“My intelligence is without question,” she answered honestly. “It is the other.”
“Beautiful?” he chuckled.
If he were going to laugh at her now, after she’d become comfortable with him and trusted him, Violet would walk away. “It’s something that I’ve not considered.”
“That failing can be placed on every gentleman in Society for not making you aware.” He reached up and tucked a wayward curl behind her ear. “You are most definitely beautiful, Lady Violet.”
Though what was attractive to one may be ugly to another and the fact that opinions were completely subjective didn’t diminish the warmth that spread through Violet’s breast at Lord Ferrard calling her beautiful. “Thank you, Lord Ferrard. And, might I add that you are handsome as well.” It was all she could think to say, as she was unused to receiving many compliments.
“You do not have to return the compliment. It was not necessary.”
“I suppose not,” she admitted. “However, it is nonetheless true.”
“I thank you.” He smiled as he executed a slight bow. “I just hope my future wife feels as you do.”
They turned to continue to walk until they reached the cliff overlooking the sea.
While Violet understood his need to marry, she did not understand his sudden rush to the altar.
“You are seven and twenty, Lord Ferrard, I do believe.”
“Yes.”
“You are not so young that anyone would fault you for marrying, however, I don’t understand your urgency either.”
“My father’s failing health was a reminder that I’ve not done my duty. He was whole and healthy, and I believed I had years before the responsibilities would become mine.”
“It’s reasonable. However, I don’t believe anyone should marry for the sake of marrying though many do.”
“I realize that I’ve been selfish. I should have listened to my father and given more effort in pursuing a bride. I should have seen the future secured.”
Violet frowned. “How is waiting to marry the woman you desire selfish?”
“Perhaps because the perfect person doesn’t exist.” He shrugged. “Few marriages are a love match. It’s likely mine won’t be either. I can only hope that it is someone I like.”
“You are willing to settle into what might be an unhappy future because your father had an accident?”
“My brother also became ill suddenly when he was seventeen and died. I must do my duty before it’s too late.”
“Are you ill?” she demanded, suspecting that he was not.
“No, of course not.”
“Then your argument is completely illogical, Lord Ferrard.”
He pulled back as if startled by her comment.
“You could not have foreseen what would become of your father, as horrible as his condition is, nor what happened to your brother. Yes, accidents do happen, but that is no reason to sacrifice your future happiness in a rush to see that a son is born because somethingmighthappen to you.”
“I’ve put off my duty for too long, hoping that I’d meet the person I should marry. My father has insisted that I’m far too particular. I must now admit that he was correct and will endeavor to find my bride this spring, and if all goes well, have a son the following year.”
Why did it bother her so much that he was first, illogical, and second, that he’d so quickly marry someone else and give no consideration of her?
“I assure you that this is a decision I have not made lightly,” his voice rose. “If I could wait to find the perfect lady, I would. However, I no longer have the luxury of doing so, nor the time.”
“Because youmayhave an accident or become ill,” she clarified and hoped her tone conveyed how ridiculous she believed he was being.
“I don’t expect either. In fact, I intend to live into my eighties as most gentlemen in my family have done. However, I’ve three younger sisters who will need to wed, a brother still in school, and an estate that needs my attention. The sooner I marry, the quicker I can put my mind to the future of my family and heirs.”
