Violet shook her head. It wasn’t worth thinking on as she’d simply become irritated, which served no purpose whatsoever.

  Further, what she had experienced earlier had passed, therefore, it was not attraction, but merely an anomaly. She would return and report to Bess that the belongings would be retrieved and get on with her earlier plans of visiting the bookshop.

  Except, it wasn’t just the servants from Forester Hall who were in need.

  “I’ve already delivered the belongings to your male servants at the assembly hall,” Emory said as he pulled his brother’s curricle to a stop before the inn. Lady Violet had been standing on the walk, and he assumed that she’d been waiting for him, or perhaps the timing was such that he’d arrived as she was either leaving or arriving to check on her servants.

  “Thank you,” Lady Violet offered as she began to retrieve the satchels before he could come around and assist her.

  “Allow me,” he insisted. “I should carry those for you.”

  “It’s not necessary, Lord Ferrard. I’m perfectly capable of carrying satchels.”

  He simply blinked at her. No lady of his acquaintance had ever unloaded a carriage, and most would leave the task to a footman, which they currently did not have.

  “Did you suffer from measles as a child, Lord Ferrard?” she asked as they reached the entry.

  “No. I have not.”

  “Then you should remain here, as we don’t know who inside might be infected and not yet showing symptoms.”

  The last thing he wanted or needed was to contract measles, though it would be the perfect excuse to hide in his brother’s home, thus unable to court Lady Violet. On the other hand, he had no desire to become ill.

  While she carried the satchels into the inn, Emory drew out the portmanteau that had been at the bottom and set it beside the entry.

  “I thank you, Lord Ferrard,” Lady Violet stated as she retrieved the remainder of her servants’ clothing. “If you’d be so kind as to wait, I’ve another favor, if it will not be too much of an inconvenience.”

  Emory couldn’t imagine what request she would make next. “I’ll wait, Lady Violet.”

  She emerged only a few moments later, her light charcoal pelisse buttoned to her neck, velvet grey bonnet with the ribbons tied beneath her chin, and within her gloved hands she held a piece of foolscap.

  “How may I be of assistance?”

  “My father’s servants are not the only ones in need,” she announced. “While you were traveling to and from Forester Hall, I visited the other inns and the assembly hall and now have a complete list of servants and households from which they hail so that I can retrieve their items as well.”

  “You?” Emory couldn’t imagine how many homes she’d need to visit. While Laswell was a quaint village, it wasn’t small either. He was certain that there were several households without servants this day. Further, shouldn’t those same households see to the delivery to their own servants. Unless it hadn’t occurred to them that there was a need, which might be possible. It hadn’t occurred to him until Lady Violet brought the matter to his attention.

  “Yes, well, I had hoped to prevail upon you to drive me out to the lighthouse. I’m certain that Mr. Hutchinson will allow me the use of his wagon and horses. However, if you are unavailable, I understand as I gave you no warning of my intentions.”

  Did he hear her correctly? “You’d drive the wagon?”

  She blinked at him. “Why yes. I’ve driven a wagon previously, Lord Ferrard. It is really not so difficult.”

  She’d driven a wagon! The daughter of a duke! “When and how often have you driven a wagon?”

  “I am not at liberty to say, but often enough” she assured him. “Mr. Hutchinson knows well my skills and will have no concern with me having charge of his cattle.”

  “A wagon would make the task quicker and easier.” However, he had no intention of allowing Lady Violet to drive the wagon, especially alone. It just wasn’t done.

  “Where might we find Mr. Hutchinson or the lighthouse?”

  “He is two miles out of town and up the coast.”

  Emory had just come from that direction. “Near your home?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why not borrow a wagon from someone closer?”

  “Others might not be in a position to part with their horses for the afternoon that it will take to see everything retrieved and delivered.”

  “Mr. Hutchinson won’t need his wagon today?” How could she even know that he wouldn’t?

  “I can assure you that the wagon is not currently needed.” She tightened the bow beneath her chin. “Shall we, or should I walk? Either way, I must be on my way.”

  Emory had anticipated that after he’d left the house party, that the remainder of his holiday in Laswell would be uneventful and that he’d spend it sitting in his brother’s home, most likely reading, until Liam was free to visit. However, Lady Violet was turning out to be a far more interesting distraction than any book. “I will be happy to drive you.”

  “Thank you, Lord Ferrard.” She marched past him and Emory hurried to assist her into the curricle.

  After taking his own seat, Emory tooled the matching bays into the minimal traffic. “It is a lovely day for a drive.”

  She glanced up to the sky. “Yes, it is.” Then dropped her chin. “Follow the road to Forester Hall, then continue on, as it will lead you directly to the lighthouse.”

  With that she settled back, and Emory was left to ponder Lady Violet. Lovely, beautiful, but unlike anyone he’d ever met. Her tone was not conversational, but more in a manner of being practical in response to a situation that needed to be addressed, such as when she first called at the home of his brother. There was no hint of flirtation in her manner. Further, and he could only assume, she’d rather not engage in polite conversation. She struck him as efficient, which he did appreciate since there was no doubt in her intentions or wishes.

  Emory was absolutely fascinated.

  However, now that he had made her acquaintance and they were spending time in each other’s company, the good citizens of Laswell may take note. It wasn’t their opinion that concerned him, but her return home when the house party came to an end. Lady Violet would then learn that he’d announced his desire to make her acquaintance, and a gentleman usually did not make such a declaration, especially after having traveled so far, without courtship being assumed. At least, after the way he’d presented himself to Lady Lucinda and Her Grace, they’d assume he wished to court Lady Violet.

  Blasted emotions again. If he didn’t court her, she could be hurt and decide he found her lacking in some manner when the fault lie in him. It was because he hadn’t wanted to hurt Lady Lucinda that he’d invented his excuse in the first place.

  This was why it was far easier to be honest.

  He’d always been honest until today.

  Damn and blast!

  As much as he didn’t want to admit his duplicity, he must be truthful, as it was far more palatable than adding another lie on top of the ones he’d already told. “’O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!’”

  Chapter 4

  The strange sensations that had developed previously—that queer stirring in her belly—had returned with Lord Ferrard.

  Violet slid a glance at him to try and determine why he had such an odd effect on her being. He was quite handsome, but he wasn’t the first handsome man that she’d been in close proximity to, so it wasn’t that. Though his sapphire eyes were quite lovely. A color she’d not noted in anyone else. Not that she hadn’t seen a pair of blue eyes before, but those had simply been blue, light or dark. None of them had been sapphire.

  His nose was straight and without flaw. An average nose, she supposed, and his lips were firm, or perhaps they simply appeared that way since he was not smiling but concentrating as he drove. His jaw was rather strong, without excess weight that could lead to more chins than necessary. His cheekbones were average, though defined, as if his face had been chiseled, much like a statue, as it lacked roundness or fullness that masked bone structure. Lord Ferrard was indeed very pleasant to look upon, however that did not explain her physical reaction to his person. No other gentleman who was pleasant to look upon had caused such stirrings before, so why did he?

  “‘O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!’”

  Violet blinked at the unexpected recitation. “Do you enjoy Sir Walter Scott’s writings?”

  He turned and blinked at her. “I apologize. I wasn’t aware that I’d spoken aloud.”

  “Or are you more concerned with deception?” It was a rather odd phrase to mutter.

  “I’ve a confession, Lady Violet.”

  What could he possibly need to confess to her? They barely knew the other and simply because he was being of assistance in retrieving a wagon did not mean he must reveal a confidence to her.

  “As you may be aware, I was one of the ten lords your father invited to the house party.”

  The revelation was rather stunning. “My father did not share the names of his guests with me, Lord Ferrard. In fact, I’m certain my sister was kept equally in the dark until but a few hours before everyone arrived.”

  “Truly?” He frowned. “Why is that?”

  “Father didn’t wish to give Lucinda enough opportunity to invent excuses as to why the gentlemen chosen wouldn’t suit. She did not want the house party. It was our father who decided upon it.” Thankfully, Violet had been able to escape the uncomfortable affair. “If you are supposed to be there, why are you here?”

  It was then that he explained how he’d decided that he and Lucinda would not suit and how the invention of wishing to court Violet had come about. “That is the first time that I’ve told a lie since I was a child. I always strive for truthfulness.”

  She pondered his words for a moment. “I do detest lying, as no matter how difficult, honesty is best served.” It was something she’d always believed, and Violet wasn’t even certain she had the capacity to lie, as she’d never attempted to do so. “However, I do believe that it was solely for the purpose of not harming my sister and shan’t hold it against you.”

  In this instance, that was really all that mattered since there was no malicious intent behind his words. Further, she was grateful Lord Ferrard wished to protect Lucinda’s feelings. It spoke well of his character, even if he was a disreputable rake. “Though, she would not have been hurt by your rejection. Of that I am certain. However, this does leave you with a new dilemma.”

  “I am aware,” he admitted.

  “You fear that if you do not court me, my family may come to the realization that you were not honest.”

  “My honor is important to me,” he confirmed.

  “As it is with all gentlemen,” she agreed.

  “I didn’t wish for you to think I rejected you.”

  She frowned. “I do not understand.”

  “Once you returned home, you might be told of my interest, yet realize that I did not court you after we’d met and taken this drive.”

  “I would have simply assumed that after making my acquaintance that you’d come to the conclusion that we did not suit.”

  “It would have been so simple for you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she answered. “I am quite rational about these matters.” Yet why did she suddenly wish that Lord Ferrard did want to court her?

  It was quite odd and unusual, as she’d never desired any gentleman to do so before.

  Was she truly attracted to him? If she was going to be attracted to anyone, why must it be someone so lacking in morals as Lord Ferrard?

  Well, at least she was aware of his reputation and even though she might physically respond, she was far too intelligent to be misled or believe there could ever be anything more between them than a simple drive to the lighthouse as they became acquainted.

  It was difficult to believe that Lady Violet would feel no insult, but she did seem to be a sensible woman, which he appreciated. However, it was likely his father would learn of his pronouncement at Forester Hall, as Her Grace was a friend of his mother. Which meant a letter was probably already written advising his mother that Emory had declared that Lady Lucinda would not suit, but that he’d expressed an interest in Lady Violet. Thus, when he returned home, his parents would demand answers. “My father has complained that I judge too quickly. That I dismiss potential courtships without fully putting forth an effort to determine if any lady might suit.”

  “Do you believe he is correct?”

  “No, but that is one of the reasons I accepted the invitation. I thought to prove to my father that I’d been correct in my earlier assessment and that I didn’t need more than a few conversations to determine if someone would suit.”

  “Yet, you left after one day,” Lady Violet pointed out.

  “I’d also believed that it would be a house party like others, in that there would be more guests, ladies and misses.”

  “I understand. Instead, you found that not to be the case, and as you’d already decided that you and Lucinda would not suit, that brought about your predicament.”

  “Yes,” he admitted.

  “Now you assume that your father will think you were too hasty in your judgement of me if you appear to make a decision after one afternoon of being in my company, especially after having remained at the house party for only a day. Presuming he learns of our encounter, that is.”

  “Yes.”

  “My father is equally as vexing, if you must know.” She sighed.

  This made him chuckle.

  “He has lectured me on many occasions that I’ll not find a husband if I don’t allow anyone to court me.”

  “You’ve rejected many gentlemen?” He wasn’t aware anyone had attempted to court Lady Violet. At least he hadn’t noticed any gentlemen attempting to do so during the Season.

  “None have asked and for that reason, I rebuffed his supposition.”

  “What reason has he given you?”

  “He claims that I don’t make myself available to be courted and therein lies the problem.”

  Because she is always hiding in gardens, though Emory didn’t voice that fact aloud.

  Lady Violet folded her hands on her lap, tilted her chin and looked toward the horizon. Her green eyes narrowed as her lips pursed, as if she were mulling over a problem.

  She then glanced at Emory, hummed, then turned away again.

  “May I ask what is on your mind.”

  “I believe I have a solution that might solve both of our problems, if you are willing of course.”

  The only solution was a courtship and then marriage, but as he’d just met Lady Violet, that solution wasn’t an option.

  “What I propose is a courtship of convenience.”

  “Courtship of convenience?” he repeated, uncertain as to her meaning.

  “Yes,” she answered with a nod of her chin. “You shall court me until January sixth and then we will declare that we do not suit. Your father will be satisfied that you spent more than an afternoon of effort, and mine will be satisfied that I allowed a courtship.”

  All he could do was stare at her. Such an agreement would placate his father. What he did not know was if Lady Violet might have an ulterior motive, other than pleasing her father.

  “But it must be a true courtship, in that we come to know one another, as I don’t wish to lie to my father and say you courted me when we just pretended to do so.”

  A fine line to avoid deception, but he understood. Yet, he didn’t trust that this wasn’t a trap to get him to enter into an agreement in hopes that more came of their association. However, while he did not know Lady Violet, he had the oddest feeling that he could trust her and that this scheme was no more or less than what she described.

  “As you detest untruth as much as me, I trust that you are in agreement that it must be a true courtship with a scheduled time for it to end and the two of us to part. Based upon your behavior in London, I assume you have no real desire for a courtship any more than I, as I fully intend to remain unmarried for as long as I am allowed. Therefore, we can satisfy the demands of our families while knowing that we will both be free of any commitment come January sixth.”

  A true courtship without the expectation of a betrothal? The very idea was intriguing. If she were as truthful as she claimed, and Emory believed that she was, this would be a perfect solution. “I think that is an excellent idea, Lady Violet.”

  Emory smiled to himself. This was the first commitment in memory that he was more than willing to make.

  She nodded and faced forward. “I am glad we are in agreement Lord Ferrard.”

  “How does one court in Laswell?” If he were in London, it would be drives through Hyde Park, ices at Gunter’s, taking in the theatre, calling on her home, and dancing at balls. None of which were available to him here.

  “I’m not certain, Lord Ferrard. Perhaps we could simply stroll through Laswell and in the park, each day at a certain time for a specific length in duration when we will most likely be seen. Such meetings will eventually be reported back to my father, and as your brother lives here, he can assure your father that we did indeed court.”

  At her statement, he assumed there were no other entertainments to be offered. Perhaps his brother would have suggestions. Though, if strolls were all they did, Emory doubted any conversation with Lady Violet would be dull. At least, not for the first few days.

  He chuckled to himself. Even though he’d just agreed to court her, Lady Violet’s description and manner felt more like a business agreement in which both would benefit when all obligations were met in the verbal contract.

  Emory slowed the curricle as they crested the hill, and the lighthouse came into view. He’d seen few lighthouses in his life, and never this close. He was rather awed by the tall, octagonal, white-washed tower, topped with a central building encased in glass and metal, surrounded by a railed walk. Though he’d not like to be out there in the middle of a storm, the view must be quite spectacular from such a high vantage point.