The Lady's Fate (The Reluctant Grooms Volume II)

by Anne Gallagher

  “Lady Penny, no disrespect intended, but money rules the classes. As I have claim to only a Cambridge fortune, I know all too well what my fate shall be. Guns or not, I believe Viscountess Hardley is all I may aspire to.”

  “No, Violet, no one knows what their fate shall be. That is why they call it fate.” Penny stood. “Now come, I shall not have you feeling maudlin. There is another ball to prepare for and I have just the thing to take your mind off the horrible events of last night.”

  Penny walked through the door that led to her dressing room and brought out several large boxes from the closet. “I had meant to send these to your house, but with preparations for the ball, it simply slipped my mind.” She opened the lid of the first one and revealed an ivory satin ball gown. She pulled it out of the box and held it up against Violet’s frame. “Lovely. It is perfect for you, as I knew it would be.” She turned Violet to see her reflection in the cheval glass.

  Violet had never seen such a gown. Delicate hand-stitched roses adorned the neckline and tiny red beads trimmed the hem. Violet thought the gown she wore last night perfection, but angels had sewn this creation.

  “Lady Penny, this is too much. I cannot accept this. You are kindness itself for thinking of me in this manner, but the gowns you bestowed on me at Fairhaven are more than enough.”

  “Nonsense. You shall wear it, and I will be pleased,” she said in a voice that brooked no refusal. Penny turned back to the boxes before Violet could say anything.

  “Now, last night,” Penny continued. “You caught the eye of an Earl and two Viscounts. Tonight I should like two Earls, a duke, perhaps three Viscounts, and a member of the Royal Navy. What say you? It shall all be in good fun and we may keep a score for your mother.”

  Violet giggled. “You are very wicked to be sure.”

  Penny smiled. “Someone else told me that very same thing not long ago.” Penny took the dress from Violet and laid it on the chaise. “Now, I shall write a note to your mother and tell her you shall remain in my company this afternoon and that you will attend the ball with me, my husband, and lady aunt this evening.” Penny walked to her escritoire. “Why do you not pick a gown you think Lilly would like from one of the boxes? I shall send that round with the note to smooth any ruffled feathers. Your mother will not speak unkindly toward me if I gift Lilly a gown.”

  “Lady Penny, my mother will be at your feet for the remainder of her life with such a gift.” Violet walked to the boxes and lifted lids. She found a beautiful gown with a fashionable neckline and two layers of peach lace.

  “Good, it is exactly the way I wish it,” Penny said.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Olivia, Penelope, Caymore, I’m delighted you could attend,” Lady Berringbourne said to Lady Olivia, Penny and William.

  “Allow me to introduce my especial friend, Lady Berringbourne,” Penny said. “Lady Violet Flowers.”

  “Yes, of course. Charmed, I’m sure.” The hostess shook Violet’s hand warmly. “Your mother and sister are already in attendance,” the older woman said. “I do hope you enjoy your evening.” Her eye turned toward the stairs to the long receiving line.

  Violet curtsied and followed Penny as she led the way into the ballroom. Lady Olivia thumped her cane on the floor and people parted to make way for them. William kissed his wife and made his way in the other direction.

  Violet noticed a few heads turning in their direction. Lady Olivia didn’t stop to say hello to anyone until she arrived to her small circle of friends. None of the same women from the night before were present. Introductions made, Violet looked around at the magnificent room filled with glittering people. She saw no one she knew other than Lady Penny, and the dowager. She could not find her mother or sister anywhere.

  The musicians began a country-dance.

  “Let us take a turn about the room, Violet,” Penny said. “I should like to show you off before the dancing starts.” Penny gave her aunt a kiss on the cheek, and then linked arms with Violet.

  They stopped once or twice to speak with friends of Penny. As Violet walked through the ballroom, she marveled at the magnificent chandeliers hanging over the middle of the room. Lit wall sconces ensured no corner stood in shadows. Violet stood admiring the room, and she and the duchess separated. She glanced around for Penny. Where had she gone? Violet stood on tiptoe. The swirling mass of colorful gowns and black jackets precluded her view.

  Violet walked back to the circle of dowagers and Lady Olivia.

  “Here you are gel, sit down, no, stand there, and help me up. I shall stand with you. You cannot be properly introduced without a chaperone.” Olivia said, held out her hand, and pushed herself up with her cane.

  They stood on the edge of the dance floor and watched the circling couples.

  “Do you know with whom my sister is dancing?” Violet asked.

  “I believe that is Old Spencer’s nephew whose name escapes me at the moment.”

  They watched the dancers for a few minutes, the dowager pointing out different people, when Haverlane’s mother appeared by Olivia’s side.

  “Marion, how nice to see you again,” Olivia said.

  Violet noticed her tone contradicted her words.

  “Well, I’m glad you found the reserves of energy needed to attend,” the Duchess of Chesnick retorted. She turned to Violet and her eyes went wide. “Violet, is that you? Who knew a gown could turn a simple nanny into a princess.”

  Violet gave a small curtsey. “Thank you, Your Grace.” Violet wished she could spit on her shoes.

  “Where is James, has he left you alone again to fend for yourself?” Olivia asked.

  “Oh, he is here. He and Haverlane have gone to find someone or other in the library. Politics you know. I do not know why they have to air their political discussions at a ball. Balls are for dancing, not talking.” Marion watched the dancers, waved at William and Penny, and then walked away.

  Violet’s stomach lurched at the mention of Haverlane’s name. He was here!

  *****

  Ellis walked around the room, but with the crush so thick, he could barely move. He spied his brother and Penny by the open balcony doors.

  “Ellis, I’m glad you are come,” Penny said. She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

  “I thought I may as well accept the invitation,” Ellis said dryly. He scanned the room.

  “Are you looking for someone, dearest?” Penny asked, noting his intent perusal of the entrance.

  “Not especially,” he said. But there, in the corner, with Lady Olivia, stood Violet. She looked like an earth angel. His earth angel.

  “Tell me who you wish to see and I shall say if I’ve met them,” Penny said. A note of mischief rang in her tone.

  “There is no one, truly,” Ellis said, staring at the goddess across the room. He noticed Winsbarren approach Lady Olivia. Ellis clenched his fist.

  Penny followed his line of sight and raised an eyebrow. “Have you seen Lady Violet?”

  “No, I haven’t.” He watched as the fop over-bowed to Violet. Ellis made a grunting noise in his throat and his jaw tightened as he watched them. Her beauty had him twisted in knots. He wanted no other to touch her, yet he must remain aloof.

  “It seems Violet has found an ardent suitor. She made mention Winsbarren called on her this morning,” Penny said lightly.

  “Is that so?” Ellis asked. He noticed the twinkle in his sister-in-law’s eye, but his gaze returned to Violet.

  “Yes, along with Hardley. Several other gentlemen declared to me last night they found her quite intriguing. Greenleigh, of course, Lord Crewe, Garrick, Foley, and yes, Lord Claverton.” She ticked them off on her fingers. “Although, Hardley has already run his sails and asked for her hand.”

  Ellis turned his full attention to Penny. “Surely, you jest.”

  “Oh, no,” Penny replied all innocence. “Hardley asked, but her mother rejected him. Said Violet was too young to know her own mind, however if he wished to continue
to pay his addresses, he would not be turned away.”

  “And what about Winsbarren?” Ellis asked.

  “The Viscount professed his love to her during their introduction last night. I do hope her head does not turn with all his flattery. I should hate to think what would happen if she ended up in a compromising position. Violet is such an innocent.”

  Ellis glanced down at his sister-in-law. Did she mean his and Violet’s liaison in the conservatory?

  “I think Lady Violet could handle Winsbarren in the same way you did, my dear. She is not so wholly innocent that she would not know what to do with an unsuitable swain.” Even as he said the words, Ellis hoped he was right. There was no telling what kind of trouble could take place at a ball. Why look at what happened last night.

  “Well, I would feel so much better if I knew Winsbarren had been spoken to. I should like her to have a taste of the Season before her mother makes the decision which man would be most appropriate to become her husband. And with Winsbarren’s future title it would be just the thing her mother would do to force her into a loveless marriage solely for the money.”

  Penny remained silent and Ellis let her words sink in. Libertines abounded in Society and Violet may not suspect. What if someone did take advantage of her? Her mother would have no choice to marry Violet off, if only to save the family name.

  Ellis strolled through the ballroom, his eyes never leaving Violet on the dance floor. She looked spectacular tonight. He wondered how long he would be able to put himself through the agony of watching her in other men’s arms. Robert he did not mind for he was in accordance with Ellis’ plan. However, Lord Crewe, Hardley, and Garrick had also danced with her and Ellis found himself with a headache from all his jaw clenching.

  The Duchess of Caymore thumped her cane on the floor causing Ellis to jump. “Well, Haverlane, what are you waiting for?”

  “I beg your pardon, Lady Olivia.” Ellis stared down his nose at the dowager. She was a busybody of the first water who delighted at causing mischief and mayhem. However, he also knew her to be a champion of the weak and had taken Violet under her wing. For that, he was grateful.

  “I asked what you are waiting for.” Olivia nodded in the direction of Violet. “Her dance card is almost full.”

  Ellis stared hard at the Duchess. He thought he saw the tiniest smile in her eyes.

  “I am waiting for the waltz, Lady Olivia, if you must know.”

  “Well, that is good as I believe it is the next dance.” She thumped her cane on the floor again and chuckled.

  *****

  Violet surreptitiously watched Haverlane speaking with Lady Olivia while she danced. When the music ended, she made Mr. Garrick escort her to Lady Olivia. She swallowed the butterflies that tried to escape her stomach and smiled at Ellis.

  “My lord, I am surprised to see you.”

  Garrick acknowledged Haverlane and Lady Olivia, bowed to Violet and walked away. Violet did not notice.

  “Are you engaged for the next dance?” Haverlane asked.

  His low voice penetrated her soul. His eyes never left hers.

  “No, my lord, I am not,” Violet whispered. She had left the waltz open for him.

  Haverlane placed her hand on his arm and led her onto the dance floor.

  Violet waited for her knees to stop shaking. At last, she was in him arms.

  The music began and Haverlane turned her into the waltz. The strong hand he placed on her back held her close, too close, and she did not care. Modesty could drift on the wind while Violet floated in his arms. He was a superb dancer and Violet could not contain her joy. Her second ball, dancing with the man she loved, brought a sigh of contentment from her lips.

  “Is something amiss, Violet? Pray, are you bored?” Haverlane’s deep voice resonated in her ear.

  “No, my lord,” she said quickly. “Absolutely not.”

  “I would not wish to bore you.” He looked into her eyes. Was he teasing her?

  “No, my lord, I am not bored.” Violet could have flown on wings. “I am enjoying myself exceedingly. You are quite the lovely dancer.”

  Haverlane quirked a half-smile. “Lovely dancer? I have been called many things, but never that.” He turned her toward the other end of the polished wood floor.

  Violet couldn’t catch her breath. Her heart beat so fast she thought it might beat right through her chest.

  “I see you are wearing my gift,” Haverlane said.

  Violet almost tripped. “I shall never take it off and will treasure it always.”

  “You are the treasure, Violet. You outshine any gem God has created.”

  She glanced up at his face. The smile he gave her held such tenderness it very nearly caused her to trip again. She promised herself if she made it through this dance without embarrassing either of them, she would never dance with him again. It was torture being in his arms.

  A careless couple bumped into them and momentarily Violet found herself pushed into Haverlane’s broad chest. His arm tightened on her back and sent shock waves coursing through her body. He twirled her gracefully away from the other couple. Violet thought she might swoon being so close to him. He smelled of clean cotton and sunshine.

  “Are you sure you are not unwell?” Haverlane leaned back and looked at her face. “Would you like to sit down?”

  “No, my lord, I am quite well,” she lied with a smile. She was going to faint dead away.

  “His Highness told me this morning to impress upon you his warmest regards. I believe he is quite smitten with you.”

  “He is all that is kind and solicitous,” Violet said.

  “That is exactly what he said about you.” Haverlane smiled.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Violet caught a flash of red hair. She stumbled.

  “Are you sure you are feeling well, Violet? You are very pale.”

  “It is the heat of the room, my lord. After the dance, perhaps I may find somewhere cooler to stand.” Violet dare not look at him.

  “Then I shall stand with you. I am still quite ashamed of what happened to you in January and would feel the pain extremely if you were brought down by another fever.”

  Violet took a deep breath. Her hand slipped in his grasp. To be alone with him was too much joy. Would he dare to kiss her again? She looked and could not find any sign of Lady Baxter.

  “Very well, my lord, if you insist.” She smiled at him.

  The dance ended and Haverlane walked her to Lady Olivia, where he told the duchess he would be escorting Violet to a cooler location.

  “Remain in my sight, Haverlane, or I shall sick the dogs on you.” The dowager gave him a stare that Violet knew brooked no rebuttal.

  Haverlane nodded. “We shall stand in front of those doors right there. Plainly in sight, Your Grace.” A smile lit his eyes. “On second thought, perhaps you would care to join us?”

  Lady Olivia grinned. “You are very clever, Haverlane, very clever by half. Yes, I believe I shall.”

  Disappointed she would not be alone with Haverlane, Violet placed a smile on her face nonetheless. Lady Olivia had shown her nothing but kindness. Haverlane gave Lady Olivia his other arm and walked them to the balcony doors.

  They shared a comfortable half hour conversing, along with the Duke and Duchess of Cantin. All too soon, however, her mother found her.

  “Violet, why are you not dancing? Mr. Foley has been searching for you.” Her mother’s tone held nothing other than disapproval and her stare fixed on Haverlane.

  “Lady Flowers, forgive me,” Lady Fiona said. “I take responsibility for the oversight. Your daughter has had us engaged with her stories of little Jane for the last while and I found I could not bear to part with her company.”

  Violet almost laughed aloud at the sight of her mother’s face.

  “Of course, Your Grace.” Lady Flowers nodded. “My daughter is a most agreeable companion. I shall make an excuse to Mr. Foley.” She bobbed a curtsy to Robert, nodded to Lady Olivia, point
edly ignored Haverlane and left.

  “I long for lemonade, Violet,” Lady Fiona said. “Would you care to accompany me?”

  Violet agreed and the two women walked to the other room, but not before she spotted Lady Baxter walking toward the terrace doors

  *****

  Ellis noticed Georgiana walking toward him.

  Lady Olivia looked at Ellis. “I do not know what game you are playing Haverlane, but let us hope dear Violet knows the rules. If not, you could find yourself in check without a queen.”

  Ellis looked down at her. “Lady Olivia, I shall be the one to check mate, with all my pieces still on the board.”

  He stepped away from the dowager and met Georgiana before she could voice her disapproval of his keeping company with Violet.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Bouquets of every size, color and shape, sat atop every flat surface in the front parlour of the Flowers’ house. Gwynnie grumbled on not having enough vases to hold them.

  Lady Flowers had read every card before Violet or Lilly had a chance to look at them. She held one up in triumph. “I knew it. I simply knew it.” She looked at Violet. “He is besotted.”

  “Who is, Mother?” Violet wanted only one name to appear on a card.

  “The Earl of Greenleigh, of course.” Lady Flowers waved the card in front of her face like a fan.

  “May I see it?” Violet held out her hand. “’Tis mine, after all.”

  Her mother placed the card in Violet’s palm, and then put her hands on her hips.

  Violet read – There are no ‘flowers’ to match your beauty. Culpepper, Earl of Greenleigh. She had to admit, Greenleigh was very sweet.

  Violet looked at her mother. “Where does this belong?”

  Her mother pointed to a large bouquet of white roses.

  Violet breathed in the delicious scent. They were perfect and beautiful and Violet was overwhelmed and perplexed by their meaning for they meant he was worthy of her. Was he truly forming an attachment? No, he was just being kind. She had danced with him twice, and shared a glass of lemonade and a very enlightening conversation about Italian art. The roses were only a token of friendship.