Violet (Flower Trilogy) by Lauren Royal Read Free Book Online Page B

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    ‘‘Well, she’s not going to get me to take Rowan to Lakefield again. He was miserable.’’ The blurred figures were getting bigger. ‘‘Egad. They’re coming inside. All of them. Even Father.’’
    The music stopped as Lily stood, looking puzzled.
    ‘‘Why shouldn’t they come inside?’’
    ‘‘I . . . no reason.’’ The sudden quiet was unsettling.
    Violet drew a deep breath and found herself smoothing her russet skirts, which was not like her. She arranged three long curls to drape over one shoulder, then dropped her hand as Jewel bounded into the room ahead of the adults.
    The girl skidded to a stop on the carpeted floor, backing Violet against the wall in her enthusiasm.

    ‘‘Lady Violet!’’ Throwing her arms wide, she hugged her around the knees. ‘‘Where’s Rowan?’’
    ‘‘Having his lessons.’’ Looking down into the child’s face, Violet couldn’t help but be charmed. ‘‘Would you care to meet my sisters? Lady Rose and Lady Lily.’’
    ‘‘I’m pleased to make your ac-quain-tance,’’ Jewel said quite properly. Violet’s sisters exchanged an amused glance as the girl bobbed a curtsy. ‘‘This room is very fancy,’’ she said.
    It was, Violet supposed, though having lived here most of her life, she didn’t think about it much. They stood on a lovely gold-and-cream-toned Oriental carpet. The room’s dark oak paneling was studded with gold rosettes, the ceiling’s cornice heavily carved and gilded, the furniture upholstered in gold-and-cream silk damask. From where she stood, the details looked fuzzy, but she’d seen it all up close.
    ‘‘Why, thank you,’’ Chrystabel said.
    Jewel rocked up on her toes. ‘‘When will Rowan be finished?’’
    ‘‘Late today, I’m afraid. He has another lesson after dinner.’’
    ‘‘Arithmetic,’’ Rose informed them. ‘‘He hates it.’’
    ‘‘A rhythmic tic?’’ Her father nodded sagely. ‘‘I would hate a rhythmic tic as well. Quite annoying.’’
    ‘‘Arithmetic,’’ Mum repeated loudly, laying a hand on Father’s arm. ‘‘We were talking about Rowan, and how he hates mathematics.’’ An amused smile on her face, she turned back to their guests. ‘‘Poor boy. I’ve promised him a sweet after the lesson.’’
    The girl tugged on her uncle’s sleeve. ‘‘Can Rowan come to our house for a sweet? Oh, puleeeeeze?’’
    Lord Lakefield grinned down at his niece, a grin Violet suddenly wished were aimed at her instead.
    ’Twas broad and white and just the tiniest bit devilish, extending all the way to his brilliant blue eyes. ‘‘Excellent idea, baby.’’
    Mum smiled, and Violet could see it coming.

    Oh, no.
    Trying to look casual, she leaned against the dark paneling, then shot straight when one of the gold rosette studs jabbed her in the posterior. ‘‘I don’t believe Rowan will be interested,’’ she blurted out, not nearly as composed as she’d planned.
    Mum’s smile only widened. ‘‘I’m sure Rowan would love to visit for a sweet,’’ she said to Lord Lakefield, as though Violet’s words had never been spoken.
    ‘‘Will three o’clock suit you? Madame is due here this afternoon for another fitting for Lily and Rose, but Violet will be happy to bring him.’’
    Jewel jumped up and down.
    Violet shook her head, but no one took heed.
    ‘‘What?’’ Violet’s father asked his wife. ‘‘What did you say, my love?’’
    In the three hours since Ford and Jewel had arrived back at Lakefield, his niece had suddenly become very thick with Harry, Ford’s elderly houseman. Although Ford held no illusions that the man and girl would become fast friends, he’d jumped at the opportunity for freedom. Now, sitting in his attic laboratory, he paused to listen to little giggles floating through the open window.
    ‘‘Mud,’’ he heard Harry say. ‘‘Clay. ’Tis the exact color of the upholstery.’’
    What could mud possibly have to do with anything?
    ‘‘Oh,