“You are an idiot.” Violet couldn’t help herself, but she’d also not expected him to infuriate her so. “However, if you are set on ruining your future, I’ll not stand in your way.”

  “My future will not be ruined!” he argued.

  “It will if you simply pick the first lady that you find pleasant.”

  It was really none of her concern so why did she wish to keep fighting him on this? And why did it bother her so deeply that he’d probably marry the first pleasant lady he met once the Season began?

  “Tragic events in one’s life often alter the perception of one’s future,” Violet continued in a calmer tone. “At one time, you hoped to have a happy marriage. Now you are willing to settle and hope that you aren’t miserable. Is that what your father would want?”

  He shook his head and turned to stare out over the sea. “Liam also believes I’m being ridiculous. He claims that there is no point in marrying at all if love is not involved.”

  “Don’t you agree with him?”

  “Liam is third in line. He has the luxury of waiting for love. I do not.”

  “I’ve always wondered which of the two was older,” Violet admitted aloud as she knew Dr. Talbot was a twin.

  “Oliver came into this world before Liam, and thus, Oliver is now the spare and has ordered me to remain in good health.”

  “And now you believe that it is lost to you forever.”

  While Violet did not love Lord Ferrard, this conversation still pained her, and she’d need to examine those reason once she was alone.

  Ferrard sat silently, staring out over the sea. Violet wasn’t certain if he was in deep contemplation and weighing his decision or formulating an argument to prove that he was not wrong.

  “It still does not change the fact that I should marry soon and hope that I’m blessed with an heir.”

  “Then I pity the poor woman who becomes your wife for she will never have your heart, or even respect, but simply be a duty.”

  Lord Ferrard straightened and stared at her. “Pity my wife? I assure you that my wife will receive all the care and benefits of my station.”

  “That will be a warm comfort when she knows you’ve not married for love or even affection.”

  “I may love her one day. It can grow.”

  Violet rolled her eyes. She knew that it was impolite to do so, but she didn’t care, especially when Lord Ferrard was being so utterly stubborn and foolish.

  “You have an argument with my logic. Surely you understand my need.”

  Violet studied him and gave deep consideration to everything that he had said and came to a conclusion. “I do not understand, Lord Ferrard. And yes, your logic is flawed.”

  Her statement must have taken him by surprise because he turned and studied her, questions in his sapphire eyes.

  “Your father’s injury was unexpected, his recovery not as anticipated, and you were suddenly put in a position in which you needed to make decisions that you believed are best for your family, coupled with the need to keep the situation from the gossips in the ton. It wasn’t so long ago when everything turned on its head and you’ve not allowed yourself time to simply pause and take a moment to think matters through. You’ve been reacting, Lord Ferrard, not analyzing the situation for what it is. When people react without thought, often mistakes are made and then they continue to compound.”

  For the longest moment, he simply stared at her, and Violet could not read in his eyes what he may be thinking. It was rather unnerving, and she suspected that she’d angered him, but Lord Ferrard was making an important decision for the wrong reasons.

  “You think me a fool?”

  “You’ve been a gentleman who cares very deeply for his family, and your future heirs, and there is nothing foolish about your concerns.”

  He settled back and stared out at the sea, silent, and left Violet to wonder if perhaps she should have held her tongue, but how could she remain silent when he was making mistakes that could lead to his misery, and the same for the poor woman he decided to marry. While many ladies and misses were raised not to expect much from marriage, Violet would hate to be in such an arrangement, especially since it was the wife who relinquished all control and what little freedom she may have enjoyed to a husband who might only care about producing an heir.

  “Foolish in that I allowed panic to guide me?” he asked after the longest of moments.

  “Perhaps,” she agreed.

  “I can assure you that I don’t usually behave in a foolish manner, but perhaps the new situation has caused me to panic. I’ve not allowed myself to pause and reflect upon a future that would be beneficial not only to my family but myself. I reacted to what was expected of me, and necessary to the future.”

  “Such can happen with an unexpected, sudden change in circumstance,” she acknowledged without judgement. No one can predict how they would react in any situation. People may claim to know how they’d respond, but nobody knows for certain until the moment is upon them.”

  “However, I should no longer put off my duty,” he said in a quieter tone.

  “Is that what you’ve been doing all of this time, or was it simply you hadn’t met the woman you wished to make your bride?”

  He turned and looked at Violet. “I’d not found her.”

  “Then keep looking, Lord Ferrard, or your future will be sorry indeed.”

  He leaned over and nudged her shoulder, much as her siblings had done in the past. “Nobody has called me a fool before, other than Liam.”

  “I believe you called yourself a fool, Lord Ferrard,” she returned.

  “Yet, you did not disagree.” He leaned in, eyebrow arched as if he were challenging her to disagree.

  Violet looked into his deep sapphire eyes. “No. I did not.”

  His grin widened.

  Violet suddenly found it difficult to breathe as he stared into her eyes for the longest moment and then he leaned forward, his lips nearing hers.

  “Oh dear, we must hurry if I’m to arrive at Forester Hall in time for afternoon festivities.”

  At Lady’s Joanna’s voice, they jerked away from each other.

  Violet had completely forgotten they had a chaperone.

  “Now, come along, we must hurry back. I’ve already been delayed.”

  “Delayed?” Lord Ferrard asked as Violet glanced at the small watch within her reticule. Goodness, they’d been gone nearly two hours.

  “Yes, well, I didn’t wish to interrupt earlier, given the two of you appeared to be having a serious conversation.” She then started to smile. “And, if my eyes didn’t deceive me, Lord Ferrard nearly kissed you, thus, it was time for my interruption.”

  With that, Lady Joanna turned and marched away from them and toward the waiting carriage.

  “It would have been far more satisfying had she allowed me to kiss you,” Lord Ferrard whispered after he leaned near to her ear.

  And even though Violet’s face heated and the most delicious warmth spread through her being, she reminded herself of their circumstance. They should not kiss, especially since in all the time he was discussing marriage, he’d not once considered her. “And if this was anything other than a courtship of convenience, I might have allowed you to do so.”

  She must be careful around Lord Ferrard. Even though a friendship had developed, she also knew him to be a rake, who would likely return to his rakish ways until he found a wife. This she must keep in mind, especially since their courtship would end in a sennight. Therefore, there would be no kissing.

  Chapter 14

  Boisterous laughter filtered through her window, pulling Violet from her reading. She glanced at the clock and realized that it was far later than she had thought. She’d not even prepared for bed yet, and it was after midnight.

  The laughter came again, and Violet moved to the window and gazed down into the street to see who was making such a ruckus. She pursed her lips and quickly rushed to the mirror to repair her hair.

  Thankfully Violet had plenty of practice in dealing with inebriated gentlemen, as she had four older brothers who had often found themselves in such a state, disturbing the household, much as those two were doing to the neighbors.

  Grabbing her bonnet off the bed and her pelisse from the hook on the wall, Violet crossed to the door and quietly made her way down to the entry. The house was dark and silent, but it would not remain so if those outside did not quiet.

  Mrs. Buckley appeared from the dining room carrying a lamp. She was in her bedclothes and frowning with irritation.

  “I’ll take care of them,” Violet assured the housekeeper. “Please lock the door and wait for my return.”

  “Of course, Lady Violet. They’ll soon wake the entire neighborhood if someone doesn’t take them to task.”

  “I assure you, that is my intention,” Violet promised before exiting the house. She gingerly made her way down to the walk, thankful the moon was bright this evening, and paused as she stared at the gentlemen across the street. The two were laughing, nearly bent over they were so taken with their humor. Poor Tommy simply stood there, apparently at a loss of what to do given he looked from one gentleman to the other and back.

  “Lord Ferrard! Dr. Talbot!” Violet stated in her most stern voice. “What are you two about?”

  For a moment their humor died as they straightened. Then Dr. Talbot grinned, taking Violet aback. She hadn’t seen him smile once since he had taken up residence in Laswell.

  “I must thank you for making my brother see reason, Lady Violet,” Dr. Talbot announced. “A foolish and stubborn gentleman he often is, but you prevailed where I had failed.”

  Good lord, please don’t let him become poetic.

  “I am happy to be of service,” Violet answered. The best way to deal with gentlemen in their cups was to simply be agreeable until she got them on their way. If these were her brothers, she’d see them home and up to their chambers, or into the hands of a valet or footmen. As the two before her were not a relation, she’d simply see them to the doctor’s doorstep.

  “Tommy, you may go, I’ll take care of Dr. Talbot and Lord Ferrard.”

  Ferrard placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder. “He will not leave. He’s your protection when I cannot watch over you.”

  Violet drew a deep breath and willed herself to be patient. “Very well, Tommy, you may remain.” She then turned to the two brothers. “You two were rather loud and disturbed the residents.”

  “I apologize, Lady Violet.” Dr. Talbot executed a bow and nearly tipped over when he lost his balance.

  “You should go along to your home,” she offered then directed them in the proper direction.

  “Yes, we should,” Dr. Talbot agreed. “Come along Emory, before we are scolded further.”

  As the two began in the direction of Dr. Talbot’s home, Violet walked with them to make certain they arrived without further interruption or disruption to the community.

  “Where have the two of you been?” she asked.

  “Crawley’s Tavern,” Ferrard answered. “Fine ale.”

  “The tavern is two streets over and close to your home, Dr. Talbot.” Why had they walked three blocks out of their way?

  “Emory needed to check on Tommy to make certain he was watching.”

  Violet blew out a heavy sigh. Tommy’s presence was unnecessary but arguing with gentlemen deep in their cups was a waste of time. “It appears that you enjoyed a great deal of ale this evening.”

  “Not as much as you believe, Lady Violet,” Dr. Talbot answered. “Despite what you may believe, neither Emory nor I are drunk.”

  If that were true, Lord Ferrard would not be allowing her to follow to make certain they arrived at Dr. Talbot’s home knowing she’d need to return to the Harleys’ on her own. However, she’d humor him. “I admit, you are not slurring your words and are able to walk unassisted, but you were quite loud.” Dr. Talbot’s pace was a bit unsteady. Lord Ferrard, however, was able to walk a straighter line without veering one direction or the other. That didn’t mean that he was any less inebriated than his brother.

  “I blame the disturbance on Liam, if you must know,” Ferrard said.

  “The two of you were equally loud,” Violet reminded him.

  “Yes, but he started it,” Ferrard insisted.

  Why did gentlemen often turn into petulant children when they drank?

  “Yes, but you are older,” Dr. Talbot argued.

  Violet blew out another sigh. Thankfully, Dr. Talbot’s home was not so far, and when they reached the residence she waited on the walk for the two gentlemen to find their way inside. Dr. Talbot did though Ferrard remained by her side, staring down at her.

  “Is there something you needed, Lord Ferrard?”

  He and Liam had imbibed a bit more than they should have, but neither one was as deep in their cups as Violet assumed. Though, perhaps Liam was, but not him.

  “I need to return you to the Harley home.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of returning on my own, Lord Ferrard.”

  “I’ve no doubt that you are. However, who knows what lurks in the darkness, and I’ll not have you harmed.”

  She blew out a belabored breath. The third since she’d stepped from the house. “No harm will come to me. This is Laswell, I’ve lived here my entire life.”

  “Are we going to repeat the same discussion we had at the lighthouse because you can’t possibly know who is out and about.”

  “I’d rather you were safely within your brother’s home.”

  “And not disturbing the neighbors, yes, I know,” he acknowledged. “Therefore, I pledge to be very quiet as I escort you back.”

  “You are drunk, Lord Ferrard.”

  “No, Violet, I am not.” He grinned. “I’m simply a bit beery, and quite capable of taking care of you.”

  “You should still sleep it off.” She pointed up the stairs.

  Why must she argue? It was almost as if she didn’t wish his presence. Surely that was not possible. She nearly allowed him to kiss her today. “If I were inebriated, I’d be foolish enough to take your suggestion, however, as I am not, do you really think that I’d allow you to walk back alone, this late in the evening?”

  “You allowed me to see that you arrived home, which is evidence that you, Lord Ferrard, are not thinking clearly and should retire.”

  He grinned at her. “Ah, but had I not allowed you to follow along, then I’d not be able to escort you back without a chaperone following.”

  Violet straightened then stared at him hard. “You allowed me to think you were drunk to be alone with me?”

  “Yes, I did.” He felt absolutely no shame in doing so.

  Perhaps he was a little more than beery, but not quite foxed. Not that it mattered. He and Violet were alone in the moonlight without a chaperone in sight.

  “Then why were the two of you so loud?”

  “When we stopped to check on Tommy, he said something…I cannot even recall now, which reminded Liam of a story from when we were boys, and then before I knew it, we relived the tale, and ended up laughing.” He chuckled. “However, I do apologize for disturbing you.” It hadn’t been Emory’s intention to draw attention to himself, but he couldn’t be sorry for the result either.

  “Very well, if you insist, will you please escort me home?”

  “It would be my utmost pleasure.” He offered his arm, but Violet did not take it. Instead, she clasped her hands behind her back, chin high, then set off in the direction of the Harley home. Therefore, he was forced to walk beside her without the benefit of touch. He liked it when they touched. He enjoyed her hand on his sleeve, and having her person near his, their arms touching.

  “Though I fear I may regret your response, given I don’t believe for a moment that you are anywhere near sober, but what did your brother mean about me making you see reason.”

  “Ah, yes, I explained our talk this afternoon, and how I should return to my early objective in finding a wife so that I might have a marriage as my parents and not settle for the sake of an heir.”

  “I take it they are happily married.”

  “Devoted to one another,” he answered. “While father was chastising me for not giving any lady in Society enough of a chance to win my heart, my mother was disparaging such notions that titles and connections were all that mattered.” He leaned in to confess. “She did not approve of me attending the house party because she knew that I was looking to marry quickly.”

  “Your mother sounds very wise.”

  “She is,” he agreed with a quick nod, which he immediately regretted as he suffered a moment of dizziness. Perhaps he had drunk more than he realized.

  “They are a comfort to the other, and they fight, and they love, but in the end, they are friends and devoted to the other.”

  “You mentioned devotion,” Violet reminded him.

  “Yes, I suppose I did.”

  “We are here,” she announced as they came to a stop before the Harley home.

  Emory glanced up to note that they stood before the Harley home. They’d arrived too quickly. He should have made her walk slower.

  “Are you certain you can return on your own?”

  “You may escort me if you wish,” he suggested.

  “Would you then insist on returning me here, Lord Ferrard.”

  “Of course.”

  “Then the two of us would spend the night walking each other back and forth. Is that what you propose?”

  “It is a lovely night,” he commented.

  “To do so would be rather ridiculous would it not?”

  Not if it meant that they could spend more time with one another without interruption, as he really did like Violet and enjoyed being with her even when she thought him a fool.

  “Lord Ferrard?” she questioned.

  “I suppose it would be ridiculous,” he finally admitted, disappointed that she didn’t want to spend the night strolling the streets with him.

  “Well then, good night.”

  Emory stared at her lips.

  She stared back at him.

  She hadn’t left him, but stood there as well, so she must want a kiss.