Page 55 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
Hell, no.“Please tell me you are in jest.”
Daisy frowned at her husband. “But it does not mean this is truly their character. It is likely they have been swept up in the thrilling whirlwind of routs, musicales, and parties, and will revert to their true selves once the initial rush of excitement passes. This house party may be exactly what they need to regain their senses and appreciate what is set before them.”
Alexander poured himself a brandy.
He was going to need the entire bottle.
Gabriel reached for one of those miniature cheese tarts that were not going to last another minute since no one could stop eating them. “Father thinks any one of these charming young ladies will be perfect for you.”
“Oh, lord. If he likes them, then I am doomed. Are they really as bad as you claim? As bad as the Fribble sisters he tried to foist on you?” He needed to refill his glass of brandy. Actually, what he needed was a vat of it.
Gabriel could not contain his laughter. “That is for you to decide. I am merely here to watch the disaster…I mean, the game…unfold.”
“I count on the three of you to keep him contained. What does Mother think of these young ladies?”
Daisy smiled. “She is exceedingly clever and only wants whatever will make you happy.”
Gabriel arched an eyebrow. “Now, it is up to you to figure out exactly what that is.”
Alexander was fairly certain he knew what that might be…Viola.
Greaves appeared at the parlor doorway and announced his next guests. “Lord and Lady Trent, and Lady Withnall.”
Alexander walked toward them as they entered, and gave his mother a heartfelt hug.
His father spared a moment to pat him on the shoulder before he lunged for the miniature cheese tarts and stuffed two in his mouth. “Who else is here? Oh, lord. These are delicious.”
“Only the family just yet.” He greeted Lady Withnall, this deceptively canny, tiny woman whose mind was already awhirl as she assessed him.
What was she going to do?
Help him?
Or destroy him?
More important, what was she going to do to Viola?
CHAPTER 10
THE LAST OFthe guests arrived by late afternoon, including Alexander’s cousin, Graelem, and his spirited wife, Laurel, who happened to be Daisy’s sister. Alexander had to admit, these Farthingale ladies were quite extraordinary. His brother and cousin had chosen well.
His father thought the same, for the old man would not stop asking Laurel or Daisy about a spare Farthingale for him. “Are you certain there isn’t a cousin hiding out somewhere in England who would be perfect for my son?”
“Father, enough,” Alexander said with a groan.
The family and Lady Withnall had gathered in his study for a private meeting a few minutes before the other guests, all of whom had now arrived, came down to supper. Although it was a country house party, they were all dressed formally, the men in black tie and tails and the women in their silks and jewels for this first night.
He had yet to see the three diamonds in their finery and had no idea how their taste in jewelry ran.
Expensive, no doubt.
“What is your strategy?” Graelem asked.
“No strategy, just taking the time to get to know each young lady. Although how anyone can get a proper sense in a matter of days is beyond me. But I am not going to make any special announcements this weekend. One does not fall in love that fast.”
Graelem cast his wife an adoring look. “Took me about a minute.”
Laurel laughed. “Liar! You were sprawled in agony on Chipping Way, clutching your broken leg thanks to me, and in so much pain you saw nothing but stars blinding your eyes.”
