Eardly was not dead, such the pity, therefore, Emory gave the driver instructions to his brother’s home and returned to the curricle. Once in Laswell, Liam patched up his arm while they waited for the arrival of the magistrate. After he explained the crimes that Eardly had committed, the magistrate took him away to recover from his injuries in the Laswell Gaol while word was sent to the gentleman’s father.
Emory then bathed and changed his clothing and returned to Forester Hall, arriving promptly at four as instructed. He now was left cooling his heels as he waited for Violet to appear.
“Lord Ferrard, I am so glad you returned so that I might thank you for your rescue.”
She stood at the entry, a vision in a red dress with golden embroidery, golden hair pinned behind her head, though curls cascaded over her shoulders. Her green eyes were bright and there was a healthy glow to her cheeks, and he finally relaxed in noting that she was quite well and recovered from her ordeal.
“You must think it odd that I’d be dressed in a formal manner, and in such a bold color.”
As an unmarried lady, red was not a color she should wear, but he hadn’t even considered the rule she’d just broken as he drank in the sight of her.
“I had this fashioned for Twelfth Night. The Harleys had planned a celebration, and Silvia and I were going to break with convention and dress in a daring manner. Much of the reason was to shock her mother. However, as the celebration could not take place, I did not want to let this dress go to waste, especially since today my nephew was born, and you thwarted a kidnapping. Thus, we have much to celebrate.”
“You are beautiful,” he uttered without thinking.
“I was not seeking a compliment, Lord Ferrard. I thought to explain my formal dress for an afternoon tea.”
He took a step in her direction. “Nor do I offer empty compliments, Violet. You are indeed a vision.” He meant every word.
Her cheeks darkened and she glanced away. “Thank you, Lord Ferrard.”
Was Violet blushing, demurring to him? She’d never done so before. How very odd. Perhaps she hadn’t recovered.
“Are you well?”
“Gloriously.” She smiled brightly. Except, her cheer no longer showed in her eyes. Was she pretending to be well? She needn’t pretend with him.
Violet crossed to the tea service and paused.
“Would you like a cup of tea?”
“In a moment.” He followed to be near and study Violet more closely, as something was bothering her. Of course it could still be that she was shaken from her ordeal, but she’d been so calm earlier, even when she’d shot Eardly, then slept, so it was odd that she was shaken now. Unless she was like many who didn’t fully appreciate the frightful circumstances until after the fact and when they were away from the situation.
“Thank you, again, Lord Ferrard, for coming to my rescue when my brother was unable to do so.”
“Had your brother been available, I still would have gone after Eardly to get you back.”
Violet glanced up at him, green eyes troubled.
“Why?”
“Do you not know how much I care for you?”
Her smile was gentle. “We are friends and for that, I am grateful.”
“We are more than simply friends, Violet.” He needed her to understand the depth of his emotions. Though she may reject him a second time, Emory would not leave without her knowing the truth of his heart.
“Our courtship has ended.”
“It is supposed to end today, however we never agreed on a time.”
Confusion filled her emerald eyes. “I don’t understand.”
Instead of explaining, Emory bent and placed his lips against hers.
It was Violet who broke first and took a step back. “Why did you do that?”
“I enjoy kissing you. Do you not enjoy kissing me?” He nearly held his breath as he waited for her response.
