Chapter Four
Violet had just said farewell to her last customer and was about to lock the door to the apothecary for the night when a group of people came into her view through the large window of the shop.
She couldn’t help but widen her eyes before a sudden sense that something she wasn’t going to like was about to happen.
If she could have slammed the door and locked it fast enough she would have, although she also knew that was hopeless against the people about to invade the shop… they had a key.
With a groan of despair leaving her lips, she held the door wide as her family began to stride confidently past her.
Closing the door, she momentarily leaned her forehead against the wooden frame with a heavy sigh before turning the latch to lock it.
She flipped the sign to let any further customers know the apothecary was closed for the night.
She turned to observe the familiar faces of those dearest to her.
Her mother, father, brother and sister-in-law, and her Aunt Deborah looked determined in whatever this impromptu meeting was about.
But it was the worried expression on the face of her best friend, Arianna Trobridge, that was almost her undoing.
What had she been keeping from her? Arianna looked too well-informed not to know what this was all about.
Violet decided to meet the situation head on.
There was no point putting off the inevitable.
“I am not entirely sure why you are all here at this hour of the night but whatever the reason is, the answer is no.” She went around the group to place herself behind the main counter to form a sort of barrier and began putting away the rest of the supplies she had left out.
“Stop what you’re doing, dearest, and let us have our say,” her mother said, in a kind, soft tone.
Violet placed an envelope in a drawer and then closed it.
With nothing left to put away, she whirled around to face the entourage, pointing a finger at them one by one.
“You’ve dragged even my best friend here for whatever plan you have in mind.
Why, I’m surprised you didn’t include my nephew since you very well know he is a weak spot in my heart!
” she fumed, placing her hands on her hips in righteous annoyance.
Her brother gave his wife an I told you so look before a half snort, half laugh left his mouth. “It was discussed, but we have someone watching over him instead while we came to visit you.”
A sharp sound left her. “This is hardly a friendly visit of family and my dearest friend,” Violet accused, before turning toward Arianna. “You and I just had tea yesterday.” She couldn’t keep the hurt out of her voice. “You couldn’t let me know then what my family had planned?”
Aunt Deborah stepped forward. “Stop berating your friend, Violet. She was only made aware of our plans today and we are including her in them, too.”
Violet gasped, outraged. “Really? You must really need reinforcements if you’ve convinced the only true friend I have to be an accomplice to your schemes.”
Violet’s father stepped forward. “Our plans go further than just Miss Trobridge,” he declared, folding his arms over his chest. “We’ve written to your cousin Patience recently and she just replied. Hence our visit tonight.”
Violet’s knees almost buckled and she reached for the edge of the counter. She narrowed her eyes to peer at her family. “What have you done?” She watched as her mother was about to speak before her father continued by stepping forward.
“Your mother and I came to the conclusion that you spend far too much time running the apothecary and were in need of a break. We decided to write to Patience so you could have a small vacation in London—”
“A vacation?” Violet shouted. “I don’t have time for a vacation, Father. I am much too busy here and—”
Her father held up his hand. “You are a bright young woman and should have more meaning to your life than working your fingers to the bone. As I just began to say, your mother and I decided you need a break from here. Owen will take over running the apothecary until you return at the end of the Season. Patience will have a carriage here by the end of the week to take you to her house in London. That gives you several days to pack what you might need for an extended stay with your cousin.”
“Mother!” Violet began to protest, but one look at her mother told Violet much. She wouldn’t talk herself out of this one.
“I have already spoken to Miss Trobridge’s parents and your friend has agreed to accompany you with Patience’s permission for her to also stay at her residence.
Your cousin has agreed to see that you both are gowned appropriately so you are seen at the various balls and events she will plan.
How can you complain, given your cousin’s generosity? ”
Violet let out a snarl of outrage. “Just because Patience is now a countess doesn’t mean we should take advantage of her and her husband’s wealth! I won’t have anyone taking pity on me and thinking of me as nothing but a poor relation.”
Aunt Deborah stepped forward and reached for Violet’s hands.
“This was at the suggestion of Patience and the earl, dearest niece. You mustn’t think that this is anything but the love my daughter has for you.
She is so happy with her life now, and wants to give you the same opportunity. How can you think this is a bad thing?”
Unexpected tears welled in Violet’s eyes before her aunt let go of her hands and handed her a handkerchief.
Violet gave her a brief look of gratitude before wiping her face.
She squared her shoulders back before once more glaring at her parents.
“A Season is only for the rich who expect their daughters to marry within the ton. If you’re expecting me to nab some unsuspecting fop for his money, then you are greatly mistaken.
I have told you a hundred times, I have no desire to marry.
If and when such a miracle was to occur, then it would be because I am in love with the man, not his staggering amount of wealth or fancy title! ”
Her father’s face turned an ugly shade of red and he began to sputter like a kettle about to boil. But before he could voice whatever words he might spew in anger, Arianna stepped forward and came around the counter to hug her.
Her friend then stepped back and took hold of both of Violet’s arms whether to maintain contact with her, or to stop her from throwing things, Violet couldn’t tell.
She glowered at her friend, the only thing left for her to do besides scream.
“Your family loves you, as does your cousin. Think of this as an opportunity to enjoy yourself without the burden of the work you put your life into every day. The fact that your cousin also invited me along must tell you how much she worries and is more than willing to ensure you and I have the best time she is able to provide for us.” She paused.
“Besides, I would like the opportunity to perhaps find and marry someone, something I won’t find here. ”
Violet wanted to continue to protest, but she couldn’t deny Arianna’s request and still be a good friend. She felt herself begin to deflate, then rallied. She didn’t want to give in easily. “But—”
Owen voiced his own thoughts. “Honestly, Violet… I am more than capable of running this place in your absence. If it’s the apothecary you’re worrying over, then let that rest inside your head. We can handle both this place and the mercantile in your absence.”
“You must know if I’m gone, this will only burden the rest of the family to fill in the time that I’m not here,” Violet protested in one last vain attempt for her family to see reason.
“It’s all been arranged and the matter has been settled,” her father declared with a look that said any protest she might voice would not change his mind.
“You are going to London at the end of the week. If by some slim chance a gentleman catches your eye, we have given the earl permission to speak on our behalf. We might not be as wealthy as those in upper society, but that does not mean we don’t have a suitable dowery set aside for our precious daughter. ”
Violet slumped in defeat as her father’s words of her being precious to him caused a momentary crack of weakness.
Whether she wanted to go to stay with Patience and her husband or not had been decided.
Apparently whatever Destiny had in store for her in London would soon reveal itself in a small amount of time.
Whatever it was, Violet was determined to oppose it.