Page 20 of One Night of Scandal
Except any social event was an opportunity to hear something—anything—about the MP who’d instigated the attack on the Prince Regent.
“I’m quite looking forward to it.”ThatViola would lie about.
“No, you aren’t, but I do appreciate the effort you are putting in since I mentioned you should return to the Marriage Mart. Tonight shall be your triumphant reentry.”
Good God, what did that mean? Was Grandmama going to hang a sign about her neck? Of course not. She’d never do something so vulgar. “You want me to have a dance card?” She cringed, waiting for the dowager’s response.
“Yes. There are plenty of excellent matches to be made. Take Lord Orford, for instance. He is widowed, and he has a young child.”
“Therefore, he must be in need of a wife,” Viola muttered.
“Yes.” Grandmama’s eyes narrowed with annoyance. “If you behave as though you don’t wish to wed or that you think the entire endeavor is beneath you, there will be no success in your future. Do you wish to remain unmarried?”
Desperately.“I am quite content in my current state.” She smiled serenely for added effect.
Grandmama blew out a breath in frustration. “I will not be here forever. Who will take care of you after I am gone? Val is married now, and you can’t expect to impose on him. Well, you could, I suppose, but I daresay you wouldn’t want to.”
Heavensno. “I suspect I can take care of myself, just as you have done since Grandpapa died.”
“It would be different, my dear. I had children and grandchildren. You will have no one.” She waved her hand. “Go and walk, then. Tonight you will dance, and you will entertain thepossibilityof marriage.”
“Yes, Grandmama.” Viola nodded, then reached for the handle of the barouche. The footman on the back jumped down and helped Viola descend.
As she made her way toward Felicity along the pedestrian path, she felt a mixture of irritation and sadness. Grandmama was right—Viola wouldn’t have anyone after she was gone. Oh, she could be an aunt to Val’s children, assuming he had any, but it wasn’t the same as having her own husband and children. Plus, Grandmama was right in that she would never want to intrude.
“Viola!” Felicity waved as Viola approached. Grinning, she greeted her friend warmly, then immediately sobered. “What’s wrong?”
“Grandmama says I must have a dance card this evening.”
Felicity made a face that was part outrage and part disdain. “Well, that’s upsetting.”
“She says I must consider thepossibilityof marriage.”
“That isn’t so bad,” Felicity said brightly. She took Viola’s hand. “Let us consider it together.” She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow as if she were thinking intently. “Are you considering it?”
Viola fought not to laugh. “I’m doing my best.”
Felicity held her breath and seemed to concentrate even harder. When her cheeks turned red, Viola couldn’t stand it another moment and burst out laughing. Felicity exhaled, her lungs emptying in a whoosh. “I’ve given it my very best, and I’m afraid marriage just may not be in the offing for you.” She gave Viola a pitying look. “My gravest apologies.”
Viola dissolved into more laughter, and Felicity finally cracked, joining her.
“You two ladies look as if you’re having a grand time.”
Viola and Felicity swung their heads in unison, their laughter halting like a spigot stopping the flow of ale from a cask. Lord Orford regarded them with his pale gray eyes, his thin lips spread in a smile as he presented his leg.
They curtsied in return and exchanged glances. Felicity thrust her arm through Viola’s, perhaps to deter him from asking them to promenade. “Good afternoon, Lord Orford.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Viola, Lady Felicity. Perhaps you’d care to promenade with me.” With certain gentlemen, deterrence rarely worked, unfortunately.
“Both of us?” Viola asked. She didn’t want to abandon Felicity to him nor did she want to walk with him alone.
“Why not?” He offered his arms.
Felicity and Viola traded another look and answered with imperceptible shrugs. They each took one of his well-muscled arms—Lord Orford was known to enjoy pugilism—and started along the path.
“Please tell me you will both be at the Goodrick ball this evening so that I may sign both of your dance cards.”
“Er, yes,” Felicity said haltingly. She leaned forward and cast Viola a look of apology.
