Emory couldn’t very well tell his brother that he’d not been given the chance to kiss Violet again, but what could he say. “She doesn’t like me.”
At that, Liam snorted. “No wonder you’re irritated. You’ve not been rejected before.”
And he bloody well didn’t like it either.
“With no warning. I thought we were friends,” he began warming up to the topic. “Yesterday…” he couldn’t exactly tell his brother about the gazebo and what they’d done, especially in a tavern where others might overhear. He’d not risk the possibility of ruining Violet in such a manner, and gentlemen didn’t speak of such in public. Then he recalled why she’d been upset when he first arrived. “It is all your fault.”
“My fault?” Liam reared back in surprise. “What did I do?”
“Your insisting that I walk the widow home. Violet saw me and decided to end our courtship.”
Liam leaned in. “It’s not a real courtship, remember.”
“Nobody else knows that you bloody arse,” Emory bellowed, drawing the attention of everyone in the taproom.
He did not need this tonight, or any night. “Suffice it to say that she did not want the good residents of Laswell questioning her relationship with me and mine with the widow and thought it best to end matters a few days earlier than planned.”
“Then you are free,” Liam announced. “It was going to end tomorrow anyway. I still don’t understand.”
“Her brother,” Emory growled.
“You said that before but didn’t explain.”
“Today I called on Violet…”
“How much ale have you had. You already told me that part.”
“Did I tell you that all we did was have tea, and talk about the weather, and what the Season may hold, all while Epworth watched on, contributing when he felt the need, but staring daggers at me the entire time.”
“Older brothers are wont to do that,” Liam reminded him. “I’ve seen some of the looks you’ve speared toward potential suitors for our sister.”
“Those were rakes, and not worthy of Claire.”
Liam said nothing, simply nodded his head while pointedly looking at Emory.
“Aye, I’m a rake.” He took a deep drink of the ale before him. “But I will be no longer.” That is what he needed to do. Reform! Become a respectable gentleman, then court Violet properly come spring, if Epworth would let him near her.
“So, Epworth glares at you, and you run away.” Liam snorted.
“No. He saw me out and delivered his warning. He told me that he knows that the courtship is a sham, though he won’t tell his father or grandmother, as he well understood their interference. He then asked if I still intended to leave tomorrow. I answered that I needed to return home. He then informed me that he thought it best if I don’t return and that he’d inform Violet of the termination of our agreement. He had concerns of her vulnerability.”
“Vulnerable? Lady Violet?” Liam asked in disbelief.
“I found it difficult to fathom as well. Epworth feared she may be harmed.” Emory snorted. She was, after all, the one to dismiss him, set him aside, after a passionate kiss, then insisted they take tea the following day.Shewas the one rejecting him.
“Well, you are both probably better off as you wouldn’t suit,” Liam decided.
Emory was about to argue but decided against it. He’d rather not discuss Violet with his brother since Liam clearly didn’t understand.
“I came by to tell you that your coachman has returned and is readying your things for an early departure tomorrow.”
After returning to Liam’s home following Emory’s dismissal from the house party, thefirstClaxton lady to reject him, Emory had sent his driver and coach onto a neighboring county where the driver’s grandparents lived. There was no reason to keep the man with him, especially when family was close.
“Ferrard!” Someone called and Emory looked toward the entry to find Lord Kilmuir standing just inside. He was one of the few others who had not spoken disparagingly about Violet while they were all still guests at Forester Hall.
Kilmuir approached and took a seat even though it hadn’t been offered.
“I thought you were dismissed from Lady Lucinda’s court days ago,” Emory stated.
