“From whom?” Anette asked as she came to a stop on the carpet.
Violet shrugged. “I do not know, but a street urchin dropped it off at the servant’s entrance.”
“May I see it?”
With a smile, Violet replied, “Of course. It is your letter after all.” She closed the distance between them and handed her the folded piece of paper. “I didn’t peek, even though I will admit that I was tempted to.”
Anette unfolded the paper and read:
I need to see you. Meet me in the gardens before you go to bed. Tell no one.
-R
Violet gave her a curious look after she had read the note right alongside her. “Am I to assume that ‘R’ is Lord Roswell?”
“It must be,” Anette replied. “No one else would dare write me a letter such as this.”
“Do you intend to meet him in the gardens?”
Anette smiled at the thought of a secret rendezvous with Roswell. What if he wanted to kiss her again? Would she allow it?
Without a doubt she would. She would kiss Roswell for the rest of her days if he allowed it.
Violet shook her head. “I am not sure if this is such a good idea,” she said, being the voice of reason. “What if you are caught?”
“We won’t be,” Anette rushed to assure her. “Besides, we are meeting in the gardens. What harm could come from that?”
“I know you have feelings for Lord Roswell, but he shouldn’t have written you that letter. It puts you in an awkward position.”
Anette knew her lady’s maid was trying to help, but she wanted to see Roswell. Every time they had started a conversation, they were almost inevitably interrupted. What would happen if they could just speak freely for once?
What if Roswell wanted to confess his undying love for her?
Anette pressed the paper to her chest and spun in a circle. She felt giddy at that thought. She had loved Roswell for so long.
“I can see that you aren’t listening to me,” Violet said in a light tone. “Why am I even bothering to talk?”
“What if Roswell offers for me this evening?” Anette walked over to the wardrobe and opened the drawers. “I want to look my best.”
Violet remained rooted in her spot. “I do not think changing your clothes is a good idea. What if your brother or father saw you? They might grow suspicious.”
“You are right. I wouldn’t wish to appear too eager,” Anette said as she ran her hand down her pale blue gown. “I need to look presentable, but not too presentable. Does that make sense?”
“Nothing you are saying is making sense,” Violet joked.
Anette brought her hand up to her dark hair. “Should we put pearls in my hair?” she asked. “I had pearls in my hair the night that Roswell first kissed me.”
“I do not think it was because of the pearls that he kissed you.”
“No, but it might help.”
Violet laughed. “I would be happy to redo your hair but it still is neatly coiffed. I wonder if you are overthinking this.”
“Perhaps, but I can’t help but wonder what Roswell wishes to tell me.”
A knock echoed throughout her room.
“Enter,” Anette ordered as she placed the note down onto her dressing table.
