Page 30 of One Night of Scandal
Viola did not expect such fortune to strike her, not when it had smiled upon her brother. The odds were surely against her. Furthermore, she doubted such a man even existed. Her expectations were far too unreasonable for any man to consider.
Despite that very rational thought process, Jack Barrett rose in her mind.Pooh.
“It is precisely because of your happiness that Viola should open her mind to marriage.” Grandmama sent her a disgruntled glower.
“Give her time,” Val said softly.
“I’ve given her five long years,” Grandmama said. “Are you prepared to care for your sister when I am gone?”
“Of course. I would never abandon Viola.” Val gave her a smile of encouragement. “I shall provide whatever support she requires.”
“Yes, but at what cost to your own family?” Grandmama scoffed and set her book down on the table to her right. She removed her glasses and deposited them atop the tome. “Help me up.”
Val rushed to her aid, offering his hand and then clasping her elbow until she was steady on her feet.
Grandmama frowned up at him. “I’m not infirm.” Then she strode from the library, her head high, her back as straight and stiff as a pole flying the Union Jack.
Viola groaned softly and laid her forehead against the map for a brief moment.
“Don’t let her bother you,” Val said, and given the sound of his voice, he’d come closer.
She lifted her head and saw that he stood next to the table. “I try not to, but it’s becoming more difficult. Scarcely a day passes when she doesn’t broach the subject.”
“You know, it’s not a terrible thing—”
“Et tu, Brute?”
“Love is wonderful. You should give it a chance.”
She hadn’t ever experienced it—not romantically, anyway. “I am still a pariah. It’s difficult to dance or converse with gentlemen when they don’t approach you.”
“Some do,” he argued. “Didn’t I see you with Jack Barrett at the Goodrick ball?”
Grandmama had seen her too and had, of course, commented on the fact that Viola had promenaded with himtwicein one day. It was nearly a scandal! Or so Grandmama had said.
“We share common views on politics. Please don’t suggest I shouldn’t speak with him.”
“I presume Grandmama has done that.”
Viola adopted the dowager’s imperious tone. “He’s not the sort of gentleman I should wed.”
Val grinned. “Did you tell her not to worry about it since he has no desire to marry? Jack is perhaps even more of a committed bachelor than I was. At least for now. He doesn’t even take time for a mistress.” He shot her a look of apology. “Forget I said that.”
“I’m not a nun,” Viola said, ignoring the spark of pleasure her brother’s comment had provoked. No, she wasn’t a nun, as evidenced by her kissing Jack the other night. And the fact that she was quite eager to do it again. Being attracted to him, however, was not love, and marriage to him—or anyone else—was out of the question.
Val pulled a letter from his coat. “This arrived for you at the Wicked Duke today.”
She took the missive from him. Tavistock was marked across the front in large letters. Looking up at him, she lifted a shoulder as she opened it. As she directed her gaze toward the parchment, her pulse picked up with each word, and by the time she reached the end, she feared Val would see her chest rising and falling in distress.
Dear Mr. Tavistock,
Your inquiries into the matter involving the Prince Regent are proof the truth behind the attack must be made public. Mr. Jack Barrett, MP for Middlesex, is a known radical sympathizer and has been seen consorting with radical groups. He was seen meeting with one at the Crown and Anchor the evening before the attack on the Prince. Someone in that group has said Barrett organized the attack.
We believe you must publicize this information before another attack is launched.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
