Rivals and Roses (The Vaughns #1)

Chapter 21

B eing one of the finest houses in the neighborhood (and arguably the finest, even if one included Bentmoor), Farleigh Manor never failed to inspire awe. Violet suspected much of that was due to her limited experience and country eyes, and she couldn’t help but wonder what Dr. Vaughn saw in the sprawling building. But then, the city favored terraced houses, didn’t they? All crushed together until everyone lived atop one another? Perhaps even London did not have such magnificent manor homes.

Violet’s gaze drifted through the concert room that was as much a hodgepodge as the exterior, which had been built up over generations, each adding their own style and tastes until it was a patchwork of eras, colors, and sensibilities. The interior was no less unique, though it had less to do with the previous owners expanding the home without regard for whether the new additions blended into the original facade. This was a bit of design genius.

Having no individual room large enough to allow such a large gathering, the architect had chosen instead to link rooms together with moveable partitions. When closed, they formed a gallery and drawing room, but when opened and the furniture was shifted about, it provided an expanse that could fit all of the neighborhood’s high society.

However, the separate rooms each had unique decoration and coloring, giving the expanded space a disjointed appearance altogether. And Violet loved it. No doubt others thought it odd or disconcerting, but that is what made it unique.

“You are not listening to a single word I am saying,” said Felicity as she gave Violet a mock glare.

“Do forgive me,” she replied with a shake of her head. “I was admiring your home. I love Farleigh Manor.”

Felicity’s expression melted into a smile. “After I lost the last of my family, it held far too many painful memories, and I was far happier remaining in Portsmouth. But since settling here with Lewis, it feels quite different. I remember all the things I adored about Oakham and Farleigh Manor, and I am quite happy this is to be our home once more. And to reconnect with old friends.”

The lady turned her bright grin to Violet, adding, “I always regretted losing contact with you, and I am glad to have another opportunity to renew our friendship.”

There was something in Felicity’s eyes that made her think she was expected to reply, though Violet couldn’t think what to say.

“It is understandable. You were a child and had just lost your brother and father before being uprooted to live with your uncle in a new city. I understand why you stopped writing me. No doubt, you never expected to see me again, as you had no interest at that time in returning to Oakham. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.”

Violet forced her mouth closed, not allowing anything more to slip out. In her youth, she hadn’t possessed the empathy to accept why her friend had stopped responding to her letters, but with maturity, Violet gained perspective that allowed her to let go of that pain. It wasn’t Felicity’s fault that Violet Templeton was entirely forgettable, and nothing good came from wishing the world were different .

Felicity’s brow furrowed, but her focus shattered when Diana spoke.

“And how are you faring?” she asked with a wry smile. “Have your husband’s family destroyed the last of your sanity? I’ve had an ear out for the gossip, fully expecting to hear that you’ve been committed to Bedlam.”

With a halting chuckle, Felicity shook her head. “It is not as bad as all that. They’ve been quite pleasant in many ways, and Lewis is enjoying the time with his brother. The pair has spent countless hours touring the estate and discussing the improvements, and Phineas seems quite impressed with Lewis’s efforts—even going so far as to ask his opinion on instituting some of them in their family’s estate. However, my husband’s family knows how to try one’s patience.”

“Especially schoolboys on holidays,” added Diana.

Felicity’s eyes widened. “Good gracious, they are vexing. I hadn’t thought the boys’ arrival would cause such havoc, but they are forever getting into trouble. And I fear I may just slap my brother-in-law if he dares call my husband ‘Jack’ one more time.”

Diana’s brow furrowed. “I’ve heard the gentleman use the name, but I do not understand the jest.”

“It isn’t one,” said Felicity with a shake of her head. “Lewis’s family took to calling him that when he was younger, and though they do not mean it cruelly, it vexes him, and I cannot abide hearing it.”

With a dramatic sigh, Felicity hurried to add, “And my dear sister-in-law means well, but she is convinced that if I do so much as breathe too deeply, I will harm my child. If it were left to her, I would be wrapped in cotton and set in the cabinet next to the fine china, never to stir until well after my lie-in.”

Turning a frantic look at Violet, she added, “I will be relying on you to keep her at bay when the time comes. It is an anxious enough thing without her fretting at my bedside. There are still some weeks before that time, and I am afraid I might not make it with my sanity intact. ”

“Could you not entice them to spend a week at the coast?” asked Violet.

Felicity straightened, her eyes brightening. “That is an idea. Even just a little time apart would do wonders—”

“Well, hello, ladies,” said Osborn, sliding in between his sister and Violet and drawing his arms around the pair. Giving him a gentle elbow to the ribs, Violet laughed at the impudent fellow, though he used his now free hand to snatch hers, bringing it to his lips. “My dear Vi, you look a picture.”

“You silver-tongued devil,” she said with a scoff before freeing her hand to slide it through his arm. Though this was her second favorite gown (the first having been worn at the assembly), neither offering was as fine as that which Diana or Felicity wore. The cotton frock was simplicity itself, though the fabric was of a fine quality. And she adored the little bits of ivy and greenery she’d stitched into the skirts; they complimented the rich cream of the cotton and looked quite fine if she did say so herself.

“Out with it,” added Violet, slanting him a look.

“Out with what?” asked Osborn with feigned innocence.

“You are especially complimentary when you are about to ask a favor.”

The gentleman let go of his sister and placed the hand on his chest with an anguished gasp. “You wound me.”

Violet merely smirked. “A palpable hit, I see.”

“Perhaps,” said Osborn with a pleading (though chagrined) smile. “I just learned that Miss Giles remained at home because she is troubled by that illness that is going around the village. I was hoping to bring her some of your tisane you make for coughs, as your mother said it helped her greatly.”

Holding up her hand, Violet nodded. “Say no more. I will have a pouch for you tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, you are the best,” said Osborn, lifting her hand to his lips once more before she could stop his silliness. “Absolutely the best.”

“That she is. ”

The voice from behind her startled Violet, and she glanced over her shoulder to see Dr. Vaughn standing there, but this was not the gentleman she’d come to know.

In public, he appeared flustered. When it came to medicine, he was confident and commanding. During their time together, he was still rather quiet, but it was more tranquil than shy, and though he was not one to tease and twit to Osborn’s absurd level, Dr. Vaughn possessed wit. This gentleman standing behind her had a hard look in his eyes and a sharp line to his brows—a muted display of that temper he’d directed at Mr. Sprat and Mr. Timms—though Violet didn’t know what had inspired such an expression.

Had she offended him somehow?

Violet’s muscles tensed, her mind flying to one possibility: Dr. Vaughn knew she’d spread doubts about his fitness to be the village doctor. Her throat tightened, and she tried to think of how to explain the issue, yet even as she fumbled about, she realized that Dr. Vaughn wasn’t looking at her as much as he was glaring at Osborn.

What had that silly gentleman done to earn such ire? Violet couldn’t answer that but knowing her secret remained safe allowed her muscles to relax once more and give Dr. Vaughn a smile, which he returned in full.

“Good evening, Dr. Vaughn,” said Violet, motioning for him to join them, and he slipped onto her other side.

“And good evening to you, Miss Templeton,” he said with a bow of the head. “Might I say how fetching you look tonight?”

“Ah,” replied Violet with a laugh. “And what favor are you wishing to wheedle from me?”

Dr. Vaughn’s brows drew tight together in puzzlement. “Just your company.”

For all that she’d been teasing, his answer couldn’t help but make her heart burn. Clearing her throat, she affected an appropriately light tone. “Then you aren’t spouting nonsense to attain my good opinion? ”

Adding a significant tone, she gave Osborn another elbow to the ribs before slanting a narrowed look in his direction.

“I do wish for your good opinion, but I wasn’t speaking nonsense,” said Dr. Vaughn, his eyes darting between the pair. “You look lovely. I especially like the flowers in your hair.”

“You are a dear,” said Violet whilst attempting to stave off the blush, which was silly. As wonderful as those compliments were, she knew how many of her friends and family preferred honeyed words to truth.

“Doesn’t it suit her?” asked Felicity with a nod. “My curls are far too opinionated to gather up in such an elegant manner.”

Before the others could leap in with their own kindly meant flummery, Violet hurried to add, “Osborn sent the flowers over, and I thought I would put them to good use.”

“The ladies do adore a posey,” said the fellow in question, glancing between Violet and his sister, whose own hair was similarly decorated. But Osborn spoke with a distracted tone that she recognized all too well. Now that he’d asked his favor and flattered her a touch, he would drift off in search of his other friends.

“I see Mr. Henshaw has arrived,” murmured Osborn as he stretched his head to gaze across the room. “I must speak to him. Please excuse me.” Freeing his arm from Violet, he turned away, but paused to add, “I will be on your doorstep at ten o’clock tomorrow—if that is not too early for you.”

“For me? Goodness, no,” she replied. “Though I will be greatly surprised if you manage it.”

Osborn chuckled and gave her a slight bow before hurrying away. That rascal.

“I am so glad you decided to host a concert,” said Violet, turning her attention back to the others.

“I had thought of holding a dance, but I fear my sister-in-law would’ve fainted dead away should I have suggested such a strenuous activity,” said Felicity with a laugh. “Though I do appreciate any excuse to hear my husband play. He has such a way with music. ”

“Are we to hear you perform, Miss Templeton?” asked Dr. Vaughn.

“Goodness, no. You may have convinced my mother to participate, but I assure you I haven’t any musical skill worth displaying,” said Violet with wide eyes and a shake of her head. “My mother despaired over my lack of talent, but it isn’t my fault that my brother inherited all the musical abilities in the family.”

“Then might I be so bold as to ask if I might sit with you?” he asked.

“If you wish to,” she said with a smile.

“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise—” But Dr. Vaughn’s words were cut short when Mr. Biddlesby called to him.

“There you are, sir. Been looking for you,” said the gentleman whilst motioning for Dr. Vaughn toward the other end of the gathering. “I am desperate for your opinion.”

Dr. Vaughn glanced at Violet. “I shall return before the performance begins.”

She nodded, though she didn’t understand the determined edge to his tone, as though he was expecting her to disappear. But whatever his reasons, he accepted her assurance and followed Mr. Biddlesby as the gentleman began describing the urgent matter concerning his wife’s health.

Once more, it was the three ladies, but when Violet’s attention turned to them, she found the pair watching her with raised brows and giddy smiles that were steeped in speculation.