“I don’t feel right not informing Her Grace,” Lady Esther argued.

  Emory understood her concern. After all, he had two younger sisters, and if they had made a similar decision to remain within an inn instead of returning home, even if they were surrounded by servants, he’d haul them from the premises. However, his sisters didn’t have the same intelligence, maturity, or sensibility as Lady Violet.

  “You had your rebellions, though much more adventurous than staying in an inn,” Emory reminded them. “I’ve heard the stories and know more than I probably should,” he admitted. “Let this be Lady Violet’s rebellion and adventure, safely surrounded by servants, and in the village where she was raised and where the residents know her.”

  “Perhaps Lord Ferrard is correct,” Lady Joanna stated after a moment. “If Lady Violet returned, the others may wish to court her. That would never do as their hearts would not be true, sister.”

  “Yes. It pains me to admit.” Lady Esther frowned. “After their discussion that first night, and how they compared the sisters, I’m confident that none of them are worthy of Lady Violet.”

  That first night! “You listened to the conversation in the billiards room?”

  “Yes,” they agreed in unison. “It is one of the reasons we are present, besides acting as chaperones.”

  “How? I didn’t see you.”

  Lady Esther giggled. “His Grace has a number of secret passages. We were out of sight, but not out of hearing.”

  Thank God he’d not said anything against Lady Violet.

  “They are greedy lords that want a duke’s daughter as a wife,” Lady Esther admitted. “They don’t know Lady Violet or understand her, nor will they ever bother to try.”

  In that, Emory agreed with them. Most of the gentlemen invited wanted a connection to a duke, wealth, and someone to beget heirs, and it really didn’t matter which daughter they married.

  “Eardly is the perfect example in thinking of her as someone he could manage, which shows how little he knows of Lady Violet.” Lady Joanna harrumphed.

  “Lady Violet is the least manageable of the duke’s daughters,” Lady Esther continued. “She does as she pleases and only acquiesces to her grandmother and father when the request is reasonable, or when she doesn’t want Her Grace upset. Lady Violet has made many concessions in London, but rarely does at Forester Hall or in Laswell.”

  “Yet, it’s not safe for her here,” Lady Esther said after a moment. “Not with Lord Eardly about. Besides, the house party is small, certainly not the type of crush she wishes to avoid in London.”

  “To Lady Violet, eight lords is a crush,” Lady Joanna reminded her sister.

  The comment intrigued Emory. “She does not like people?” Perhaps that was the real reason she disappeared into quiet gardens.

  “You’ve much to learn about Lady Violet, Lord Ferrard,” Lady Esther sighed. “It is not for us to speak of, but it isn’t people that Lady Violet does not like. It’s being surrounded by strangers, or even acquaintances when there are too many, which there undoubtedly are at any function during the Season, as you well know, which is why she escapes at the first opportunity.”

  “Yes, the Rickett’s ball, her first Season, I recall it well,” Lady Joanna nodded. “So pale, quiet, clutching her fan with such force her knuckles turned white, until she turned and fled into the gardens.”

  Many misses were nervous at the beginning of their first Season, but what they are describing went beyond simple nerves.

  “We’ve said too much,” Lady Esther quickly said. “But know that she is unlikely to change, even in marriage,” she warned Emory.

  As theirs was not a real courtship, thus there would be no marriage, it was not a concern. Yet, he couldn’t help wondering why groups of people caused her to flee. Though, there were several times that he wanted to run from societal events, but he suspected his reasons were far simpler than Lady Violet’s. However, they were still strangers in her home, and if she returned, she’d most likely spend the next days hiding in her chamber if what the Tilson sisters said was true, and he’d not want her to suffer. “Lady Violet is safe within the inn,” Emory insisted, without knowing for certain. “She should be allowed to remain.”

  “She has only female staff,” Lady Esther argued, then turned to her sister. “We will call on Mrs. Harley to see if Violet may return. Perhaps if we prevail upon her, she might agree.”

  Lady Joanna linked her arm with her sister’s. “Come along Esther, we’ve a call to make, but we must hurry, as Her Grace is expecting us before supper.”

  “Wait!” Emory called. “Have you suffered from the measles?”

  Lady Joanna laughed. “At our age, there is little we’ve not suffered, Lord Ferrard.”

  Lady Violet watched the sisters Tilson and Lord Ferrard from her chamber window and wondered how long they were going to be in discussion. She needed them to leave so that she could go about the business she’d planned for this afternoon.

  What had Lord Ferrard been about when he kissed her fingers? It had taken her by surprise, as had the heat that spread up her arm from his hand within hers, and she’d hoped that he might wish to kiss her lips instead of her fingers.

  It had been a fleeting thought that had shocked her, and in hindsight was happy that he had not done so, as she’d forgotten the Tilson sisters were also present. Had he kissed her, they would have reported back to her father and grandmother, who would have assumed the courtship was much more than it was and expect Ferrard to make a declaration. This served as a reminder that they must be careful. Lord Ferrard had been wise in kissing only her fingers. It helped convince the sisters that the courtship was true, but did not skate near impropriety, thus allowing them to decide that they would not suit when January sixth arrived. Therefore, he’d only done so for their benefit and thus, Violet should read nothing further into his actions.

  When their discussion ended and the trio finally walked away from the inn, Violet let out a breath, then quit her chamber and returned to the tap room.

  “Are you going out again?” Bess asked.

  “I need to visit Bockham’s Book Shop and shan’t be long.” She’d not gotten the opportunity yesterday as the shop had been closed after they returned from making their deliveries.

  Without waiting for an anticipated argument from Bess with regard to having a chaperone, Violet marched out of the inn and up the street and entered the bookshop. Taking in a deep breath, she inhaled the scent of leather and books and almost immediately calmed.

  “We’ve received new volumes on the latest agriculture practices, Lady Violet,” the proprietor greeted her.

  “Lovely, Mr. Bockham.” She thanked him and walked to where such books were shelved. She also noted a new volume on gardens. These would do nicely as it would occupy her time in a productive manner while she remained at the inn.

  After she paid for the books, Mr. Bockham wrapped them for her and Violet exited the shop, pleased that she’d now have something to fill her time that would both be beneficial and enjoyable, only to nearly collide with a man. His arms grasped her elbows to steady her, and Violet looked up into the cool, brown eyes of Lord Eardly. “Excuse me.” She pulled away.

  He did not let go of one elbow. “Are you injured?”

  “I am not, and I apologize for bumping into your person.” She pulled on her elbow again, but he kept a hold with just enough pressure so that she couldn’t break free, but not enough that it caused pain.

  “I am glad to have met with you again, Lady Violet.”

  “To what purpose?”

  “As I explained earlier,” he said slowly as if she had difficulty understanding. “I wish to call on you.”

  “I see no purpose in you doing so.” Then with a quick jerk, she reclaimed her elbow once again.

  “I wish to court you.”

  “I am already being courted.”

  “Your father invited ten gentlemen to vie for your sister’s hand, certainly he cannot object to two vying for yours.”

  “It is I who objects, Lord Eardly. Further, my father would not approve. Good day!” She stepped around him so that she could return to the inn. She did not like Lord Eardly. She knew nothing of his personality, but his actions toward Lucinda were enough that she’d not consider him even if she wasn’t being courted by Lord Ferrard.

  “Lady Violet, you reject me without knowing me?” He grasped her elbow again.

  She glanced down at his hand, then up into his eyes. “Unhand me, Lord Eardly.”

  He stilled for a moment, then let go of her person.

  “Good day.” She marched away without a backward glance, then hurried across the street.

  “Why allow a rake to court you?” he demanded as he followed.

  Lord Eardly was rather persistent in a most irritating manner.

  “He will only break your heart and tire of you within a sennight, if he doesn’t before.”

  “I have no fear of my heart,” she assured him, as Violet was confident that she’d not fall in love with Ferrard. Though it was rather rude and insulting to her person to imply that Ferrard would lose interest. However, Ferrard did have a certain reputation and therefore, she could offer no argument to the contrary.

  “Good day, Lord Eardly,” Violet said once again as she stepped into the inn, shut the door, then turned the lock. He was a rather incessant fellow and she’d rather he not follow her inside.

  When she swung around, Bess and the other maids were watching.

  “He wishes to court me. I rejected his suit,” Violet answered simply as she had no desire to further explain her reasons. “I believe I will retire to my chamber and read for the remainder of the day.” Violet made her way up the stairs and into the chamber she’d been assigned, then blew out a sigh once the door was closed. Why were people so taxing, and why didn’t they simply accept her decision on a matter? Had he even given Lucinda an opportunity to reject him before he attempted to force his attention on her? Thank goodness Violet had been on the street, where anyone could have observed her and Eardly, or he might have attempted the same. As she had no wish to be ruined, and because she had no trust in a gentleman desperate to marry a dowry and title, Violet decided that for the time being it was best if she did not leave the inn unless escorted.

  While irritating, she accepted the predicament since the only alternative was to return home, which she would not do until all her father’s guests had left. She’d rather avoid one Lord Eardly, than be forced to entertain and converse with eight who feared not gaining Lucinda and turned their attention to her.

  “Lady Esther and Lady Joanna have come to call,” Bess announced as she barged into the chamber she currently shared with Violet.

  “I thought they’d returned to Forester Hall.” What could they possibly need now?

  “I’m to pack your belongings. They are most insistent.”

  Violet stiffened. She was not going to return to Forester Hall, and there was nothing they could say or do to convince her. With those thoughts, she marched down and into the taproom where the maiden sisters waited. “I will not return home!” Violet was certain that she’d made her objections clear.

  “You aren’t returning home,” Lady Joanna stated. “You are to return to the Harleys’.”

  Violet blinked. “Has Silvia recovered?”

  “Not as yet, and Dr. Talbot believes it is likely that she’s contracted the measles.”

  “Why did Mrs. Harley change her mind?” It was odd that she’d do so when she’d been so adamant about Violet vacating the premises only a day ago.

  “I’ll let Mrs. Harley explain.” Lady Esther chuckled. “I’m also to return with their maid so that she can be of assistance. Dr. Talbot believes that since Mary worked closely with Thomas, it has already been determined if she will become ill and as the illness is within the household, there is no reason for her to remain in isolation here.”

  Violet blinked at the maiden sisters. “You spoke with Dr. Talbot.”

  “Yes. He is a very kind gentleman and sees no harm in your returning to the household and agreed that it was for the best, if you weren’t going to return home.”

  Violet bristled at others deciding her fate yet held her tongue. The Harley household was far preferable to Forester Hall.

  “Dr. Talbot will inform Lord Ferrard of your change in location,” Lady Joanna advised Violet.

  “Is that everything?” Lady Joanna asked as Bess and another maid carried Violet’s trunk from above-stairs.

  “Yes, Lady Joanna.”

  “Let’s be on our way. The coachman awaits.”

  It did not take long for the trunk to be placed in the carriage, for the ladies to be seated, then driven two roads over to the Harley home.

  “Dear Violet, welcome back,” Mrs. Harley greeted her, then instructed the footman where Violet’s trunk could be taken.

  “I’m so very sorry for our earlier misunderstanding and my poor treatment of you.” She linked her arm with Violet’s and drew her into the parlor.

  There was no misunderstanding. Mrs. Harley had kicked her out of the house because it had not been a good time for guests.

  “Please have a seat and let me pour you some tea.”

  All Violet could do was stare at her. What had the Tilson sisters said to Mrs. Harley. She’d never carried on in this manner before. At least not with Violet. Perhaps grandmother, but not Violet.

  Mrs. Harley leaned forward and handed Violet a cup of tea, which she took hesitantly as she truly wasn’t in the mood for tea. She’d rather get settled and check on Silvia but didn’t want to be impolite either, as she wanted to remain under this roof until January sixth.

  “I’m going to be honest with you, Violet.” Mrs. Harley cleared her throat as if she had something difficult to say.

  “Please do. You know I value honesty above all else.”

  “Yes…yes you do.” She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her upper lip.

  How very odd, it wasn’t the least bit warm in this room.

  “You see, as soon as I realized that my dear Silvia was ill, I also realized that Dr. Talbot would be visiting nearly daily.”

  So far Mrs. Harley hadn’t said anything that Violet hadn’t already assumed on her own.

  “It’s just that, well, you know, my Silvia is rather fond of Dr. Talbot.”

  Violet hadn’t been aware that Mrs. Harley knew of Silvia’s infatuation.

  “She hopes that he would share in that regard, and I do as well.”

  “I am happy that she has your support. Has Dr. Talbot shown interest?” She hoped he had, though Silvia had only been sick two days, and it was unlikely she and Dr. Talbot had been together long enough to fall in love.

  “Not as of yet, but I am hopeful, and the true reason that I asked you to leave.”

  Violet straightened. “I do not understand. How could my being here hinder a potential courtship?”

  “Oh, Violet,” Mrs. Harley sighed. “I feared that Dr. Talbot, being the son of an earl would be taken with you over Silvia, who is but the daughter of a solicitor, even if her grandfather was a viscount. If Dr. Talbot were to visit on a regular basis, and you were here as well, he might come to know you and thus, not give any consideration to Silvia.”

  “I’ve no interest in Dr. Talbot,” Violet insisted.

  “It matters not what your interest is,” Mrs. Harley insisted. “It matters where his heart is.”

  She now understood. Mrs. Harley had wished to remove all competition for Silvia’s hand and saw Violet’s presence as a hindrance, a misplaced assumption, as Violet was quite certain that Dr. Talbot would not turn his attention to her. If that had been his intention, to wed the daughter of a titled gentleman, he would have called at Forester Hall, which he had not done in the six months that he’d been living in Laswell. However, Mrs. Harley behaved no differently than many mothers wishing for a daughter to be wed. It was tiring to watch in London, but this was the first Violet had encountered such in Laswell. “May I ask why you’ve now changed your mind?”

  Mrs. Harley brightened. “Why, when Lady Joanna informed me that Lord Ferrard is courting you, I knew that his brother would not pursue you.” She straightened. “However, you should have gone home to Forester Park as I suggested, Violet.”

  She was not about to be chastised by Mrs. Harley, who had seen her removed in the first place and all because of an ill-conceived notion. Yet, Violet decided to hold her tongue as she didn’t wish to anger Mrs. Harley since she had welcomed Violet back into her home.

  “Be that as it may, everything has now worked out perfectly. You may stay here, and Silvia will welcome your company, when she is feeling up to a visit. And I no longer need fear that Dr. Talbot will cast his eye and affections in your direction.” She leaned in and grinned. “Wouldn’t it be delightful if you and Silvia, practically sisters in your friendship, married brothers?”

  Violet smiled tightly and sipped her tea. Mrs. Harley was the last person that she’d ever confess the truth. Besides, if she did, she’d likely remove Violet from the house a second time.

  Chapter 10

  Upon returning to his brother’s home, Emory began his investigation into Lord Eardly. As much as he wished that the man would leave Laswell, Emory was also convinced that he wouldn’t until he had an opportunity to speak with Lady Violet without interference. If the Tilson sisters were correct, Eardly was desperate for funds, which made him dangerous. So dangerous that he had attempted to ruin Lady Lucinda, in her home.

  After sending a letter to his solicitor to learn the state of Eardly’s finances, he decided that the best way to protect Lady Violet while she remained in Laswell was to determine where Eardly was temporarily residing. Only his brother might know where one might take a room if the inns were filled, assuming Eardly had no friends to visit in the area. Once Emory knew of the gentleman’s location, he’d rest easier, as he’d be able to have him watched.

  “Why the curiosity of where Eardly may sleep?” Liam had asked.