Page 82 of A Sight to Behold
“It’s a shield of courage?”
“A feminine one, yes. The power of scent can help—” Violet waved grandly as if she could catch the right words in the air—“sway people’s opinions.” And before Pippa could ask, Violet admitted, “Mr. Collins, the apothecary, made this for me. It’s a one of a kind, Isabel. Use it well.”
And just so, with some magical little potions ofmaquillagefrom Paris, Alfie’s special perfume, and the skill of years of practice, Violet equipped Pippa and Isabel for the ball.
“Why are you helping us?” Pippa finally asked when the initial fascination of the little cremes, scents, and oils had worn off.
“I’m hoping you’ll help me in return,” Violet said.
Ah!There was never anything Violet did without some strings attached and those strings were usually a ruse, ready to take anyone out of her way who interfered with the glory she sought at that moment.
Pippa sucked in her lower lip, considering what she could say given that she was Violet’s guest this evening and that it was rude to challenge her hostess.
“I see that you’re not asking what I want. It’s fine. There’s no secret that I have had less than elegant methods until now, but my husband is helping me to redirect my talents.”
“Hm!” Pippa could imagine the talents had something to do with the notorious pavilion of sin and seduction and the spicy things she’d discovered because of Violet. Well, thanks to her.
“Well, if you must know, Pippa,” Violet started with a curt smile, “it’s about my brother.”
She hadn’t asked, but Violet had piqued her interest after all. “What is the matter with Scott?”
“He’s been injured on the continent.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. So, he’s back now?”
“Yes. But he needs to recover and heal.”
Pippa’s mind raced to the doctors on Harley Street.
“Several of his companions suffered the same fates. Different injuries, but if they don’t get the medical attention they need, they’ll all be crippled.”
“Understandable. I certainly hope they get the help they need.”
“My husband has arranged for some, but we require a place for them.”
Pippa had a bad feeling about this.
“We were thinking that you could do a little favor in return for our help with your father.”
“And what is that?”
“Well, I have something in mind, but it takes some work.”
Pippa observed as Violet’s mischievous gleam returned, transformed into a more mature and calculated expression. “We also need Bea’s help. I’ll send her a note and explain it when she comes for tea.”
It was no longer just a play of mischief, but a plotting grin that hinted at a depth of understanding and purpose. Despite Pippa’s apprehensions, she couldn’t shake the growing realization that Violet’s intentions were driven by a genuine desire to help. This insight brought forth conflicting emotions within Pippa, a mix of wariness and a tentative flicker ofgratitude toward someone she had long viewed with guarded skepticism. As the weight of Violet’s unspoken wish settled upon her, Pippa couldn’t deny the unsettling sense that Violet held the strings to a secret that could upend the carefully constructed walls of the Ton’s scorn.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Meanwhile, the morning after the surgery…
“Can I takeoff the bandages?” Lance asked, sitting up in bed.
“It’s only been a few hours,” Nick said as he sat on the edge of his bed and laid a hand on Lance’s forehead. It was cool. Then he tapped on his temples.Cool. Good.No heat meant little chance of infection. “Pippa sent a missive that she and Isabel spent the night at the Langleys’. Don’t you want to be ready when Isabel returns?”
“Yes, please!” Lance pleaded like a child, eager to get just one more piece of sweets.
Nick had never been more terrified. He’d usually operated on patients he didn’t know and who hadn’t gone blind for years yet. Even though there was no sign of damage to any other parts of Lance’s eye, one never knew.
