Page 5 of The Duke of Ice
Sometimes Hannah asked her to pay particular attention to certain guests, to ensure they were content and to let Hannah know if anything was amiss. Lady Dunn was one such guest. She was a charming old biddy, given to gossip, but thankfully none of the more salacious kind.
“She will not,” Hannah said. “Which is unfortunate because I anticipate that rumors will run amok, and she is quite good at keeping things from escalating.”
“That is true.” For all that she liked to gossip, the elderly viscountess was adept at putting things in perspective. “Is there anyone else I should pay attention to?”
Hannah floated to the settee and sat down beside Violet, like a hummingbird taking a brief but necessary respite. Her eyes fairly glowed with anticipation. “I’m particularly anxious about this party because two Untouchables will be here.”
Untouchables…noblemen who were seen as particularly difficult to snare on the Marriage Mart, or so Violet thought based on what she’d heard. Details like this always failed to sufficiently root in her memory. “That’s well done of you.”
“Oh, these are not the ordinary Untouchables. These are dukes that literally no one dares touch—at least not socially.”
Violet had no idea who they could be. She was the opposite of Lady Dunn—she detested gossip and typically put it from her mind the moment she heard it. This was why she wasn’t entirely certain about what an Untouchable might be, particularly ones that weren’tordinary. “If no one dares to include them socially, why ever are you?”
“Because it will betheon-dit of the season! The Duke of Ice never attends social gatherings, though he is occasionally invited.” Hannah tipped her head to the side. “I suppose it’s unfair to say that no one dares to touch him. They simply aren’t successful. And he’s apparently quite haughty. He has no time for parties such as this, or so the rumors go.”
“And yet he’s coming here?”
Hannah lifted her hand to her mouth as a giggle escaped. “I’m afraid I manipulated his attendance by inviting the Duke of Ruin. Nowheisn’t invitedanywhere, but he and Ice are friends. Furthermore, unlike Ice, Ruin actually accepts the paltry few invitations he receives. I invited him on the condition that he bring Ice along.”
“You didn’t.” Violet pursed her lips. She loved her friend very much, but such machinations flirted with boorishness.
“I’m afraid I did.” A look of contrition flashed in Hannah’s eyes. She quickly rose and started pacing once more, the lull over. “It will all work out marvelously. You’ll see.”
“What is it you wish me to do?” For the first time, Violet considered refusing her friend’s request. She wanted no part in any scheme that might bring unwanted notoriety to these…Untouchables.
“Nothing much, really. Just watch for people’s reactions and keep your ears open. To have the Duke of Ice here will surely recommend me. And if he is charming and enjoys himself? Well, that could send me into the upper echelon.” Hannah’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
Violet knew how much it meant to her friend to find a place among Society’s elite, even if it didn’t matter at all to her. “Of course. You know I shall always have your best interests at heart—even when you sometimes don’t.” Hannah could get carried away, and in those instances she never failed to thank Violet for being a voice of reason. “So I’m to watch over the Untouchables and report any gossip to you?”
“Yes.” Hannah paused long enough to bestow a look of love on her friend. “Thank you.”
The butler came in to announce that guests were beginning to arrive. Color warmed Hannah’s face, and she clasped her hands together. “I’ll fetch Irving. Here we go!” She grinned at Violet before turning and fluttering from the drawing room.
A maid came and cleared away the tea tray. Violet stood and shook the wrinkles from her gown. She went to the windows and looked out at the gray sky. There would be rain; it was simply a question of when the heavens decided to unleash the torrent.
Over the next few hours, Violet greeted guests, many of whom she’d met on prior occasions. She braced herself when Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law arrived together. They were two of the most formidable women in Society. Hannah invited them for precisely that reason, of course. It was a risk, but if they stamped their approval on this house party, Hannah would likely be invited everywhere.
For that reason alone, Violet affixed a warm smile on her face and heartily welcomed the two women.
Mrs. Law was a few years older than Lady Nixon, with dark hair liberally streaked with gray and sharp, piercing brown eyes. “Lady Pendleton, how lovely to see you here, but then you always attend Mrs. Linford’s parties, do you not?”
“Indeed I do. We’ve been friends for some time.” They’d met as newlyweds in London for the Season nearly seven and a half years ago. It had been the first time in London for both of them, and they’d banded together.
Lady Nixon was tall with tawny hair and pale blue eyes. When she looked at you, one had the sense she could see every secret you possessed. She couldn’t of course, but Violet knew she’d try to learn them. She never failed to put Violet on her guard. “Mrs. Linford says the Duke of Ice will be here. I will believe that when he presents himself.” She exchanged a look of doubt with Mrs. Law.
Oh dear. Violet hoped for Hannah’s sake that this duke showed up. If he didn’t, Violet might have to hunt him down and cause him bodily harm.
Violet forced herself to continue smiling at the women. “Would you care for refreshment?” She gestured toward a sideboard where food and drink had been laid out for the guests as they arrived.
“Oh, maybe just a cake. Or two.” Mrs. Law laughed softly as she made her way toward the refreshments. Once there, she tookthreecakes.
Violet greeted more guests, and while a few went upstairs to rest, most remained in the drawing room, and by late afternoon, there was an air of expectation. Ofanticipation.
Violet caught Hannah’s distressed eye and excused herself from Lady Colton and her daughter. Hannah met her near the doorway.
“Irving says the men want to leave,” Hannah whispered urgently.
“I know. I can sense their impatience. Why delay?”
