“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.
