfortunate afternoon I’ve ever been made to suffer. Good heavens, the man hardly spoke two words the entire time. I know you enjoy his company, and you are welcome to him, but I shan’t be attempting it again on my own.”
Violet huffed and shook her head. “That’s just how he is at first. Dr. Vaughn requires time before he is comfortable around others, and you shouldn’t dismiss him until you give him a proper chance.”
“Believe me, I have no interest in attempting it again. I don’t know why he bothered with the picnic when it was clear he didn’t wish to be there. It was almost as though he had no interest in anything that didn’t include you,” said Diana with a knowing tone.
“Don’t you start as well,” replied Violet with a frown. “We’ve discussed this. My history—”
“Yes, I know all about your history,” said Diana, her brows pulling together. “I can’t help but wonder if—”
“No,” said Violet, punctuating the word by pointing sharply with the shears. “Do not start with that. You simply must give him a chance. Dr. Vaughn is such a dear, and I think you might suit each other.”
“Whether or not that is true is immaterial,” said Diana, picking up a stem of chamomile and taking a sniff before quickly tossing the flower back onto the pile. “Dr. Vaughn is leaving Oakham for London.”
Violet stiffened, her eyes widening as she stared at her friend. “Pardon?”
“The only thing he managed to say during our outing was at the end,” she said with an airy wave. “He thanked me for my time and apologized that we wouldn’t be able to do so again, as he’s leaving for London.”
Gaping, Violet set down her tools and flowers and clutched the edge of the table. “That cannot be.”
“He didn’t elaborate beyond that, but he was quite firm about his leaving,” said Diana as she examined the pile of chamomile.
