Page 31 of Almost a Countess

Ask Violet.

The words popped into her head as ifspoken by a kind angel.

The one person who could tell her howto make herself attractive to a man. If Violet had been able tomake Tris the besotted and devoted husband he was, she wouldcertainly have advice on how Dora could make herself more appealingto Finn.

Automatically, she reached for ink,paper, and pens, all close at hand on the library table. She’dwrite to her friend immediately and ask to call on her regarding avery important matter. Violet wouldn’t fail her. Dora would haveher happy ever after, just like in the fairy tales.

With a smile, she mended the pen,dipped it in the silver ink well, and began to write.

Chapter 13

“My dear, what is wrong?”Violet met her at the door to the drawing room, armsoutstretched.

Dora went into them withouthesitation. “Oh, Violet, I didn’t know what else to do. Who else Icould turn to.”

“Come, sit down.” Armaround Dora’s shoulders, Violet led her to the same chaise asbefore, but this time sat beside her, holding her hand. “I’vealready rung for tea. Your note was most alarming, my dear. Therewas such urgency in the pen strokes I was beside myself wonderingwhat had happened. Now tell me what has upset you so.”

Looking into Violet’s worried face,Dora had sudden grave doubts about the wisdom of confessing to herfriend. Once she told Violet about Finn, and how he came to beliving under her roof, Dora feared the first thing she would do wascall for Tris. Yet what else could she do if she wanted guidance inwooing Lord Aberfoyle? This was not the time to besqueamish.

“It’s a gentleman, Violet.A gentleman I wish to have a better acquaintance with.”

“Indeed, my dear, youastonish me.” Her friend sat back on the chaise, looking at Dora asthough she’d never seen her before. “You said nothing of thisyesterday. Who is he? Where did you meet him, and when? The way youspoke, I believed you in need of the company of gentlemen. Are yousaying this is not the case? That you have found a gentleman youbelieve you can love?”

“I do believe I have,Violet.” Lord, but it felt so good to say that aloud to someone.“He is a gentleman I have little acquaintance with. However, Ithink we may indeed suit. We seem to rub along together well. He’sa kind, brave soul who is currently seeking to right a wrong doneto him.”

Violet’s brows took a downward turn.“And when did you meet this gentleman, Dora?”

“The day before yesterday.Out on the property while I was riding.” Of course Violet wouldwant to know all the details of their meeting.

“Is he staying on aneighboring estate, then?” The concern had lifted, but Dora fearedthat reprieve would be brief.

“No, not with one of theneighbors. With me.”

“With you?” Violet cockedher head, frowning deeply. “What do you mean?”

“The gentleman iscurrently residing beneath my roof at Bromley.” In for a penny…“He’s the man Lieutenant Scarlet and his men are lookingfor.”

The stunned look on Violet’s facewould have been comical had Dora not feared she would actuallyfaint. The blood drained from her cheeks and her mouth droppedopen. Frantically, Dora patted Violet’s wrists. “Violet. Violet.Breathe, my dear, or I shall be forced to use the smellingsalts.”

Finally, her friend gasped in a breathand clutched her throat. “Dora! Dear lord, you cannot mean it.” Shestruggled to rise. “I must summon Tristan. He will know what todo.”

“What will Tris know todo?”

Dora jerked upright at the sight ofLord Trevor standing in the doorway, dressed in his elegant ridingclothes—blue jacket and buckskin breeches—smiling as he took themboth in.

“Oh, Tris.” Violet roseand grasped her husband’s hand. “Dora has just told me—” Her gazeswung back to Dora.

All she could do was stare at herfriend and hold her breath.

“Dora told you what, mylove?” Tris’s gaze darted from his wife to Dora, the inquisitiverise in his eyebrows tinged with concern.

“That she has found agentleman she is becoming fond of.” Violet’s stare said she’dbought Dora some time, nothing more. Violet did not wish to lie toTris, and in her heart, Dora could not blame her forthat.

“Have you, Dora?” Trissmiled broadly and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Is he someone ofour acquaintance here in Yorkshire? Violet gave me to believe you’dbeen all but entombed up here for the past months. Who have youcome to admire?”

“I am certain he is notknown to you, Tris.” Her mind raced. How could she tell Tris thetruth without him bringing the wrath of God down on her head orturning Finn in to Scarlet? “I only met him myself the other day.An earl, somewhat younger than you.” Perhaps she could smooth thepath a little by giving all Finn’s accolades. “A little over myage. You may have met his uncle who sits in Parliament, although Iconfess, I cannot remember the gentleman’s name.”

“There are rather a lot ofmembers in Lords, Dora. I may well have met the gentleman butwithout a name, I won’t be able to tell you.” Tris settled himselfbeside Violet, still holding her hand. “Has the earl not taken hisplace there yet? Or is his father still alive?”