Viola took in the scene around her, so familiar yet completely foreign. Did the trees appear taller? The walking path more trodden? She’d forbidden herself from returning to this place since that fateful morning, which had not proven difficult since she’d fled soon after returning to her father’s townhouse that day, her slippered feet still wet with the morning dew.
At least that was different. Today, she and Ruby visited Hyde Park at a more civilized hour, long after the morning moisture had dried and in its place were members of the ton. So far, no one had thrown anything at her, neither rotten food nor foul words. A part of her wanted to scream in joy at the thought of her return to society going smoothly. People passed on horseback or foot with little more than a nod in their direction.
Ruby pulled at Vi’s arm where their arms were linked. “I still do not understand your need to walk, especially in Hyde Park.”
Vi had tried to explain her reasoning earlier that morning, to no avail. “It is inconceivable that our paths should cross Lord Haversham’s if we are not in places that he may happen to be.”
“But why would Lord Haversham be in Hyde Park—the very place his brothers died?”
“I do not expect him to be here! But to gain invitations to some of the London functions, we must appear in public.” She found herself talking slowly, hoping Ruby would understand.
“Why would anyone invite you of all people—I do not mean to be rude—into their home?”
That was a good question, something Vi had pondered several times since their return, before coming to a conclusion. “Because the ton loves scandal. You will learn quickly that if your ball or musicale is not rife with gossip, it is not a success. I believe that hostesses will be falling all over themselves to have me at their gatherings. And imagine the coup of a hostess securing the attendance of both Lord Haversham and myself . . . under the same roof, on the same evening.”
“People would seek to incite a scene between you two?” Ruby asked skeptically.
“Do not be naive, Ruby, or you will be eaten alive here.” Vi wished she’d known the dangers that lay within the ton before her own coming out. Alas, she’d had no female to guide and assist her. Lady Darlingiver may have sponsored her, but only as a way to increase her favor with Vi’s father. It had worked, with the bonus of Lord Liperton being beholden to the lady after Viola had been shunned, effectively tarnishing the dowager’s sterling reputation.
Vi smiled and nodded to a passing group of debutantes who struck out with their maids trailing after, keeping watch.
“Did you have many friends during your season?”
Ruby’s unexpected question took Vi by surprise. “None that stuck by my side after I was shunned.” She thought for a moment before continuing, “But I was not a good friend, either. I was much too concerned with gaining the attention of the most eligible men of the ton to be a tried and true friend.”
“Then it is good that I met you when I did.”
“Why is that?” Vi turned a questioning look on her friend.
“Because no other had claim on your friendship—which is their loss.”
Vi wanted to laugh. It was quite possible that Ruby had never truly had another female friend. “I promise to not give my friendship to any other.”
“Is that my mother?” Ruby stood on her tiptoes and searched the crowd in front of them. “I do believe it is! Mother! Mother!”
Vi also stood on tiptoes to see who Ruby was looking at, her short stature a disadvantage to Ruby’s taller frame.
“It is her. She is headed this way. I cannot wait for her to see me in my new walking habit.” Ruby bubbled with excitement.
It was beyond Vi’s comprehension why her friend sought to please her mother at every turn. “How fortunate we are to have received dresses this very morning.” Vi raised her hand and waved to Ruby’s approaching mother. Ruby did look stunning, tall and willowy, in her new apricot-colored dress. Vi had also opted for a pastel, lavender-colored garment for their excursion. They’d agreed it lent a certain demure quality. “I do believe that is Lady Darlingiver with her.” She’d thought she had escaped the woman when she’d left the country.
“Good afternoon,” both Vi and Ruby said as they curtseyed to Lady Darlingiver.
“I had not expected the pair of you out and about so soon. I trust my modiste was agreeable to the both of you?”
“Of course. Thank you, my lady, for arranging our fitting,” Vi said.
“Lovely.” Lady Darlingiver’s eyes fixed on an object over Vi’s shoulder. “Oh, I do believe I see an acquaintance I must speak with. You young ladies enjoy your walk.” The women moved by Vi and Ruby in the direction of a group of older ladies. When they reached the waiting group, Lady Darlingiver maneuvered even further from Vi and Ruby, making it obvious that any association with a shunned girl was something the lady wanted to keep secret for a time longer.