Chapter Ten
Violet’s evening carriage ride to the Lyon’s Den was uneventful but she was glad for Arianna’s company.
It was Patience’s turn to feel a bit under the weather and Asher had insisted she refrain from any activities until she was well again.
Violet had voiced her concern to her brother-in-law that she could easily stay in this evening in case Patience needed her but he had quickly dispelled any thoughts of interrupting her night of entertainment.
Besides, there was nothing Violet could do for her cousin that Asher couldn’t do for himself.
Left with no choice but to continue onward with the plans Patience had put into motion, Violet had agreed to an evening out with Arriana at her side.
During the ride over to the Lyon’s Den, Violet had filled her friend in on all the details of Patience’s arrangement with Mrs. Dove Lyon.
Arianna began complaining she had been left out on these details that would have such an impact on them both.
After all, her friend noted, she was to accompany Violet as a companion of sorts, so where did this leave Arianna in the bigger scheme of things?
Violet didn’t have an answer but as they entered the Lyon’s Den, they were welcomed as well-established guests.
Violet was almost afraid of what this night might bring and she reminded herself not to indulge too much since any expenses she ran up would be placed on her cousin’s bill.
But what Violet hadn’t been expecting was to barely have her foot in the door before she was flanked by two burly looking bodyguards at the request of Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
Panicking that she had done something wrong, one of the guards merely told her she was being escorted down to the garden area where she would be told to wait for further instructions.
Arianna had protested when she was told to remain in the ladies’ upper floors.
She and Violet calmed down when one of the men stated a guard would be posted at the entrance of the garden to ensure only those whom Mrs. Dove-Lyon had vetted would be allowed entrance.
Violet still had her reservations but what else could she do? Hopefully, she wouldn’t regret her decision to follow the guards and that she would be safe from any unwanted attentions from other male patrons.
The garden was alive with blooming wisteria forming an archway at the entrance, along with roses of every color imaginable.
At its center was a large round marble fountain with a statue at its center.
The tinkling sound of the water bubbling from the centerpiece only calmed her somewhat and as she stared into the sightless eyes of the marble woman, Violet could only ponder who this goddess was supposed to be.
Whomever she might be, Violet was certain she had overheard many a conversation in this place of men and women who might make a match together.
She was still skeptical of the whole ordeal of finding someone she might come to love, and her stomach was in nervous knots at who might walk through the door.
Love… no matter who might stroll into the garden, there was one thing that would need to be established from their first meeting.
If she couldn’t find a possible connection with the gentleman, then she wouldn’t proceed no matter who Mrs. Dove-Lyon might recommend.
Violet wouldn’t be forced into a loveless marriage, not when she had seen what love could be like between a couple who truly cared for one another.
Her parents, brother, and her cousin had found happiness with their spouses and at times Violet had been envious that love had escaped her.
If she couldn’t find that kind of relationship with a gentleman, she would rather remain a spinster.
“You appear as though you’re a frightened little mouse, Miss Barnet, instead of a woman about to find a husband. I hope you’ll be able to turn that frown into something more encouraging,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon declared when she suddenly appeared across the fountain from Violet.
“Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” she gasped. “You startled me.” Had she been so lost in thought that the woman had snuck up on her? Apparently so, since an amused laugh came from beneath her heavy black veil.
“My apologies, Miss Barnet. I merely noticed you scowling and was uncertain you wished to continue.” She cocked her head to one side but honestly, Violet couldn’t make out even the slightest hint of the woman’s features. Why, she could walk by her on the street and not be able to recognize her.
“I gave you and Patience my word. If I had changed my mind then I wouldn’t have returned to the Lyon’s Den in the first place,” Violet answered before taking a deep breath.
“And you still do not care to tell me the name of the gentleman who caught your attention the last time you were here?” she inquired softly. “This would make everything proceed more smoothly.”
Violet shook her head. “No. I don’t even know his name. And there is no one under consideration on my end. Let us proceed.” She hoped she sounded convincing as she tried to erase from her mind a certain gentleman with a patch covering one eye.
“Very well. I shall call in your first prospect. It will be up to the both of you if you want to use your real names or make them up to keep your identity a secret,” she said quietly.
“Is this how you normally arrange such meetings?” Violet asked, wondering how she planned to handle the situation with the man who was about to enter.
“Every situation is different but some couples do make up their own identities for the sake of secrecy. Surely you recall your own cousin using the name Persephone and calling the earl Hades.”
“Oh… yes… of course.” How could she have so easily forgotten how her cousin had met the earl?
“Then if you’re ready, let’s begin your evening. And by all means, Miss Barnet, don’t forget to enjoy yourself,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied as she waved her black gloved hand toward the entrance.
A tall, well-formed gentleman with every strand of his blond hair in place began making his way through the garden area.
His clothing was immaculate and well-tailored, giving evidence of his wealth.
Even his cravat was tied with an expertise only a valet could pull off.
As he came to stand before her, blue eyes quickly masked the indifference he must be experiencing before he gave Violet a bow.
Violet quickly dropped down into a curtsy.
“I will leave you both to become better acquainted, and as a reminder, a guard will be at the entrance to the garden to ensure your privacy,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon exclaimed before she took her leave.
The gentleman waved toward two chairs that were located nearby and once they were both seated he wasted little time in coming to the point. “I have little time to play the games that drive Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s attempts to settle my debt to her,” he began in a low tone.
“You owe her money? That’s why you’re here?
” Violet asked, although she should hardly be surprised by anything that might go on here at this unusual establishment.
But Patience had never told her this part of what went on at the Lyon’s Den and she was slightly annoyed that her own cousin hadn’t filled her in on such an important matter.
The gentleman chuckled. “You really didn’t know anything about how she matches people up here or that her tables are sometimes rigged in her favor?” he inquired, as he inspected her from head to toe.
“I wasn’t informed of how such arrangements were made,” she replied, not wishing anyone she might meet to be forced into spending time with her in order to pay a debt.
“You don’t look familiar to me or I would have seen you at the numerous balls throughout the Season.”
“I’m not from London.”
“That explains it.” He sat back in his chair. “Then you really have no idea who I am.”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“Very interesting. Most women of the ton would be batting their eyelashes at this point of the conversation or spouting flowery words to catch my attention,” he declared before continuing.
“But since you don’t appear to be cut from the same cloth as them, I have no objection to you knowing my real name.
It wouldn’t be difficult for you to learn of it on your own anyway with just a few conversations with anyone here.
I am Orlando Barlingham, Marquess of Somerset. ”
Good heavens! A marquess? This gentleman was so far above her that the whole prospect of him as a possible suitor made Violet squirm in her seat.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. I am Miss Violet Barnet.
” She waited to see the censorship and reaction that he was meeting a mere miss but there was nothing to give her any impression that he thought less of her.
“A pleasure, Miss Barnet,” he returned with a brief smile.
“While I’m afraid that I am in debt to the Black Widow of Whitehall, I don’t have any intention of becoming husband material in the near future.
I want to be completely up front and transparent on my position with you so there is no misunderstanding between us. ”
“I completely understand, my lord,” she replied with a nod of her head.
While the man before her was handsome, Violet couldn’t see herself in the role of his wife in her future even if he hadn’t declared he wasn’t ready to be married.
She was wondering why Mrs. Dove-Lyon was wasting both of their time with this meeting, however.
He appeared relieved at her words. “Perhaps you might indulge me, if I could be so forward, and ask that you continue to spend the appointed time with me. This would fulfill my debt to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and perhaps we could be friends at the very least,” he suggested with a smile that seemed sincere.
“I would be more than happy to talk with you and ensure your debt is erased, my lord,” Violet said with a small, genuine smile that she hoped portrayed that she was amicable to becoming friends.
“I am grateful for your understanding, Miss Barnet. So let us begin to get to know one another. Tell me about yourself and why you are here,” he encouraged with a wave of his hand.
“My cousin, the Countess of Rowley, set this up for me,” she began while the marquess appeared amused.
“This sounds interesting and knowing her husband as I do, I’m intrigued… Tell me more,” he said with a wink.
She gave another light laugh and began telling her story. As their conversation continued, she knew she had indeed found a friend with the marquess. She could only wonder who might enter the garden next and if having a conversation with him would be just as pleasant.