Strange that hadn’t occurred yesterday.
Her palms had also seemed to grow damp within her gloves.
Oddly, none of these symptoms were nearly as unpleasant as she’d once assumed. In fact, there was a level of anticipation and excitement which she had never experienced.
However, Violet reminded herself that Lord Ferrard was a rake and there was no reason to believe that he might wish to continue their association beyond the agreed-upon time. Therefore, while she might enjoy the anticipation and excitement, she’d not be so foolish as to develop tender feelings for the rogue. She was far too sensible.
Chapter 7
Emory nearly stoppedat the sight of Lady Violet so that he could first admire her from afar. Though her head was covered in a lavender bonnet, the golden curls draped over her shoulder gleamed in the sunlight. Yesterday she’d been lovely but had been clothed in a drab, greyish ensemble and her hair had been knotted at the nape of her neck. In comparison to today, she’d resembled more of a strict governess who didn’t believe in fun. Today, however, in lavender, she was striking. Especially with the way the bonnet framed her delicate face and the bow tightened at a jaunty angle beneath her chin.
Something stirred within him, and if Emory wasn’t mistaken, the anticipation he’d experienced this morning had now turned into excitement that he’d be able to spend the afternoon in her company.
Lady Violet was refreshing, and he wanted to learn if she was also so serious minded, if she laughed, and what her concerns, hopes and interests were.
Bloody hell, was he smitten?
The question nearly stopped him again. He’d never had such thoughts about a woman.
“Lord Ferrard, we are so happy to have found you.”
He turned to see who had called out to him only to find two of the Tilson sisters bearing down on him.
“Lady Joanna. Lady Esther,” he greeted them.
“Her Grace sent us to arrange an introduction to Lady Violet.”
He should have anticipated Lady Violet’s grandmother would meddle after he’d proclaimed his interest.
“I’ve already had the opportunity,” he answered pleasantly as he turned and gestured to Lady Violet who still waited for him.
Lady Joanna clapped her gloved hands together. “Lovely.”
“I made her acquaintance yesterday, and this afternoon we are going to take a stroll, so you can assure Her Grace that all is as it should be.”
Lady Esther frowned. “Where is her maid?”
“She cannot join me today as she must remain within the inn,” Lady Violet answered as she approached. “Good afternoon Lady Joanna and Lady Esther. I hadn’t realized you were visiting Forester Hall.”
“Your grandmother sought our assistance to chaperone Lady Lucinda and her bachelors, but after Lord Ferrard expressed an interest in you, she didn’t want to leave anything to chance,” Lady Joanna explained. “However, Her Grace would not be pleased that the two of you are going about in public without a chaperone.”
“I fear we have little choice,” Lady Violet answered.
“Then it is good that we’ve come along. We shall chaperone today then set a schedule for me or one of my sisters to always be in your company,” Lady Esther insisted. “It wouldn’t do to have your reputation called into question.”
Emory nearly groaned, as the last thing he wanted was anyone listening as he came to know Lady Violet. It was uncomfortable, and now he must watch what they said for fear of it being repeated. A maid could be counted on to be discrete. The same couldnotbe said for the Tilson sisters.
“That is very kind of you, but not necessary,” Lady Violet insisted. “I cannot imagine anyone thinking ill of me for simply walking with a gentleman.”
“That is because you see life differently than others, Lady Violet,” Lady Esther acknowledged. “What you deem as innocent and proper, others will look for fault, and then gossip.”
In that, Lady Esther was correct, Emory had to grudgingly admit.
“I know you’ve not minded before, and have little care, but Her Grace would not be happy if any more gossip surrounded her granddaughter,” Lady Joanna added.
More gossip? Had Lady Violet’s reputation been called into question previously? If so, Emory had not heard of it.
“People need to cease questioning my visits to gardens and tend to their own affairs,” Lady Violet argued.
