As much as he was content to stand and watch, it was impolite and wrong. Therefore, he marched forward and opened the door to the conservatory. Violet paused for a moment to look up, then stilled completely.
“Lord Ferrard, I was not expecting you.”
“We had an appointment,” he stated, letting the door close behind him.
Violet tilted her head and frowned. “I gave your brother a note. He assured me that it would be delivered to you.”
“I have not seen my brother.” Emory removed his hat and gloves and set them on a small table by the door. “Mrs. Harley gave me your direction when I came to call on you.”
She set the broom aside then attempted to smooth her long, dirt-stained apron. “I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“It was not an inconvenience,” Emory assured her. “However, I’d appreciate an explanation. Our courtship has not yet ended.”
“It ends tomorrow,” she said as she busied herself straightening the items on her worktable.
“It ends the day after.”
“No, that was the day I was to return home, so it would have ended tomorrow.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “I thought you forgot nothing, Violet.”
She blinked up at him and Emory wasn’t certain if it was because of his informal address or that he’d pointed out an error. “You stated that I shall court you until January sixth and then we will declare that we do not suit. It is only the fourth.”
“So it is.” Once again, she smoothed her hands over her apron, as if she were nervous. He’d never seen her as such, as if she were self-conscious, or perhaps insecure. This was so out of character of what he’d come to know. He’d be concerned that it was because a nightmare lingered, but she’d been content, seemed happy beforeheentered the conservatory.
“What is the matter, Violet? Why did you return home?”
She lifted her arms, long delicate fingers spanning as she gestured about. “I’ve been too long from my responsibilities.”
“Could you have told me when I called on you? I would have returned you here.”
“I didn’t want to trouble you, Lord Ferrard.”
“You should know by now that it would not have been troublesome. We are friends, are we not?”
“Yes. I’d like to think so.” Then she straightened her spine, lifted her chin, and looked Emory directly in the eye. “However, I don’t believe it is necessary that our courtship continue. A day or two will not matter. You’ve courted me well beyond the length of time you’ve ever attempted to court another, therefore, your father cannot complain, nor can mine.”
What had caused this change in her? Yesterday they’d strolled in the park and she’d confided in him and she’d even shed tears. The day before they’d enjoyed their outing of shopping. She’d spoken to him of her plants, bees, spiders, among other topics. She was warm and relaxed. Now, she’d returned to the stiff, cool lady he’d first met, and for the life of him, Emory could not begin to imagine what had happened in the interim that would change her demeanor in his presence. It certainly wasn’t a nightmare unless he had appeared the monster in it.
“I prefer that we continue as we originally agreed.”
“I do not.” Her tone was clipped, as if she were angry when he’d done nothing to earn her ire.
“May I ask why? I do have a right to know, do I not?”
“It is your conduct, Lord Ferrard. Your behavior reflects on me as well.” With that, she turned away from him and retrieved a small ladder.
He’d been a gentleman in her presence, even when not with her. He’d done absolutely nothing to call his character into question.
“I do not know what you are speaking of Lady Violet. Please explain.”
She sighed but did not turn around. Instead, she placed the ladder near a far corner, hiked her skirts and began to climb. Unfortunately, from where he stood, all he had view of was the back of Violet and not the leg and ankle that was likely exposed so that she didn’t trip on her skirts.
What the blazes was she doing? If something was needed from a height, he could certainly attend to it, as he was taller and wasn’t wearing a gown.
“While the two of us know that our courtship was only a convenience and temporary, those in Laswell do not. They believe it is real.”
Emory moved closer for fear that she might fall, and so that he’d be able to catch her if necessary. “I’m aware of their perception.”
