Page 24 of Only a Mistress Will Do

“You are?” She peered at him, eyebrows raised. “You’ve made me remain secluded at the house, forbidden to stick my nose outside the door because you feared someone would associate me with you, yet now you want to introduce me?” A frown darkened her features. “What is really going on, Tris?”

“I’ve come to the conclusion that the best possibility for your future would be a good marriage.” He kept his eyes on the horses’ heads, but heard a sharp gasp. “You yourself said you had been seeking marriage this past summer. We will merely be renewing that search. With the Christmas round of holiday parties at hand, we can reintroduce you into Society. And a good first step is to meet people in a public arena, like Hyde Park.”

“Indeed.” The single word dripped frost. “So you have decided I should marry. Did you not think it necessary to consult me on the matter?”

Afraid to look at her, Tris could nevertheless feel her eyes boring into him. He put on his best face and turned to her. “I am consulting you now, Violet. I have thought it through many times, but I do not see a better solution at present.”

She slid well back in the seat, and her excitement vanished.

He slowed the horses. Better to have privacy for this conversation. “You know I have scoured London, written a sheaf of letters to out-of-town acquaintances, and still I have nothing to report. There appears to be a dearth of positions at the moment. These things seem to run in cycles. A month from now I’ll have ten people requesting a companion. But a month from now won’t do, I’m afraid.”

“Your approaching nuptials, I assume.” Her chest heaved as she tucked the robe up under her chin.

“Yes.” What else could he say if he would be honest with her? “It may well be your best chance for a happy life, my dear.” At least one of them might have a chance. He gripped the ribbons until his knuckles ached. Still he had no options left. Lord Downing had set the wedding day for early in the new year. Scarcely a month from today. Violet must be settled in her new life before his husbandly duties called him elsewhere. Before someone discovered he had been keeping her like his other mistresses.

She sat biting her lip. Then she sighed deeply and nodded. “Very well, my lord. If that is our only choice, then by all means, let us resume the hunt.”

Her resignation squeezed his heart but he ignored it. It was better for them both thus.

“You realize it still will not be easy, Tris? I’ve no dowry, no connections, and a scandal attached to my name. What prospects do you think will magically appear? They certainly did not exist last summer.”

“Leave such worries to me. Simply be your charming self and I will take care of the rest.” Ah, here was a blessing indeed. Lord Donningham and his sister sat in a carriage at the end of the path. As good a start as any.

The viscount had been widowed for almost a year now, and Tris’s sources told him he’d been avidly searching for a new wife at the end of last Season. The man had no vices to speak of, although he certainly wasn’t good enough for Violet. Would anyone ever be?

Tris drew his carriage nigh and hailed them. “Lord Donningham, Miss Tate. I see you are enjoying this glorious afternoon. It seems to have brought many out of hiding.”

“Trevor.” The man nodded to him, but his attention fastened immediately on Violet, his appraising glance undisguised.

Fury seared Tris and he clenched his jaw so tight it ached. The rack would be more merciful a torture than Donningham’s scrutiny.

“How splendid to see you again, Lord Trevor,” Miss Tate cooed in dulcet tones, telling him she’d obviously not heard of his betrothal.

“Delighted as well, Miss Tate. Miss Carlton, may I make known to you Lord Donningham and his sister, Miss Tate.”

“So pleased to meet you, Miss Tate.” Violet nodded, then batted her eyes at the viscount. “My lord.”

Well, she’d certainly not be a shy violet. “Miss Carlton is in town for the holidays. An old friend of the family who I am escorting about.”

“Excellent, Miss Carlton,” Donningham said, so eagerly he could scarcely get the words out. “You must give me a dance at the next ball you attend.”

Gads, the man wasted no time a’tall. Tris fought the urge to rail at him. Such interest was what he desired for Violet. Damn it, he must let his feelings go. He’d not expected it would twist his heart this badly, though.

“It would be my pleasure, my lord.” Violet flushed becomingly, her cheeks the perfect rosy shade to attract a man. She played her role extremely well.

“Do we know which entertainment we will be at next, my lord?” Gaily, she leaned toward Tris, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face.

Enjoying his discomfort, by God. “I believe the Braeton’s Christmas party on the fifteenth is the next one, my dear.” Then, to Miss Tate, “Miss Carlton is a particular friend of Miss Forsythe.” He might as well build up Violet’s reputation when he could. A connection with the red-haired heiress would be good cachet for her.

“Oh, wonderful,” Miss Tate broke in, suddenly more animated. “We will be attending as well.” Arching her neck, she smiled at Tris, her interest too obvious. She’d partnered Tris several times over the summer and he’d found her amiable enough, but clingy. At the last ball he’d attended he’d steered clear of her. Now of course, she’d expect him to offer for one of her dances as well.

“I would ask you for a dance, Miss Tate, but I must consult my betrothed first as to which dances she prefers me reserve for her.”

Miss Tate’s smile froze. “Of course, my lord. I…I didn’t know you were to be married.” She glanced at her brother, whose face had suddenly gone sour. “Allow me to wish you happy.”

“Thank you. Miss Harper and I suit very well. Still, I will make sure we have that dance, Miss Tate.”

“Miss Harper? You’re engaged to Lord Downing’s daughter?” Donningham’s features relaxed. “Capital, Trevor. My felicitations as well.” Grinning at Violet, he puffed out his chest. “I must have the first dance, Miss Carlton. I would not be able to stand looking on if you partnered another man first.”