“Why are you in my room?”
Alice climbed into her sister's bed, pushing her with her rear. “Do move, Vi.”
“You do remember that I was unwell today? You should be rubbing my feet rather than moving me on my own bed.”
"I am here to see how you are. Stop complaining. Do you feel better?"
“Now that I am not wearing the short corset? Much better. Remind me to never compromise my health for a graceful figure.”
“Vi, I could have told you that you are graceful enough. You did not need the corset. You are wonderfully plump.”
Her sister sighed. “I do not wish to be wonderfully plump. I wish to be as you are, graceful, petite and beautiful.”
“Since when have I been graceful? I am like a calf just born, falling over everything with legs that are far too long.”
“Ally, you were born graceful. Even your blunders are graceful, you just do not see it.”
“Enough about me, Vi. I should scold you for hiding the fact that you had Mary lace you up far too tightly and, on top of that, to run after me in the heat.”
“I have already told you about the corset, and the reason why I ran after you is quite obvious. I was worried about you, Alice. I know that seeing Henry and Bridgette had to have been painful.”
“It was, but I was foolish to have taken off running like that.”
Violet patted her hand. “I would have done the same.”
“Yes, I suppose so. When I saw him, the past just flooded into my mind. He really hurt me, Vi, and I could feel that same pain fill me once again.”
“I wish I could take it all away for you, Alice.”
“I know, Vi. I think what made it worse for me was that he looked really happy with Bridgette. Is it horrible of me to have wished that they were miserable together?”
Alice recalled seeing Henry's look of love for his wife, how he had tenderly touched her growing belly, and showered her with kisses. It made her think of what could have been hers, but Henry was never truly hers to begin with, was he? If he had been hers, he would never have fallen for Bridgette in the way that he had.
“You are only human, Alice. You cannot be perfect all the time. I am sure that you did not mean it. You can be as happy if you truly wanted to.”
“I suppose so, but I feel terrible for even considering such a negative thought. I had time to think during the carriage ride home, and I realised that Henry and I could never have been happy. We were so different, and yet I believed that we were two peas in a pod. I wanted to believe that, but I was only fooling myself.”
Violet sat up, but it was too dark to see the expression on her face. However, Alice did feel the sudden slap to her arm.
“Ouch! What on earth was that for?”
“For nearly a year I have been trying to make you realise that very fact, but you have steadfastly refused to listen to me. How is it that you have suddenly realised it now?”
“I had some common sense knocked into me.”
Violet gasped. “Somebody hit you?”
“Are you mad? Do you think that anyone but you could hit me?”
“No, you would bloody tip them a settler!”
“Goodness, Vi. You sound like a hardened sailor!”
“Really? Good. I am tired of being seen as an innocent little girl.”
“I never thought I would hear you say such a thing, Vi. What on earth has brought this on?”
“We will return to that later. Right now, let us talk about Lord Shore.”
Alice immediately sat up straighter. “What about him?”
“Ha! Judging by your reaction, there is certainly something brewing beneath the surface.”
“Do not read into things that do not exist, Vi, or you may find yourself disappointed.”
"Alice, I am not so naïve as to not see that the marquess has paid special attention to you. I have noticed how sweet and attentive he has been towards you. You can deny it all you want, but I know what my eyes have witnessed."
Her sister had become quite the spitfire, shocking her into silence. She seemed so much more assertive than that morning. It was almost as though she had changed in a matter of hours! Did she hit her head when she fainted? Perhaps Alicia should not ask her this question, or she may become angry with her.
“Lord Shore and I have a good understanding of each other, Violet. That is all. I may have formed a friendship with him, but I have not changed my mind about marriage and love. They are simply not for me.”
Violet said not a word for quite some time, but when Alice thought to break the silence, her sister beat her to it.
“I am sorry for snapping at you. I did not mean it.”
Alice gave her sister a hug, accidentally knocking her sister on the head. “Oh, I am sorry, Vi!”
“Is this your way of revenge?” her sister laughed.
“No, not at all. I wished to hug you to show you that I was not angry with you, but it is difficult to see much in this room.”
“You are the one who closed the door. The lantern just outside would have sufficed.”
“Yes, but imagine if Mama were to hear me in your room? She would scold me for bothering you when you are meant to be resting.”
"All right, but do not make any sudden movements, or you might poke my eye out."
“Noted. Now, tell me about your handsome physician.”
“Why is he my physician?”
The question was asked carefully enough to tell her that her sister was most interested in the brown-eyed Gregory Norton.
“Because he was the one to treat you after you had fainted.”
“Oh.” The disappointment in her sister's voice was clear and strong. So, her suspicions were right, she did like him.
“He was rather attentive, was he not? I got the distinct feeling that he may have had a little tendre for you.”
“Really? Why?”
Violet's disappointment had now given way to excitement and hope. Was she right in saying this to her? What if she was wrong? She thought back to hours earlier, remembering the look on the physician's face. There was definitely interest there.
“He only had eyes for you, and it had nothing to do with your little fainting spell. You should thank me for making you run after me.”
“Why? I fainted. What good was there in that?”
“Well, had you not fainted, you would not have met Mr Norton. You had his undivided attention for a good few minutes, which was enough for him to notice your womanly charms.”
“You are not merely saying this to make me feel better?”
“No, I would not lie to you in such a way. You never know, he may just ask to court you.”
“Goodness, that would be wonderful.”
“Aha! You like him!”
“May I tell you a secret, Alice?”
“I do not know who else you would tell.”
“I like the doctor. I think him rather handsome.”
Her sister sounded so sweet and endearing that Alice could not resist a giggle. Before long, both of them were giggling as it was difficult for one sister to laugh without the other joining in. They both held each other as they laughed, soon falling into blissful sleep.
***
“Are you ready?” Luke asked. “The door lies just before you.”
His friend looked nervous as he straightened his morning suit. “Do I look all right?”
“For the umpteenth time, you look good, Norton! Now, get to that door and knock. Or I shall leave you to face Lord Campbell on your own.”
“Stop threatening me, Shore. You are not making this any easier for me. What if they deny me?”
Luke sighed. “If you insist on thinking about the worst thing that could possibly happen, then we might as well turn back and return to my house.”
"I need encouragement right now, but you are causing me much stress. Fine, I shall knock on that door and whatever will happen will happen."
Luke patted him on the shoulder. “Good on yo
u, old chap. Let us get this show on the road.”
He kept his hand on his friend's shoulder as they walked up to the door and he knocked three times. The door opened to reveal a young maid who grinned appreciatively at them. She curtseyed.
“Good morning, how may I help you?”
Luke waited for his friend to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth. He hoped he would not be like this when he spoke with Alice's father. Instead, Luke spoke for him.
“Would you please inform Lord Campbell that Lord Shore and Mr Norton are here to see him?”
“Yes, of course. Would you like to come in? I shall alert the master of your presence.”
“Thank you.”
Instead of waiting for them to enter, the maid left them to themselves. Luke took this opportunity to speak to Norton as he was worried that his friend would ruin his chances of a courtship with Violet.
“Norton, you need to get a hold of yourself, old friend, or the outcome of this visit will not be in your favour.”
“I know that, but I simply froze, Shore. This has suddenly become very real for me. Perhaps I did not think it through.”
“Do not think of backing out, do you hear me? You like this woman, right?” Norton nodded. “Good, then man up and do what you need to do. I promised that I would be with you every step of the way, and here I am. Do not disappoint yourself, Norton.”
His friend took a deep breath, blowing it out in mighty swoosh of air. Luke had never seen him this nervous before. He hated to admit it, but he was worried for him. The maid soon returned, showing them into the parlour where Lord and Lady Campbell sat. They both got up and came to greet them, their gazes friendly but curious.
“This is a surprise,” said Lord Campbell. “What brings you to my humble abode? Of course, you are welcome here, but we wish that we could have been more prepared for you.”
“Lord Campbell, we have come to speak of a delicate matter.”
Luke was surprised to hear how confident Norton sounded. It seemed that he had finally found his nerve.
“Speak, my dear man. I hide nothing from my wife.”
“Yes, thank you. Lord and Lady Campbell, I have come to ask if I may formally court your daughter.”
The couple looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Was this a good sign or perhaps a bad sign?
Lady Campbell smiled. “Which one, Mr Norton? We have two.”
Luke saw a blush upon his friend's cheeks. Keep it together, Norton.
“Miss Violet, My Lady.”
Silence again. An unspoken conversation seemed to be going on between the couple, and they were not privy to it. It was some time before Lord Campbell turned to them.
“Well, we must admit that this has come as a surprise, especially given that you and Violet have only just met. Are you certain about this, Mr Norton?”
“Oh, yes, Lord Campbell. I am most confident and content with my intention to court your daughter. That is, if you will allow me.”
“Perhaps we should have Violet decide for herself, Dougie.”
Lady Campbell's suggestion made sense, but it put another level of anxiety into the situation. Did Violet like Norton enough to accept the courtship?
“Yes, you are right, Helen.” Lord Campbell looked to the doorway. “Mary!”
The maid had obviously been not too far away as she appeared at the door almost instantly.
“My Lord?”
“Tell Miss Violet that I require her presence in the drawing room. Ask that Alice accompany her sister.”
Both he and Norton sat down at the baron's request, his friend sitting on the edge of the chair. Luke wanted to smile, but that would raise questions. He would get to see Alice! Luke had been hoping that he would see her, and now he had his wish. Alice was the first to arrive wearing an apron covered with paint splashes. This was another side to her, and he found that he quite liked it. He watched her eyes travel straight to her parents, not seeing him and Norton standing to the side.
“Mama, Papa, Mary said that you wished to see me?”
"Yes," said her mother. "But we shall wait for your sister. In the meantime, it is rude not to greet our guests." Her mother used a sweep of her palm to indicate where they were sitting.
Alice turned, becoming very still. “Lord Shore? Mr Norton?”
***
Alice had never expected to see Luke and his friend sitting in her parlour this early in the morning. What on earth were they doing here? Both men stood up to greet her, Alice belatedly realising that she was not in the best state to welcome guests. She looked an absolute mess. What must Luke think of her?
“Good day, Miss Campbell,” said Luke. “It is good to see you once again.”
Considering that she had seen him just yesterday, she figured that he was being polite. Violet came hopping into the room, stopping at the door when she saw Norton.
“Mr Norton?”
“Come in, come in, Violet,” said their father. “We have a matter to discuss with you.”
Alice watched her sister walk into the room, her gaze hardly leaving Norton's. This was all so strange. Alice could not begin to think why they were both here, unless Mr Norton was here to do a follow up to yesterday? But what about Luke? The marquess may have merely accompanied his friend, but Alice liked to think that he came so that he may see her.
“Violet,” their father continued. “Mr Norton has come with a request, but we wish to hear from you what you think about the matter.”
Her sister's smooth brow creased. “Yes, Papa? What is it?”
“Mr Norton has requested to court you. Do you agree to this?”
Alice's jaw dropped. Did her father just say what she thought he said? Norton wished to court Violet? She looked at Luke, whom she found already looking at her. Alice raised her eyebrows in question, to which he smiled and nodded. So it was true! Her sister had to be happy, given their conversation just hours ago.
“Well, Violet?” said their mother. “Do you agree?”
Her poor sister looked overwhelmed, so Alice decided to go to her, her hands going around Violet's waist as she whispered in her ear. “You can say yes, you know. I am sure that you are happy about this.”
“I am too nervous to speak, Alice. Would you say something for me?”
“It must come from your lips, Vi.”
Violet nodded. “All right, but would you hold my hand?”
“I would be glad to.”
Alice took her sister's hand, linking her fingers through hers. She was full to bursting with happiness for her sister. She looked on as Violet first set her eyes on a visibly nervous Norton, smiling at him. The man seemed to immediately calm down, even returning Violet's smile. Next, her eyes travelled to her parents, and as she felt her sister take a deep breath, Alice squeezed her hand encouragingly.
The Way to Capture a Marquess's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 10
