“Are you concerned that she is correct?” Lord Ferrard asked quietly, almost as if he knew what Violet had been thinking.
“She was merely warning me of what she saw as a weakness and said that if I did not heed her words that I would find myself alone and lonely.” Violet shrugged in an attempt to push away the dire warning.
“You don’t fear that she can see into the future?”
His tone was serious, as if he believed that the gypsy did know her fate and what it would be if Violet did not change. Which was ridiculous, of course.
“Nobody can see into the future, Lord Ferrard. It’s impossible and irrational and anyone who believes such is deceiving themselves, for they will take those words and alter their future to fit what has been prophesied, thus, making the prediction true.” The words were said with conviction, yet, for the first time Violet felt the weight of what the gypsy warned her of becoming.
“I assume Epworth believes in the gypsy?” Ferrard asked. “You did mention he’s been influenced by his wife.”
“Perhaps, I’m not certain. However, he now believes in ghosts.”
She’d expected Lord Ferrard to laugh, yet he didn’t. Violet certainly thought he was more sensible than to believe in mystical matters.
“Many do,” he offered after a moment.
“When a body dies, their soul or essence or whatever you wish to call it, departs. It either ceases to exist, or if you are religious, travels onto heaven or hell.”
He frowned down at her. “Do you not believe in God?”
This was a conversation that Violet could have never predicted,ifshe believed in fortune telling. Yet, she was enjoying the discussion very much. Ferrard listened, as if he really wished to know her thoughts on the matter.
For those reasons, she could almost forgive Ferrard’s unnecessary need to see her protected.
Violet glanced up to Ferrard, his sapphire eyes meeting hers and for the briefest of moments she almost wished the courtship was real.
“Do you not wish to answer?” he asked quietly.
Violet blinked, surprised that she’d forgotten his question and allowed herself to woolgather. It was certainly an odd occurrence because she never forgot anything and rarely did she become distracted in that she didn’t follow a topic of discussion.
“Answer?”
“Do you not believe in God?”
Ah yes. “I find it difficult to believe that there is an unseen entity in the heavens that watches over us, guiding our lives.” Violet waited for Ferrard to disagree and insist on the existence, as so many had previously. Yet, he didn’t.
“However, there are many unexplained miracles throughout history, all attributed to him. As there is, as of yet, no logical explanations for said miracles, I find that I must entertain the possibility that there is a God.”
He nodded as if in agreement, but Violet couldn’t really read his somber facial expression to interpret what he was thinking.
“I also find it difficult to believe that the earth randomly came to be with plants, animals, humans, and all that we have. Therefore, our existence alone could be proof in God because there is no logical explanation for its existence.” Rarely did anyone let her finish her opinion on the matter, as they dismissed it and claimed her blasphemous as soon as she mentioned logical explanation.
Ferrard nodded, thoughtfulness in his sapphire eyes as if he understood even if he did not agree.
Violet’s heart warmed at his considering her words and opinions. No chastisement, or threats of burning in hell, or quote of scripture. He listened, as if he valued her opinion.
And, though it was quite impossible, Violet felt lighter, a little freer, as if something heavy had been lifted from her.
It was an odd, though very pleasant sensation, for which she had no explanation.
Chapter 12
It wasthe last day of 1816, and the year was ending much more pleasantly than Emory could have ever imagined. For the first time that he could recall, he continued to look forward to spending time with a lady. Not only was she fascinating, intelligent, and beautiful, but there were absolutely no expectations beyond January sixth.
“Good afternoon, Lord Ferrard,” Lady Violet greeted him as she exited the Harley home. “I do hope I did not keep you waiting long.”
“You did not,” he assured her. He was the one who had arrived early for their appointment.
