“I told him so just yesterday.”

“Good for you. You’ve finally come to your senses.”

“I insulted him but then he offered me so much money that I accepted his offer of employment. Papa and I are going to live in the dower house adjacent to Westbury House.”

Both ladies set down their teacups abruptly.

“Live next door to that arrogant rogue? Are you mad?” Isobel asked.

“You can’t do that. Why didn’t you tell us that you were so late with your rent?” Della’s brow furrowed.

“You’ve all been so generous already. I didn’t want to ask for more charity.”

“My widowed aunt has a vacant cottage on her property near Watford,” said Isobel. “You’d be welcome to use it anytime. She’s a music enthusiast. I’m certain she’d be delighted to rent the cottage to you and your father for a pittance. I just now thought of it—why it hasn’t occurred to me before I’ve no idea. It would be the ideal situation.”

“If I’m to continue my employment as music teacher to the duke’s sisters I must live in town.”

“I just don’t understand why you must live next door to him,” Della said, the frown returning to her face.

“I understand,” said Isobel. “I see it very plainly.”

“Please don’t raise your brows insinuatingly.” Viola pushed the sugar bowl across the table, avoiding her friend’s eyes. “It’s only temporary. Until Papa finishes his symphony and we find new accommodations. I agreed to accompany the Delamar sisters to social occasions, to serve as their companion and confidante. I’m doing this for them, not for the duke.”

“But is it advisable to live next door to him?” Della asked.

“Only be careful, my dear. I don’t want you to have exchanged the wolf’s fangs for the lion’s jaws,” Isobel said.

“Especially given your feelings about the duke,” Della agreed.

“Oh that?” Viola said breezily. “That’s all over and done with. I had a silly infatuation and it’s completely gone now. He’s engaged to be married, after all.”

Della and Isobel exchanged meaningful glances.

“Will you be safe?” Della asked.

“Westbury would never importune me in any way.”

“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about your heart,” said Della. “We know you to be warmhearted and giving to a fault. You always put others’ needs before your own. Is this the right move for you? Not for your father, or the duke, or his sisters. For Viola.”

“It’s already arranged. There’s no backing out now. I’m in no danger.”

Isobel snorted. “You do know that you’re deluding yourself, right? You’re not going to be able to ignore that handsome beast of a duke.”

“I can certainly control my own mind,” said Viola.

“Yes, but can you control your heart?” asked Della.