“You continue to amaze me, Violet.”
Whenever he addressed her simply as Violet, it did the queerest thing to her belly, which was different than the quiver she’d previously experienced, and she wasn’t even certain how to explain the sensation. Her vocabulary was far from limited, yet the words escaped her when he uttered her name.
“Why are you addressing me with such familiarity?” Perhaps if he believed her to disapprove, he would stop. After all, she was certain he would not want her to address him as Emory.
“We are friends, are we not?”
Unfortunately, that was all they were. “Yes, we are friends,” she acknowledged.
“Friends address each other with familiarity. I’d have no objection to you calling me by my given name of Emory.”
It was one matter to be proven wrong upon further research and study because scientific questions did evolve. However, there was a bit of irritation in knowing that she’d assumed incorrectly on how he’d like to be addressed.
It was also further proof that she was much better with plants, bees, and spiders because people confused and baffled her at times.
“Violet?”
She blinked at him. “Yes.”
“Are you uncomfortable addressing me by my given name?”
“I don’t think it would be proper to do so.” It bred too much familiarity, and she needed to distance herself from the emotions.
“Well, I hope that in time you will change your mind.”
If Violet didn’t know better, she’d think he was disappointed. “As the next time I see you, we’ll be in London, I doubt I will be doing so as it would not be proper.”
“I will see you tomorrow.”
Violet blinked up at him. “Why?”
He smiled down at her. “Our agreement was to court until the sixth. Today is only the fourth. Therefore, I will see you tomorrow and the day following.”
Her chest tightened, near panic, but it wasn’t fear. Not like she suffered during her nightmare, but something different.
How could she maintain her composure and distance if he were going to continue to court her and call her simplyViolet.
She took a deep breath. It was two days. Certainly she could manage. If she were mindful, she’d not come to like him more than she already did.
“Further, there is no chaperone to watch over our shoulders, as nobody knows you are here.” He paused and pulled back. “I’m assuming the Tilson sisters will not be traveling to Laswell.”
“I wrote and said that there was no longer a need for their presence and thanked them for allowing time in their holiday to assist in our courtship.”
“You gave no further reason?” he asked with a frown.
“I didn’t deem it necessary that they know the private details of my affairs. Besides, they might ask too many questions, which I would not be at liberty to answer.”
“You didn’t wish to lie to them.”
“You are correct Lord Ferrard.”
“You could have written that you had reason to believe that I was involved with a widow.”
“I’d not disparage you in such a manner, nor Mrs. Wilder. Further, bachelors are given great freedom, whereas a lady is not. They’d think me foolish for ending the courtship over such an inconsequential matter.” At least that was her assumption since many gentlemen had lovers and mistresses during courtships and sometimes even after marriage, so she could only assume that it was acceptable behavior. “Shall I meet you in Laswell tomorrow?”
He chuckled. “I see no reason why I cannot call on you here.” He glanced about. “You have yet to show me your gardens or the beehives.”
Two more days of friendship. There were worse things. He wanted to be friends, and one couldn’t have too many. Especially when they accepted the person as they were.
