Liam set his fork onto his plate, leaned back, and studied Emory, who was beginning to become self-conscious and wondered if there was something wrong with his appearance.
“Is this because of father and your perceived need to marry and beget an heir quickly.”
“If I intended to marry the first woman of rank and privilege who was available, I would still be at Forester Hall attempting to charm Lady Lucinda.”
“True.” Liam frowned.
Did he not approve of Lady Violet? “What is your objection? Clearly you have one.”
“I’ve nothing against Lady Violet, I assure you. I just can’t fathom that you’d wish to spend time in her company. For one, I doubt that she’d hang on your every word as if your syllables dripped with gold, nor would she laugh at your poor attempt at humor.”
Emory nearly groaned. His brother was correct. Those on the marriage mart simply saw him as a wealthy lord and heir to an earldom, and his attempt at humor did lack wit. Then again, he hadn’t really attempted to impress anyone since they’d used little effort to know him. Whereas Lady Violet didn’t seem to care who he was and anticipated an end to their courtship.
In fact, the lack of flirtation on her part or his was refreshing.
“She isnothinglike anyone I’ve met previously,” Emory grinned. “Perhaps she charmed me.”
“Lady Violet does not charm.” Liam snorted.
“No, she doesn’t.” Emory laughed. “Which may be the very reason why I am charmed.”
“Fascinating.” His brother finally relaxed and lifted his cup of coffee. “I’m eager to see what develops between the two of you.”
“I’m certain it will be nothing more than a courtship for only the length and duration we’ve agreed upon. It’s all rather liberating to tell you the truth.” Emory liked being with her and this was simply an unusual experience that offered an opportunity with no expectations.
“How are your patients?” Emory turned the conversation.
“There are no new illnesses,” Liam answered.
“That is good, is it not?”
“Yes, in that it hasn’t appeared in any other household. However, it could be at least another sennight before symptoms appear and the reason the servants will need to remain quarantined. Only time will give us the answers that I’m hoping for.”
“Which is?” Emory asked.
“That the lot of them suffered through the illness as a child and simply don’t remember. That would be the best outcome and bring the potential outbreak to an end.” He leveled his eyes on Emory. “As you’ve never encountered the measles, do take care.”
“I have no intention of becoming ill,” Emory assured his brother.
“Were you aware that Lady Violet lost her mother and sister to the disease when she was just a child?”
Emory’s earlier good humor slipped with this news. “No. I did not.” He knew the pain of losing a family member. One was to death, the other was a different manner entirely, which he’d rather not dwell on for the moment, though it was a constant companion in the back of his mind.
Violet hadher walking dresses laid out on the bed and considered each. She had a much larger collection at home, but Bess had only packed what she deemed necessary for a ten-day visit in Silvia’s home. Were any of these appropriate to walk with Lord Ferrard when he called on her?
She’d paid little attention to her wardrobe in the past and now wished she’d listened closer to the modiste. Each spring she and Lucinda were fitted for various outings in London, from picnics, walks in Hyde Park, balls, the theatre, and every situation in which they might find themselves. She’d been measured, but it was her grandmother who had chosen the fabrics and decided the cut and purpose of each gown. Then, it was her maid who chose the dress for each entertainment. Violet knew that she should have more knowledge about her clothing and have concern for her appearance, but truthfully, she valued comfort over fashion, which had never been an issue in Laswell, where she was known. Now, she didn’t know what to wear for the stroll scheduled for today.
“You wished to see me, Lady Violet,” Bess asked as she entered the chamber.
“Which dress should I wear this afternoon?”
Bess frowned. “I hadn’t realized you intended to leave.”
“Lord Ferrard and I are going to walk,” Violet answered absently while studying the gowns.
“You are?” Bess asked in surprise.
“Yes, he’s courting me.” Violet reached for the beige gown. “Will this do?”
