“Everyone knows all about it now. West told everyone, including Great-Aunt Hermione. She was nearly apoplectic. She’s lecturing West right now. I was happy to make my escape.”

“Why don’t you look in on Belinda? She may still be awake.”

Betsy smiled and opened the door gently.

Viola made her way downstairs, stopping when she heard raised voices coming from the parlor. She tiptoed to the closed door and placed her ear against it.

“It’s not to be borne, Westbury! You must send that woman away. I’m warning you, my boy, don’t fall for a pretty face with no fortune and no connections. She may be a very good girl, very sweet and accommodating, but you must do your duty and marry Lady Winifred, like I’ve been telling you all along.”

“You’re right,” West replied.

“Of course I’m right.”

Viola’s heart sank.

“I know that Viola—”

“Miss Beaton.”

“I know she’s not the right choice, she’s the first one to admit it.”

“Very good. That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard about her.”

“She’s made it very clear that she doesn’t want to marry me.”

“That’s excellent news, my boy. I’m very glad to hear it.”

“And I know that I shouldn’t marry her if I’m to do my duty.”

Viola didn’t tarry to hear more. This was far too painful. West was only repeating her own words which she knew to be true . . . but to hear them from his lips . . .

It stung most desperately.

She escaped back to the dower house to see whether her father had completed the symphony. Today was the day Lord Sprague had demanded its completion. It was time to make plans for a future that didn’t include West.

Past time.

West kept his temper in check with difficulty. “You’re right, Great-Aunt, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m going to find Laxton and make him pay for what he did, and ensure his silence on the subject, but after that I’m going to marry Miss Viola Beaton. And duty be damned!”

“Think of what you’re saying, my boy. Think of your sisters.”

“I am thinking of them. They adore her.”

“As their music teacher. How will they feel when they go out in society and everyone’s whispering about your lowborn bride? And what of her lack of fortune?”

“I swear that I’ll find a way to restore our fortunes. I’ll make this right. I’m turning my life around.”

“Your sisters have no dowries now. And Blanche isn’t getting any younger. She can’t wait much longer. Think of her. Think long and think hard.”