“Yes, but it’s not the type of place where one keeps a mistress. Within an hour, someone would learn, and by the time I woke the following day, the whole of Laswell would be aware. I’d rather my life remain private.”
“Perhaps you should be the one to entertain Mrs. Wilder.”
“Did you not just hear what I said?” Liam grumbled. “I don’t want anyone knowing my personal business. At least in London if someone suspected, nothing was said, and it was accepted. Here, it’s entirely different, and the village is full of far more misses in want of a husband than widows seeking a lover.”
“It cannot be so bad.” Emory laughed.
Liam leaned forward. “I treat no less than three turned ankles a week. Ankles that show no sign of injury. Each miss lying in repose upon a settee as her mother fusses, then serves tea, requesting that I remain once I declare that the precious daughter will, indeed, walk again.”
Emory couldn’t help himself and barked out laughter.
“I should have remained in London.” Liam grumbled again and drained his ale. “Once I’m certain that no one has contracted the measles, I’m traveling as far away from here as is reasonable, most likely Plymouth as it’s a much larger town, and enjoy pursuits that would make those misses, and possibly their mothers, blush.”
“I wish you luck, Liam.” Emory laughed again.
While it had been months since he’d enjoyed the pleasures of a woman, Emory did not have the same concerns as Liam, as he didn’t care what anyone thought. Now that he no longer felt the pressure to marry, it was likely he’d return to his habits once the Season began again. Unless, of course, he did meet the person who would be his perfect bride.
Violet flashed in his mind, but Emory pushed it aside. Despite that he had a growing desire for her, she had declared, not so long ago, that they were friends and had also insisted that she’d not be married until required to do so by her father.
Though, he had nearly gotten his kiss. If only Lady Esther hadn’t finished her book when she had, Emory might finally know how Violet’s lips tasted.
Liam checked his timepiece then stood. “I’ve got an early morning.” He then tossed coins upon the table. “Will you be remaining or returning with me.”
As Emory didn’t know anyone else within the tavern, he drained his ale and stood.
However, as soon as they stepped outside, they nearly ran over a woman.
Why was she walking outside, this late at night, and alone?
“Mrs. Wilder, I hope you are unharmed,” Liam stated while steadying her with a grasp of her elbow.
“I am fine, Dr. Talbot. Thank you for asking.”
“Why are you out?”
“Sometimes I find it difficult to sleep and have found that a brisk walk in the evening air tends to help.”
Liam nodded, then turned to Emory, and made introductions.
“I remember Lord Ferrard from my one Season in London.”
“Mrs. Wilder,” he greeted.
“I’m not comfortable with you walking about without escort,” Liam said. “If there wasn’t somewhere that I needed to be, I’d see you home.”
Emory shifted his eyes to his brother. Liam had claimed he only wished to return home, and Laswell wasn’t so large that he couldn’t escort Mrs. Wilder home before he retired.
“It is not necessary, Dr. Talbot,” Mrs. Wilder insisted.
“It is not safe,” Liam insisted. “My brother would be happy to escort you.”
Liam had intentionally arranged this encounter. Looking at his timepiece and then suddenly deciding that it was time to retire just as Mrs. Wilder was walking by. Had the two planned this together?
“That is very kind of you, Lord Ferrard.”
“I am happy to be of assistance. Mrs. Wilder.” And with that, he offered his arm. He’d murder Liam later.
Chapter 20
