The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After Read online

  Odd how far they’d come in a mere six weeks. Scarcely a night went by now that they didn’t meet in the kitchen after the rest of the household was in bed, with long chats about nothing and everything. He had finished Pride and Prejudice as well as Wuthering Heights, which he said was entirely too dark and dire to be at all enjoyable. She had teased him about his lack of literary acumen and had resisted telling him she agreed. She had then given him King Solomon’s Mines, which he had proclaimed the finest book ever written. Violet was hard-pressed to disagree entirely but, if not the finest, it was certainly the most fun.

  She and James continued their early-morning rides and of course, every Wednesday, Effie, Poppy and Gwen joined them for dinner. Occasionally, Cleo and Marcus were present, as well. Cleo’s duties as Violet’s secretary brought her to the house every day but she had taken the flat Marcus had found for her, conveniently located in the same building where he resided.

  Violet would never have imagined in the beginning but they had become quite a convivial group. All three older ladies had fascinating stories to tell about the exploits of their respective husbands and they insisted on hearing all about her years of travel. Occasionally she would catch James staring at her with rapt attention. Which was as gratifying as it was unnerving.

  The Explorers Club ball was still the largest affair she and James had attended thus far but they’d been to several smaller social events, a few garden parties, a gallery opening and an exhibit at a small museum among others. She ran into any number of people she had once known and while there was a certain amount of curiosity about her and James—to be expected of course—she was not treated with anything other than cordiality. It did seem perhaps that she was the only one still haunted by the specter of their long-ago scandal. Every public appearance renewed her confidence and bolstered her courage. Courage she would no doubt need tonight.

  “I have something for you,” James said with a smile.

  Her brow rose. “A gift?”

  He nodded.

  “Are you trying to bribe me?” she teased.

  “Only if it works. Close your eyes.”

  “Don’t be silly.”

  “If you don’t close your eyes...”

  “Very well.” She sighed and closed her eyes.

  A necklace settled around her neck, and he fumbled with the clasp at the back.

  “There.” Satisfaction rang in his voice and his hands rested on her shoulders. They were far warmer than any man’s hands had a right to be and yet goose bumps rose on her arms and shivered through her. “You may look.”

  She opened her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath. A string of perfect emeralds interspersed with diamonds glittered against her throat.

  “Do you like it?”

  “Good Lord, James, it’s magnificent.” She stared at her reflection. “I’ve never worn anything quite so exquisite.”

  “Well, we’re off to the engagement ball of the son of a duke. I thought it wise to make a good impression.” James was well aware of her apprehension about tonight and this gesture on his part was both thoughtful and rather touching. “The necklace was my mother’s and now it’s yours.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” She touched the center emerald.

  “She would have wanted you to have it.” His gaze caught hers in the mirror. “You’re my wife.”

  For a long moment their gazes locked, then he cleared his throat and his hands dropped from her shoulders. The strangest sense of loss trickled through her. He handed her a velvet box. “There are earbobs to match.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured and opened the box. Emeralds matching the necklace were encircled by diamonds and sparkled on the velvet lining. “They’re perfect.”

  “As are you.”

  “Goodness, James, the things you say.” She looked in the mirror and replaced the simple gold earbobs she had on with the ones James gave her. “I know you’re just trying to be charming. To get on my good side. Work your way into my affections.”

  “Me?” He adopted an innocent expression. “I would never try to bribe you into liking me.”

  She widened her eyes and caught his gaze in the mirror. “I do like you.”

  “Better than you did.”

  “Better than I have in years.”

  “I knew eventually you wouldn’t be able to resist my dashing good looks and inestimable charm.”

  “Yes, that’s what did it,” she said wryly.

  It was inevitable, really. Playing the role of happy couple, they would either grow to detest each other—which wouldn’t serve either of them well—or they would like each other. And once again be friends. And friends would do. Nothing more of course but friends, yes, being friends was fine.

  Violet made a final adjustment to the earbobs, gave a last satisfied nod to the image in the mirror and turned to James. “We should go. We would hate to be late. My mother would never forgive us.”

  “Then into the fray, Lady Ellsworth.” He offered his arm. “Together, we shall bravely face the dragons head-on.”

  She arched a brow. “Are you calling my mother a dragon?”

  “I’m calling everything that we fear or gives us pause a dragon. We all have our own dragons, Violet. To slay or defeat or cause us to flee into the night.”

  “That’s rather philosophical of you.” She took his arm. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

  “Oh, I am a man of many deep and abstract thoughts.” He wagged his brows in a mysterious manner. “As well as many secrets. There are all sorts of things hidden inside the dim recesses of my mind. You have barely dipped below the surface of the well of intellectual depth that is James Branham.”

  She laughed.

  “I would be offended, but it does seem pointless.” He grinned.

  He escorted her out the door and took her hand to help her into the carriage. Abruptly, the thought struck her that there was no one she would rather have by her side tonight than James.

  “Oh, but you are absolutely right,” she said once she was settled in the carriage.

  “Of course I am.” He paused. “About?”

  “My mother is a dragon.”

  THEY ARRIVED AT the grand London house that had been in Violet’s family for generations a few minutes ahead of the start of the ball, but unfortunately a line of carriages had already formed in advance of their arrival. The festivities were well underway by the time Violet and James finally made it in the door.

  They paused to be announced by the family butler at the top of the short flight of stairs leading into the ballroom. Wilkens had been with their family for as long as she could remember and tonight was dressed in his finest livery—Mother would allow nothing less.

  James squeezed her hand on his arm and spoke quietly. “Are you ready?”

  “More than ready,” she said with a confidence she didn’t quite feel. Violet drew a deep breath and adopted a brilliant smile.

  Wilkens gave her a discreet wink before he announced their arrival. Violet bit back a grin. Wilkens had never been fond of Mother.

  They descended the stairs to greet her parents together with Caroline, her soon-to-be fiancé, Neville, and Neville’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Trentham.

  Father greeted them with a smile that clearly indicated to Violet he would rather be anywhere but here but knew his duty nonetheless. Mother’s gaze swept over her older daughter and she nodded with reluctant approval. Apparently Violet had passed muster.

  “You’re late.” Mother’s brow furrowed.

  “It couldn’t be helped, Lady Cranton,” James said smoothly before Violet could open her mouth. “We were delayed by the sheer number of carriages waiting to discharge their occupants.” He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “This really is the social event of the season.”

  Mother beamed. “How kind of you to say,
Lord Ellsworth.”

  Caroline looked stunning as she always did with her striking blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair. She was nearly as tall as her sister but her figure was far more curved. Now in her second season, Caroline was an excellent catch and Neville was a brilliant match. Her sister accepted the attention of one and all as her due even if she seemed vaguely bored. Violet really didn’t know her sister at all well given the nearly seven-year difference between them. Perhaps if she had stayed in London... No. She had no regrets about leaving London. But she did regret not knowing her only sibling. Although, even as a child, Caroline had always been her mother’s daughter.

  They were introduced to Neville, a short, rather chubby chap with kind eyes and a cheery smile who reminded Violet of an eager puppy and who looked at Caroline as if she were the most wonderful creature in the world. Violet couldn’t help but wonder if the man knew what he was getting into. The duke was next in line and they chatted with him for a few minutes about Uncle Richard—who apparently had been friends with both the duke and his father—then moved on to greet the duchess.

  “My dear girl.” The duchess took Violet’s hand in hers. “We are so glad to see you at long last back in London and looking so wonderful, as well.” She raised a brow as she eyed Violet’s dress. “Worth, is it not?”

  Violet nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “I knew it.” She grinned with satisfaction. “I can always tell Mr. Worth’s work.” She leaned toward Violet in a confidential manner. “My very favorite daughter-in-law has been looking forward to renewing your acquaintance.”

  “As am I.” Pity Violet had no idea who the duchess’s daughter-in-law might be. She really should have paid more attention to the comings and goings of society and not just the gossip about James during the years of her absence.

  The duchess turned her attention to the next arrival and Violet and James moved into the burgeoning crowd. The ballroom was packed with everyone who was anyone in London society. The gaslights in the massive chandelier that dominated the center of the room sparkled as much as the jewels that adorned every woman’s neck. Huge urns of fresh flowers were positioned in every niche and available space, and large palms flanked every doorway. Mother had outdone herself. Extravagant was the word that came to mind, perhaps even excessive. It was hard to remember this was a ballroom in London and not a mystical palace of glittering magic and unabashed romance. Interesting as Mother had never been fond of magic or romance, unabashed or otherwise.

  Violet and James made their way around the room. He introduced her to any number of people she hadn’t met and she renewed her acquaintance with all sorts of people she had known in her youth—none of whom seemed the least bit disapproving about her notable absence in the last six years or her recent reemergence into society. Even Lady Dalrymple, one of her mother’s closest friends, a denizen of society and an even bigger gossip than her mother, seemed pleased to see her.

  Violet had told herself over and over she had nothing to worry about tonight and now there was actual evidence to support that optimism. With every new person she met and every old acquaintance renewed, her confidence grew and that niggling fear in the back of her mind that she would somehow become quiet, shy Violet Hagen again dimmed. She sent James off to speak to acquaintances without so much as a twinge of doubt. There was no need for him to be by her side every minute. Violet Branham was well up to whatever society might throw her way tonight.

  “Violet.” A tall, dark-haired woman approached her and took her hands. “I was delighted to hear you were back in London.”

  Violet stared for a moment. “Jenny Smythe?”

  The woman grinned. “Lady Larkfield now. I married one of Neville’s brothers.”

  In those days when Violet had sat endlessly waiting to be asked to dance, Jenny had been sitting right beside her. She was the only person Violet had ever told about her feelings for James and her hopes for happiness in the few days before her wedding. She hadn’t seen Jenny since her marriage but the woman in front of her now bore only a vague resemblance to the girl Violet had known. It was remarkable how much believing in one’s self and perhaps happiness could change one’s demeanor and outer appearance, as well.

  “You’re the duchess’s daughter-in-law?”

  Jenny nodded. “One of them, anyway.”

  “She says you’re her favorite.”

  Jenny laughed. “She says that about all of us. She has three so far. We all get along surprisingly well.” Jenny cast a quick look at Caroline and Neville on the dance floor and the vaguest look of unease flashed in her eyes. “Your sister will be the fourth and I’m sure she’ll fit right in.”

  Violet arched a brow. “Are you?”

  Jenny frowned. “Not really. But you’re her sister and I shouldn’t say anything. I do hope she will make dear Neville happy. He’s the youngest of the lot and really a jolly sort. He deserves happiness.”

  “I’m sure Caroline will do her best,” Violet said, forcing a note of confidence she didn’t feel.

  “Goodness, Violet. It’s obvious you’ve changed in all sorts of ways but you never were a good liar,” Jenny said and paused. “As you’re back, dare I assume that you and James have resolved your differences?”

  Violet’s gaze drifted to James, engaged in conversation with a small group of gentlemen. She smiled. “You might.”

  Jenny studied her thoughtfully. “You look happy. Are you?”

  The question took her by surprise. “Well, yes, I suppose I am.”

  “Good.” Jenny smiled. “You deserve to be happy, as well.”

  The old friends chatted for a few more minutes and promised to see each other again soon, then James appeared to claim the next dance.

  “I would say your first significant appearance in society is a rousing success.” He grinned down at her. “And I was right.”

  “Were you?”

  His gaze locked on hers and his eyes smoldered. “I am the luckiest man here.”

  “Goodness, James.” She wrenched her gaze from his, heat washing up her face. “The things you say.”

  He chuckled but mercifully didn’t pursue the topic.

  Violet had just finished dancing with an elderly gentleman when she was approached by a woman she’d managed to avoid for six years. Good Lord, what on earth did she want?

  “Violet,” Marie said with what appeared to be a genuine smile. “How lovely to see you again.”

  “And you,” Violet said faintly. She wasn’t sure what else to say. Coming face-to-face with Marie was yet another test.

  Marie wrinkled her nose. “My, this is awkward. To be expected I suppose, given we haven’t spoken in what seems like forever.”

  “Six years,” Violet murmured.

  “I heard you were back in London. I wanted to call on you but I didn’t know if you would be amenable to that.” Marie shook her head. “I was angry at James, and you as well, for a very long time.”

  “Understandable.”

  “I didn’t realize it then but I was marrying James for all the wrong reasons.”

  Violet widened her eyes. “Were you?”

  “Oh, he was handsome and wealthy and heir to an impressive title, and that seemed more than enough.” Marie drew a deep breath. “Not marrying James was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “I’m not sure I understand,” Violet said slowly.

  “I didn’t love him,” she said simply. “I daresay you probably knew that although love didn’t seem important then.” Marie chose her words with obvious care. “It took me some time to realize that he wounded my pride but certainly not my heart. And to understand as well that I was wrong. In what I wanted, what I thought would make me happy.” She met Violet’s gaze. “And I am happy.”

  “I heard you had married.”

  Marie nodded. “His title is not as impressive as J
ames’s, his fortune not as great but—” she smiled “—he holds my heart.”

  A weight Violet didn’t realize she carried lifted and she smiled. “How wonderful for you.”

  “I was not a particularly good friend to you in those days. Even so, I was hoping now, perhaps, you might see your way clear to...”

  “To be friends?” Violet had known she’d encounter Marie eventually but she didn’t expect to see her tonight and never anticipated this. She took the other woman’s hand. “One can never have too many friends.”

  Marie smiled with obvious relief. They talked for a few minutes more and Violet was struck by the realization that perhaps they really could be friends.

  An hour or so into the festivities, Caroline and Neville’s engagement was announced with all the pomp and ceremony such an announcement warranted. Mother was in her element.

  The ball was by any standard a rousing success. The refreshment tables never emptied, the music never faded and the dance floor was always full. It was an evening full of surprises for Violet, as well. The scandal that had changed her life seemed forgotten or insignificant. Even Marie no longer cared and appeared genuinely interested in friendship. And when she’d danced with her father, he’d offered a sincere apology for not being a better father and told her he was proud of the woman she’d become. A revelation apparently prompted by a talk he’d had with James.

  Still, Violet couldn’t put Jenny’s question out of her head. Was she happy? She certainly wasn’t unhappy. She and James had settled into a comfortable companionship—the man was impossible to keep completely at arm’s length. And she found she enjoyed his company nearly as much as she once had. No, more perhaps. But a friendship was all it was. And all she would ever allow it to be.

  Even so, when she’d circled the dance floor in the arms of her husband, the thought had occurred to her that this was how she had once imagined her life would be. Accepted as a part of society and married to a man who shared her affections. A thought that had vanished the day after her marriage. For now, whatever it was she and James had between them would suffice.