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 wasdifficult 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?”
