Page 43 of These Violet Delights
“London?” Both of Ann’s dark brows bounced to the edge of her bonnet. “How interesting.”
“Is it?” Mr. Kerr huffed a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. “I think it is a very ordinary thing to do.”
“Incredibly ordinary; so ordinary I can’t imagine there is anything else to say about it,” Violet added for him. He frowned again.
Ann apparently couldn’t help herself. “Any destinations of note while you were in town?” she asked coyly. “St. James’s, I would warrant? Piccadilly?” Her smile widened. “Great Marlborough, perhaps?”
And, like Ann, Violet couldn’t help herself, peering at Mr. Kerr as he floundered for a response, his face reddening to the tips of his well-formed ears. He looked like he might explode and die before ever landing on a satisfying response, and Violet, compassionate before she was mischievous, felt it her duty to rescue him, shouting, “But here is a wagon!”
“Indeed.” Mr. Kerr bowed his head, smiling, visibly grateful for the change of subject. “The stoneworks in Anstey sent us too much material, and I thought Mr. Lavin might require the excess for whatever he has planned at the theater.”
“How generous,” Ann cooed, beaming at him. “There must be a spirit of charity in the air today, and it has dusted its fairy magic over the whole of the county, for here, Mr. Lavin, we have come down from Pressmore with a basket of delightful sweets, and all to cheer you.”
Mr. Lavin’s red cheeks shone like summer apples, and he pinched his lips together. “Cheer, my God, cheer! It has been in short supply. But there are unexpected angels, aren’t there? Thank you, Mrs. Richmond, and you, ladies, for the kindness.”
“The Florizel has been a steady source of joy,” said Ann. “It is only fitting we return some to you in your time of need. Which brings me to another matter of charity—I have recently established a society for just such alleviations, and it is fitting that the Florizel should be our first beneficiary.”
In Violet’s mind, it seemed as if Ann were swooping in on Mr. Kerr’s valiant effort, but he didn’t react to the announcement. In fact, he was preoccupied with glancing at something over Violet’s shoulder, always just over her shoulder whenever she got up the courage to look his way. It was a strange kind of game, frustrating, though Violet feared what would happen if their eyes actually did meet again.
London. He was just in London. Great Marlborough, by any chance, Mr. Kerr?
“We will hold a benefit for the Florizel at Pressmore,” Ann went on, balling up her fists and shaking them like rattles with excitement. “Miss Bilbury can auction off a portrait sitting, and the players from the theater must come and perform scenes from yourRomeo and Juliet,for their hard work should still be seen and celebrated. Perhaps Violet can even paint a few scenic pieces for you! Oh! It will be perfectly enchanting, and all the money can go toward furnishing the new theater.” Everyone was too stunned to say no. Mr. Lavin turned in a halfcircle, flapping his mouth and blubbering in surprise. Smoothly, Ann turned to Mr. Kerr, the dancing lights in her eyes alerting Violet too late that there was more than just charity afoot. “And you, Mr. Kerr, you must join us for the benefit. For undoubtedly, with this display of generosity today, you understand that art and artists must be passionately cherished.” The demure fluttering of Ann’s lashes was the coup de grâce. “What say you, Mr. Kerr? Will you join us?”
14
This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.
Romeo and Juliet—Act 2, Scene 2
Alasdair was once more at a loss for words. The ladies were all staring up at him as if he had the answers to the wild and percolating questions of the universe. An answer was required of him, but he knew what must be done.
Robert’s harsh admonishment echoed in the darkening cavern of his mind.
Are you aware of her reputation? Her obscurity? It’s almost a pity she’s so beautiful, for who would have her?
And she was beautiful. So, so beautiful. Without fail, it made his chest ache. He had hoped to avoid seeing her altogether, for now it was too cold for swimming and he would not be tempted to wander down to the stream that separated his property from the Richmonds’. There were otherwise few reasons for him to visit Cray Arches, and so little chance of their paths crossing.
“I…could not please you with a response, madam, when you have not even named a date,” he replied. That would settle it, he thought, for this was the fancy of a moment, not a real invitation. But Mrs. Ann Richmond was not to be denied; she threw back her head and laughed merrily.
“That is a small thing.” She turned to the theater owner with a shimmering smile. “Mr. Lavin, why don’t you choose the date? What would please you most? Whatever you decide, I will accommodate.”
Violet Arden was growing fidgety; she kept staring off toward the burned building, her jaw forward, set with determination.
“I’m afraid Miss Thorpe and the others won’t stay much longer if there’s no work to be had,” said Mr. Lavin with a sigh. “No performances, no money. I can’t expect to keep them past Christmas—”
“What a lovely idea,” the formidable Mrs. Richmond exclaimed, clapping with delight. “The Society can host you all for Christmas! St. Stephen’s Day may be more customary for charity, but how I love the thought of celebrating you all in the warm glow of Pressmore on Christmas Day.”
“I—well—indeed, Mrs. Richmond, that is a generous proposition, but I couldn’t possibly impose—”
“Nonsense, Mr. Lavin. I will hear no talk of imposition.” She turned back to Alasdair, still grinning, though now it held a more pressing edge, as if her teeth had all sharpened at once. “There you have it, Mr. Kerr, a date has been given. Won’t you consider joining our benefit on Christmas?”
He almost laughed with relief. “I fear the day is quite special to my mother, and I couldn’t possibly be away from her. My apologies, Mrs. Richmond, though I’m sure you will all have Mr. Lavin’s interests well in hand when…”
His words trailed away. His refusal to attend had acted as some sort of permission or provocation, for Miss Arden strode swiftly away. Puzzled, he watched her hurry off toward the Florizel, leaving everyone quietly stunned for a moment.
Patching over the awkward silence, Mrs. Richmond continued in her breezy manner. “Your presence will be missed, Mr. Kerr, but perhaps you will consider making your contribution at some other time.”
