Nobody had that kind of memory. “Never?”
“Until this afternoon, never, and it’s quite disconcerting.”
Perhaps she wasn’t as aloof as she’d presented, and their conversation had affected her more than she realized. And, if not the words or topic of conversation, then perhaps it was because he’d made a point of his knee touching the inside of hers. Outwardly she may have appeared calm, but inwardly she’d not been or otherwise she would not have forgotten her precious macarons.
It was all he could do not to smile. Perhaps there was hope of gaining a kiss after all.
“Your chaperone is gone, and it’s still light out,” he observed.
“Yes. You are correct.”
“Is there any need for you to rush back to the Harleys’?”
“Other than partaking in these macarons?”
“Other than your enjoyment of the French biscuits, yes.” He chuckled.
“I’ve nothing pressing.”
“Then perhaps we shall stroll.” They could walk in the park again, and Emory was certain there’d be a perfect location where they’d not be seen so that he could finally kiss her.
“I will be honest, Lord Ferrard,” she confessed. “On my return toPiquet’s Tea Room, I had already decided to visit the book shop. I’ve little to occupy my time with Silvia ill and need the distraction.”
“I will accompany you, if you do not mind.”
“I know what Laswell has to offer, yet you do not. There are a number of shops we could visit. Is there anything in particular that you might need?”
A kiss, he nearly answered, but bit back the response. “Like you, Lady Violet, I simply wished for something to occupy my time.”
“I thought you wished to visit with your brother while in Laswell.”
“He is seeing to patients,” Emory answered. “We visit in the evenings.”
“By visiting taverns.” The corner of her mouth tipped with her words.
“Are you casting judgment on my brother and me?”
“Never that, I assure you, Lord Ferrard, or I’d need to cast the same judgment on every male of my acquaintance.” She turned, holding the box of macarons close. “Though, I’ll never understand why drinking ale, wine, and such is necessary, I’ve decided that it must be essential for your gender when with peers.”
Before he left Laswell, Emory decided not only did he want to kiss Violet, but possibly get her foxed as well. Much could be learned from a person once alcohol loosened their tongue. However, he doubted Violet ever held any comment back, therefore, he might not learn anything new. Though he could ask her opinion on kissing. He’d just not kiss her until she was sober.
Chapter 18
“What of you,Lady Violet? Is there anything that holds your fascination?” Lord Ferrard asked after they entered Bockham’s Book Shop. “You asked mine not long ago, but I did not ask what you enjoyed.”
“Botany and Entomology,” she answered.
“Botany is plants, what is Entomology?”
He seemed more intrigued than scandalized. Though she should know by now that Lord Ferrard was unlike any other gentleman of her acquaintance.
“Yes. Plants fascinate me. And all manner of insects, including bees, butterflies, and spiders.”
“Go on.”
“I have my own gardens of every plant that grows naturally in Laswell, and a small conservatory for plants that need a warmer climate.”
Lord Ferrard straightened and looked at her with interest in his sapphire eyes. “And you study them?” he asked. “Even spiders?”
