Page 106 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
“Not at all. We entertained often at the vicarage.” Viola smiled at the girl. “I hope you enjoy the party. It is a pleasure to meet Lord and Lady Trent’s friends under such happy circumstances.”
Lord Fenhaven managed a polite word to Viola before hastening after his daughter.
Alexander gave the pair no more thought before turning to meet the next guests in the queue. Many were delighted to hear of his new marriage, but quite a few were not. Alexander bridled at their subtle contempt of Viola’s lowborn status. His grandmother was standing to the left of him and gave him a nudge whenever she sensed he was getting irate over the petty barbs.
Viola was not oblivious, either. But to her credit, she maintained her poise and responded with grace and charm despite the overt snubs.
This is why he loved her, Alexander decided.
She had the kindest heart and gentlest instincts.
He’d called her his sunlight, and she was just that. One could not help but be warmed and happy in her company. This is what it took to be a true viscountess, this natural grace and poise Viola showed to all.
He glanced at his brother who was standing alongside Daisy to Viola’s immediate right.
Gabriel cast him a grin and leaned over to whisper in his ear. “You and I would be hiding in the card room by now if it weren’t for our wives to keep us in line. Bollocks, here comes the dowager Duchess Merriweather. She’s going to invite us to her musicale.”
Alexander laughed. “Lord, spare us.”
Viola heard their whispered remarks. “What is wrong with that? Your father told me she has a lovely home in Belgravia and usually engages professional singers and musicians as well as featuring the accomplished daughters of the elite who are out to snare husbands. Does this not make for a lovely evening?”
“No,” Gabriel said with a mock shudder. “I will never understand how insipid screeching is supposed to entice a man.”
That remark earned him a poke in the ribs from Daisy. “Behave yourself. I can attest to the fact that noaccomplisheddaughter wishes to be thrust in front of a crowd of leering knaves, most of whom are in their cups before the ill-conceived recital ever starts. You gentlemen are not the only ones wincing and grimacing at these affairs.”
“I shall be sure to applaud the young ladies, no matter how good or bad they are,” Viola said, her soft heart once again revealing itself.
Alexander leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. “I like the way your body sings for me, love. Perhaps you will give me a private recital tonight.”
She blushed to her roots.
His grandmother slapped him across the back of his head. “Behave yourself, Alex. I did not hear what you said to your wife, but her face is as red as beets, so it must have been something completely inappropriate. Viola, ignore your husband. He is a naughty lout.”
They all moved off the receiving line a short while later. He and Gabriel joined their father in opening the anniversary ball by dancing with their wives. In truth, it felt good to be here with his parents and brother, even if his father was still behaving like a bit of a dunce. The old man adored Viola, of this Alex had no doubt. But he still insisted on pointing out all the young ladies Alex could have courted had he bothered to come to London before falling in love with Viola.
Each time he did this, Alex merely sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “Yes, Father. But I’m happy with the wife I have.”
That was an understatement.
He had been floating on air since marrying Viola.
None of these young ladies came close to her warmth or intelligence, not to mention they did not have her beautiful, trusting eyes. Perhaps it was these elegant surroundings and the dazzling display of wealth and power that brought out the mercenary qualities in so many of them.
Well, they were under pressure to secure their fortunes in order to maintain a pampered style of living, and yet had been given no useful training in developing character or strength of purpose. Added to this was his father’s horrendous taste in suitable young ladies. Clearly, his grandmother had guided his father’s choice in a wife. The man would have made a terrible match for himself if left to his own judgment.
Alexander may have been off the marriage mart for years, but he quickly took stock of the supposed diamonds like Lady Felicity Rose who was another in a string of fortune hunting schemers. Of course, such ladies were all sweetness and smiles when speaking to a gentleman they considered a catch. But they were quite disdainful of those they considered lesser. To a one, they considered the footmen serving champagne to be unfeeling cattle to be ordered about.
It was such a small thing to be polite and show a little patience as these harried servants rushed to fulfill the demands of their guests. But servants were too low, like the scrapings on one’s boot, and would never be looked upon kindly by these ladies.
He gave Viola’s hand a light squeeze. “I love you.”
She smiled up at him. “Why so sentimental all of a sudden?”
“Just glad I married you. They’re playing another waltz. Come dance with me, I need to hold you in my arms for a while.”
“I am ever your obliging wife.” She glided into his outstretched arms. “What are you seeing that has riled you?”
“Fashionable society. It is everything I have always hated.” He began to twirl her in time to the music, moving with an easy grace along with the many other couples on the crowded dance floor. But it was almost impossible to avoid being bumped into or, in turn, bumping into others.
