“Ah.” Harriet placed the tray on the table and handed out cups, which she then proceeded to fill. “I suppose that explains the miserable expression you’re wearing.”
“I should have said yes when he offered to escort me tomorrow. I should have...” She wasn’t sure what she should have done anymore and it didn’t really matter anyway, did it? “He’ll find someone else to court now.”
“Maybe he will and maybe he won’t,” Diana said, “But I’m inclined to believe he’s still attempting to win you.”
Viola stared at her. “How?”
“Because of the article he wrote.” Diana looked at her as if the point she was making was crystal clear.
It just wasn’t to Viola. “He’s obviously hoping to attract other eligible young ladies.”
“Or he’s trying to repair his reputation so people will know he has honorable intentions where you are concerned.” Harriet sipped her tea while Viola tried to absorb this idea. “You told him yourself that you feared being seen in his company—that it might reflect poorly on you at a time when you cannot afford any negative gossip.”
“Yes,” Viola muttered. “Yes I did.” Was it really possible that he’d done this for her? “But if this is his reasoning, why not come to see me? Why stay away?”
“We could ask the same of you,” Diana said. “A relationship is not a one-sided endeavor, and since you did deny him the pleasure of his escort, he might be sitting at home just as you are right now, hoping you’ll change your mind.”
“I can’t do that,” Viola said even as she wished she could. “It would give him the wrong impression. He’d think I’m willing to be his wife.”
“Aren’t you?”
The question, posed by Harriet, resulted in a long moment of silence during which Viola reflected on her life, the dream she’d had as a little girl of marrying for love and living happily ever after, and the reality she’d been dealt instead.
“I don’t know, but I do have to be completely sure before I allow him to think that I might be.” She looked at her friends. “Few women achieve independence. Most are subject to their husband’s wills. I’m not sure I want that for myself.”
“It’s certainly a big decision and one you shouldn’t make lightly,” Diana told her. “But while you think on it, I suggest Harriet and I try to cheer you up. After all, there is a party for you to attend tomorrow evening. Are you still nervous about it?”
“A little, but only because I want it to be a success.”
“At least Florian’s family will be there to support you,” Harriet said. “As long as you stay by their side no one will dare say a word against you.”
“Right now I think most of the people attending are simply looking to catch a glimpse of the infamous duchess,” Viola said. She’d used their curiosity to lure them, and although she loathed the idea of socializing with people who’d gossiped about her over the years, she needed to secure them as her clients. And who knew, perhaps when she met them all in person, they’d see what Lowell and Florian and her other friends saw—that she wasn’t the scheming social climber they thought her to be.
“I say we give them something to remember, then,” Harriet said. She smiled broadly. “After you’ve eaten, you’ll try on the gown you ordered.”
It was a beautiful creation fashioned from emerald green silk. Viola had hung it on her wardrobe door so she could look at it every time she entered her bedchamber.
“And tomorrow we’ll style your hair,” Diana added. “When you arrive at the rejuvenation center in the evening, heads will turn and every gentleman present will flock to your side, including Mr. Lowell.”
Liking the idea of drawing his attention, Viola smiled. She did not care if anyone else found her pretty or remotely attractive, but she wanted him to. Even though she wasn’t sure if they’d share a future together, it mattered to her that he, the most wonderful man she’d ever known, wanted her.
Chapter 16
Viola had not intended to be late to her own party, but she’d never been to a ball before, or any other social functions for that matter. As a result, it had taken a great deal longer than she’d expected to get ready. Her hair alone had taken an hour, shaping it and pinning it in just the right places. What Diana and Harriet had accomplished was almost magical. They’d added volume where none had existed before and framed her face with the softest curls.
When Viola had finally looked at herself in the cheval glass after donning her gown, she’d been surprised. Not only because her friends had lowered the bodice enough to reveal the tops of her breasts, or because they’d trimmed the edge of her décolletage with shimmering beads intended to draw attention, but because, for the very first time, she looked both wealthy and fashionable, like the duchess she was supposed to be.
“Perfect,” Diana murmured beside her. Harriet nodded, and the two women escorted Viola downstairs, where a hired carriage awaited.
“We hope you have a wonderful evening,” Harriet told her, and gave her a hug.
Diana helped her into the carriage. “Good luck.” She closed the door and the carriage took off at an even pace. The rejuvenation center wasn’t too far and Viola arrived there within ten minutes.
Taking a deep breath, Viola opened the carriage door and stepped down onto the pavement, where she was instantly greeted by Coventry and Huntley who both appeared as if out of nowhere.
“We were watching for you,” Huntley said with a smile and a look in his eyes that conveyed a great deal of surprise. “May I say you look absolutely stunning, Your Grace.”
“A diamond of the first water,” Coventry added. He offered his arm. “Our wives insisted we escort you inside.”
