Violet suddenly found it difficult to breathe as he stared into her eyes for the longest moment and then he leaned forward, his lips nearing hers.
“Oh dear, we must hurry if I’m to arrive at Forester Hall in time for afternoon festivities.”
At Lady’s Joanna’s voice, they jerked away from each other.
Violet had completely forgotten they had a chaperone.
“Now, come along, we must hurry back. I’ve already been delayed.”
“Delayed?” Lord Ferrard asked as Violet glanced at the small watch within her reticule. Goodness, they’d been gone nearly two hours.
“Yes, well, I didn’t wish to interrupt earlier, given the two of you appeared to be having a serious conversation.” She then started to smile. “And, if my eyes didn’t deceive me, Lord Ferrard nearly kissed you, thus, it was time for my interruption.”
With that, Lady Joanna turned and marched away from them and toward the waiting carriage.
“It would have been far more satisfying had she allowed me to kiss you,” Lord Ferrard whispered after he leaned near to her ear.
And even though Violet’s face heated and the most delicious warmth spread through her being, she reminded herself of their circumstance. They should not kiss, especially since in all the time he was discussing marriage, he’d not once considered her. “And if this was anything other than a courtship of convenience, I might have allowed you to do so.”
She must be careful around Lord Ferrard. Even though a friendship had developed, she also knew him to be a rake, who would likely return to his rakish ways until he found a wife. This she must keep in mind, especially since their courtship would end in a sennight. Therefore, there would be no kissing.
Chapter 14
Boisterous laughter filteredthrough her window, pulling Violet from her reading. She glanced at the clock and realized that it was far later than she had thought. She’d not even prepared for bed yet, and it was after midnight.
The laughter came again, and Violet moved to the window and gazed down into the street to see who was making such a ruckus. She pursed her lips and quickly rushed to the mirror to repair her hair.
Thankfully Violet had plenty of practice in dealing with inebriated gentlemen, as she had four older brothers who had often found themselves in such a state, disturbing the household, much as those two were doing to the neighbors.
Grabbing her bonnet off the bed and her pelisse from the hook on the wall, Violet crossed to the door and quietly made her way down to the entry. The house was dark and silent, but it would not remain so if those outside did not quiet.
Mrs. Buckley appeared from the dining room carrying a lamp. She was in her bedclothes and frowning with irritation.
“I’ll take care of them,” Violet assured the housekeeper. “Please lock the door and wait for my return.”
“Of course, Lady Violet. They’ll soon wake the entire neighborhood if someone doesn’t take them to task.”
“I assure you, that is my intention,” Violet promised before exiting the house. She gingerly made her way down to the walk, thankful the moon was bright this evening, and paused as she stared at the gentlemen across the street. The two were laughing, nearly bent over they were so taken with their humor. Poor Tommy simply stood there, apparently at a loss of what to do given he looked from one gentleman to the other and back.
“Lord Ferrard! Dr. Talbot!” Violet stated in her most stern voice. “What are you two about?”
For a moment their humor died as they straightened. Then Dr. Talbot grinned, taking Violet aback. She hadn’t seen him smile once since he had taken up residence in Laswell.
“I must thank you for making my brother see reason, Lady Violet,” Dr. Talbot announced. “A foolish and stubborn gentleman he often is, but you prevailed where I had failed.”
Good lord, please don’t let him become poetic.
“I am happy to be of service,” Violet answered. The best way to deal with gentlemen in their cups was to simply be agreeable until she got them on their way. If these were her brothers, she’d see them home and up to their chambers, or into the hands of a valet or footmen. As the two before her were not a relation, she’d simply see them to the doctor’s doorstep.
“Tommy, you may go, I’ll take care of Dr. Talbot and Lord Ferrard.”
Ferrard placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder. “He will not leave. He’s your protection when I cannot watch over you.”
Violet drew a deep breath and willed herself to be patient. “Very well, Tommy, you may remain.” She then turned to the two brothers. “You two were rather loud and disturbed the residents.”
“I apologize, Lady Violet.” Dr. Talbot executed a bow and nearly tipped over when he lost his balance.
“You should go along to your home,” she offered then directed them in the proper direction.
