Chapter 10
Upon returningto his brother’s home, Emory began his investigation into Lord Eardly. As much as he wished that the man would leave Laswell, Emory was also convinced that he wouldn’t until he had an opportunity to speak with Lady Violet without interference. If the Tilson sisters were correct, Eardly was desperate for funds, which made him dangerous. So dangerous that he had attempted to ruin Lady Lucinda, in her home.
After sending a letter to his solicitor to learn the state of Eardly’s finances, he decided that the best way to protect Lady Violet while she remained in Laswell was to determine where Eardly was temporarily residing. Only his brother might know where one might take a room if the inns were filled, assuming Eardly had no friends to visit in the area. Once Emory knew of the gentleman’s location, he’d rest easier, as he’d be able to have him watched.
“Why the curiosity of where Eardly may sleep?” Liam had asked.
With that question, Emory explained the attempted compromise of Lady Lucinda and though he had no proof, Emory did not feel that Lady Violet was safe.
“Then shouldn’t she return to her home?” Liam countered.
In every conceivable situation, the answer would be undoubtedlyyes, but Emory couldn’t bring himself to agree. He wanted Lady Violet close. Further, he wanted to protect her from gentlemen who cared more about her dowry than they would ever care for her. Not only that, but she’d also be uncomfortable in her home because of the guests, and Emory would not see her suffer if he could prevent such from happening. “I’m not certain she would be any safer at Forester Hall,” Emory grumbled. “Lady Lucinda was attacked the moment she was left alone with that blackguard.”
Liam stared at him in stunned surprise. “You are judging the guests without basis to do so, which is one of the traits you detest among Society.”
Everything Liam said was true, but Emory could not shake the feeling that he needed Lady Violet to remain in Laswell where he could watch out for her.
Bloody hell, when did he start becoming irrational over a lady?
“I believe she is safer at the inn surrounded by servants.”
“Lady Violet is no longer at the inn,” Liam informed him. “She has returned to the Harley household.”
Emory pulled back in surprise. He knew that the Tilson sisters were going to pay a call on Mrs. Harley, but he hadn’t expected anything to develop from the meeting.
“I was present when Ladies Esther and Joanna Tilson visited. Mrs. Harley was set to argue the interruption to the household until she learned of your courtship of Lady Violet, then she was happy to welcome her back. I’m not certain what they discussed following, as I had to take my leave. Likely they settled in for tea and gossip.”
Emory frowned. “Why would it matter if I were courting her or not?”
Liam shrugged. “I assure you, I’ve no idea. That woman often baffles me.” Liam shook his head. “Therefore, you can be assured that Lady Violet is protected. At least more so than in that inn.”
“How many male servants are within the Harley household?” Emory demanded.
“I don’t know. I’ve only seen a maid, housekeeper, footman, and Mrs. Harley.”
Bloody hell. Lady Violet was safer at the inn, surrounded by female servants than she’d be in the Harley household with so few to see to her protection. “I need to know where Eardly is, or where he might likely be residing.”
Liam rose and walked to the sideboard where he poured a glass of brandy. “It’s likely Eardly has taken a room at Mrs. Wyndly’s boarding house. She’s a widow, and rents rooms for long and short terms for extra income. It’s where I resided until Dr. Pierce retired to Bath.”
“If you give me direction, I’ll make certain that Eardly is where you say and then I’d like you to introduce me to two men in need of coin who can also be trusted.”
“Why?” His brother was growing exasperated.
“So that I may hire them to watch the front and the back of the Harley home, from dusk to dawn, to ensure nobody attempts to enter who should not already be there.”
“You’ve never been one to be a knight for a lady, Emory. What is so bloody special about Lady Violet that you feel such protection? You barely know her.”
His brother was correct. There was no rationale to his decisions, but his gut warned him not to trust Eardly, and he feared something might happen to Lady Violet. It was madness to act in such a desperate manner, but something inside warned that he needed to take every precaution available to him. “I’ve no explanation. I just know this is necessary,” Emory finally admitted.
Liam tossed back his brandy then grabbed his greatcoat. “Come along. As you are not going to let this rest, even though I believe you are overreacting, I’d like to see it done so that at least I can enjoy this evening.”
Hewasoverreacting, which Emory admitted to himself. However, he was without power to stop himself.
“You do realize how uncharacteristically you are behaving?” Liam asked as they stepped outside.
“Yes,” Emory ground out.
“I am curious as to why?” he asked thoughtfully.
