PERCHING A KNEE on one of the window seats in the gold-and-cream-toned drawing room, Violet peered out the window at the blur she knew was the viscount and her parents.
“What do you think they’re saying?” she asked her sisters.
Rose pressed closer to the panes, fussing with a floral arrangement she’d set in the window niche. “They seem to be discussing that little girl who’s playing in the fountain.”
“Lady Jewel,” Violet said. “The one I told you about who fancies herself in love with Rowan.”
Lily’s fingers idled over the harpsichord keys, producing a soft, slow melody. “How sweet.”
“How absurd,” Rose countered. “She’s too young to be in love. Unlike me.” She patted her deep chestnut curls. “I say, that gentleman out there looks rather fine. Although a bit lanky, don’t you think?”
“He’s too intellectual for you anyhow,” Violet snapped, then wondered why she should suddenly be so short-tempered. ”Does Mum look like she’s pleased to see them?”
Lily didn’t miss a note as she looked up and out the window. “Very.”
Rose leaned her hands on the sill. “Now Lord Lakefield has lifted the girl, and Mum is running a finger down her cheek.” She turned to Violet. “I think she must like her…do you suppose Mum’s already matchmaking for Rowan?”
Rose sounded genuinely worried that their six-year-old brother might beat her to the altar. Which only made Violet want to shake some sense into the foolish girl.
Patience. Rose was a master-level course in patience.
“Well,” Violet said after a deep breath, “she’s not going to get me to take Rowan to Lakefield again. He was miserable.” The blurred figures were getting bigger. “Faith. They’re coming inside. All of them. Even Father.”
The music stopped as Lily stood, looking puzzled. “Why shouldn’t they come inside?”
“I…no reason.” The sudden quiet was unsettling. Violet drew a deep breath and found herself smoothing her russet skirts, which wasn’t like her. She pulled her plait forward to drape over one shoulder and twirled the end fitfully, then dropped her hand as Lady Jewel bounded into the room ahead of the adults.
The girl skidded to a stop on the carpeted floor, backing Violet against the window seat in her enthusiasm. “Lady Violet!” Throwing her arms wide, she hugged her around the knees. “Where’s Rowan?”
“Having his lessons.” Looking down into that little heart-shaped face, Violet couldn’t help but be charmed. “Would you care to meet my sisters? This is Lady Rose and Lady Lily.”
“I’m pleased to make your ac-quain-tance,” Jewel said quite properly. Violet’s sisters exchanged an amused glance as the girl bobbed a curtsy. “This room is very fancy,” she said.
It was, Violet supposed, though having lived here most of her life, she didn’t think about it much. They stood on a lovely gold-and-cream-toned Oriental carpet. The room’s dark oak paneling was studded with gold rosettes, the ceiling’s cornice heavily carved and gilded, the furniture upholstered in gold-and-cream silk damask. From where she stood, the details looked fuzzy, but she’d seen it all up close.
“Why, thank you,” Mum said from the doorway.
Jewel rocked up on her toes. “When will Rowan be finished with his schooling?”
“Later today, I’m afraid. He has another lesson after dinner.”
“Arithmetic,” Rose said. “He hates it.”
“A fifth picnic, you say?” Her father looked to Mum with a frown. “And right after dinner? I know a growing boy needs plenty to eat, Chrysanthemum, but surely—”
“Arithmetic,” Mum repeated loudly, laying a hand on Father’s arm. “We were talking about Rowan’s schooling, and how he hates mathematics.” Barely suppressing a smile, she turned back to their guests. “Poor Rowan. I’ve promised him a sweet after the lesson.”
Jewel tugged on her uncle’s sleeve. “Can Rowan come to our house for a sweet? Oh, puleeeeeze?”
Lord Lakefield grinned down at his niece, a grin Violet suddenly wished were aimed at her instead. It was broad and white and utterly sincere, extending all the way to his brilliant blue eyes. “Excellent idea, baby,” he said.
When Mum smiled, Violet could see it coming.
Oh, no.
Trying to look casual, Violet wandered over to a wall and leaned against the dark paneling, then shot straight when one of the gold rosette studs jabbed her in the behind. “I don’t believe Rowan will be interested,” she blurted out, not nearly as composed as she’d planned.
Mum’s smile only widened. “I’m sure Rowan would love to visit for a sweet,” she said to Lord Lakefield, as though Violet hadn’t spoken. “Will three o’clock suit you? Madame is due here this afternoon for another fitting for Lily and Rose, but Violet will be happy to bring him.”
Jewel jumped up and down.
“What?” Father asked loudly. “What was that about gingham?”
When Violet made a pained noise, no one took heed.