She groaned. “You are going to hate me again.”
He arched a golden eyebrow and cast her a wry smile. “I do not hate you at all. What do you wish to ask me?”
“I did not know Lady Jillian very well.”
“And now you want to ask me about her traits? What qualities she had that should not be repeated in my next wife?” He shook his head. “Do not stress yourself about it, for it is not something I can ever answer. Let’s just start with physical appearance. I do not want someone who could be a sister to Jillian in looks.”
She munched on her lemon cake, swallowing the bite before continuing. “That does make it easier for me, my lord. These newspapers do offer a general description of these debutantes. Very general. But as I said earlier, they are all considered beautiful, so you should not be too disappointed. As for their temperaments, that will be a little harder to decipher from these news accounts.”
He leaned forward now and gazed at his boots as he spoke. “Obviously, I do not want someone quiet as a mouse or someone who chatters incessantly. But there is a wide range in between. Nor is it important whether she enjoys the country or prefers London, for she can set herself up wherever she pleases once I have my heirs.”
Viola shot to her feet again. “Let me make one thing clear to you, my lord. If you think I am going to help you find a young lady you intend to toss aside once she pops out sons for you, then we are done here.”
Dear heaven!
Why had she said that?
Who was she to impose her own love requirements on anyone, certainly not the viscount and his diamond of a bride?
He growled at her again. “I am going to tie you to your chair if you keep bouncing up in indignation every time I express a thought that is not to your liking. You are not the only one permitted to express thoughts here. Sit down, Viola.”
She cast him a defiant glare, but sat down.
Then she wiped the stupid bit of defiance off her face.
Obtaining a good reference as a cook was vital to her.
This was a chance of a lifetime and she was kicking it away. “I’m sorry, my lord. I was in the wrong.”
“No, you weren’t. And stop apologizing to me every time we disagree.” He had a remarkably commanding air about him, a tone that ought to have sent cold shivers through her body but instead her shivers were quite hot.
“I’m sor–” She shook her head and laughed. “All right, I’mnotsorry.”
His smile sent more improper shivers through her.
“Let’s get back to business.” His voice was calm and even, but there was unmistakable steel beneath his words.
He leaned forward once more and rested an arm upon his thigh. “I’ve frightened you. Never be afraid of me, Viola. I shall never hurt you. I want your opinions, but I do not want you hopping about like a chicken on one leg every time I say something that displeases you. Is it not obvious I am struggling to figure out what I want?”
“Yes, it is. Just as I am struggling to figure out why you should want my help. I have never been married, never even had a beau.”
“What about George Haworth?”
She blushed. “He is not my beau.”
He arched an eyebrow. “But the poor man obviously hopes to be. He is besotted with you.”
How would he know this?
Well, it did not matter. “My lord, I was not raised in elegant society and do not even fully understand the rules of our more casual country society. I know my wish to hold out for love may be viewed upon by some as foolish.”
“No, Viola. It is not foolish to want such a thing. Unfortunately for many women, it is simply impractical. They would starve unless they found a protector. But you are quite unique and have the means to carve out your own future.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you think so. Still, it makes me very uncomfortable to undertake this project with you. I do not understand why I am really here.”
This genuinely surprised him, she could see it in his expression. “Do you think I have a nefarious purpose in mind? You are a pretty girl, but it is your intelligence and good sense that I seek. Nothing else.”
She nodded. “You do not make me uncomfortable inthatway. But I am no more clever than the next person. What do you see in me that singles me out?”
