He glanced to Her Grace who had narrowed her eyes and frowned.
“Why is that?” her grandmother demanded with a thump of her cane.
While he needed to be honest with himself, Emory had no desire to cause Lady Lucinda any pain of rejection, but what excuse could he give?
Then he recalled the evening before. The discussion between the invited gentlemen about the Claxton sisters, more particularly of Lady Violet. Emory knew of the younger sister, but he’d not gained an introduction, as she’d spent more time in the gardens at any gathering or entertainment than with the guests. She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever viewed with her golden hair and pale complexion. A shy, delicate garden nymph who preferred flowers to people. Or that was what he’d decided whenever he glimpsed her among the foliage.
However, the varying opinion of others had him wondering as to her personality and the general consensus was that she wasodd. However, as she was not present…
“Well?” Her Grace demanded when Emory didn’t answer quickly, and he noted that Lady Lucinda watched him, a dark eyebrow raised almost in accusation, as if he’d done something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I might have the opportunity to become acquainted with Lady Violet.”
Bloody hell!
He’d just lied, and he never lied and avoided omissions and half-truths when he could, but he could think of nothing else to say.
Lady Lucinda tilted her head as the corner of her mouth quirked. “You came all the way from Sussex, accepted an invitation that was clearly meant for courting me, in hopes of courting my sister.”
Emory’s face began to heat, something he’d not experienced since he was a young man and the embarrassment was rather, well, embarrassing. He should have never mentioned Lady Violet, but it wasn’t as if she were around and would expect anything from him.
He simply gave a quick nod.
“Yet, you did not call on her in London.”
“I didn’t feel it right to do so having not gained an introduction.” It was a flimsy excuse, and another lie, which he must cease doing.
“Violet avoided those at gatherings as often as possible. It is no wonder you’ve not met.”
Inwardly he sighed, otherwise, he’d have been hard pressed to find a reason for not engaging Lady Violet during the Season.
Lady Lucinda set her cup and saucer aside, and grinned. Her entire being brightened as if she’d found joy. The transformation from a critical, rigid lady to one of delight was remarkable. However, it didn’t change Emory’s assessment of whether they’d suit.
“This is brilliant. I’m just sorry that my sister hadn’t remained at home.”
She wasn’t angry?
Emory slid a glance to Her Grace, certain that he’d get a dressing down. Instead, she merely chuckled. “I applaud your initiative, Lord Ferrard, and I can tell you exactly where you will find Violet.”
Damn and blast! Now they’d expect him to court a lady he’d only glanced in gardens.
“Why the interest in my sister if you’ve never met?” Lady Lucinda asked with curiosity, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
This was certainly a change from how he had anticipated the conversation progressing. “I admired from afar,” he admitted. Further, thatwasn’ta lie. Lady Violet had fascinated him, and he had appreciated her beauty, but not so much that he’d follow her into a garden. To do so without a chaperone could lead to consequences he was not willing to entertain. “She took great delight in the gardens, which I found intriguing, but I never had the opportunity to speak with her.”
“Yes, well my sister can tolerate crowds for only so long before she feels the need to escape,” Lady Lucinda chuckled. “She’s in the village, Lord Ferrard. Violet wished to avoid the house party and is visiting with a friend. You will find her with the Harleys.”
Damn and blast! He’d assumed she was off in some other part of England, not in Laswell.
Then he recalled what his brother had told him. “Wasn’t the footman who came down with the measles from the Harley household?”
“How are you aware of the footman?” Her Grace asked. “We made no mention of names yesterday.”
They had only discussed the concern for measles and why Forester Hall was short of staff. “My brother is Dr. Talbot. I traveled to Laswell early to spend Christmas with him. He informed me of the situation before I traveled to your home.”
Lady Lucinda’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes. I’d forgotten the connection.”
Emory slid a glance to Her Grace. Certainly, she knew of the connection.
