Page 20 of Most Sought-After Scoundrel in London
“Then I gather your suggestion is for me is to focus on reconciling my own thoughts and feelings.”
“It is indeed.”Lady Bronwyn gave her a weak smile and added, “However, I also know it is easier said than done, thus if you ever need my assistance, I hope you know I’m here for you.”Her hostess picked up her tea and sipped, all the while studying Violet over the rim of her cup.
With the knowledge of how body language can speak volumes more than words, Violet carefully arranged her features so as not to cause Lady Bronwyn to worry and give the woman a glimpse into the turmoil that was brewing in her chest and mind.She needed time and space to consider everything with a clear and level head.
The anticipation of spending hours upon hours alone with Violet in a travelling coach had Cameron’s imagination running wild.They had much to discuss, but his damn mind could not forget their interlude in the music room.
From the corner of his eye, the coachman shook his head as he continued to pace alongside the coach.Accustomed to waiting for Hadfield, who never left his wife nor his children behind, Cameron rehearsed his arguments as to why Violet should agree to marry him and have their banns read as soon as they returned to London.
Lady Bronwyn and David approached.His hostess called out, “Hurlington.There you are!”
“Lady Bronwyn.David.”He stopped in front of the coach steps and waited.
“Why haven’t you departed?”David asked.
“I’m waiting for Lady Violet.”
“Oh, my.Did no one inform you?”Lady Bronwyn’s feigned surprise was peculiar.Why would the PORF pretend not to know, when as lady of the house, she knew every detail of what occurred on the estate?Cameron eyed Lady Bronwyn when she continued, “Lady Violet left at first light.”
Stunned, his mind raced as it recalled the events of the previous evening.Violet had been a tad quiet during their last supper, but he had attributed it to a lack of sleep.The woman had dark smudges beneath her eyes as if she hadn’t slept in days.When he’d accompanied her back to her rooms, they had parted with a deeply passionate kiss.A kiss that he believed at the time held promises for the future.He rubbed the back of his neck.Mayhap he had misinterpreted her ardor.Had she meant it to be a kiss goodbye?
“Lord Hurlington, are you going to stand there like a statue or join us?”Lady Bronwyn asked through the coach window.
“Papa will be displeased if we fall behind,” David added as he climbed into the coach and settled into the forward-facing seat next to his mother.
Gathering his wits, Cameron followed the lad into the coach and made himself comfortable facing Lady Bronwyn, who was studying him closely.Lady Bronwyn was no ninny and most talented at negotiation.The woman had undoubtedly chosen David to accompany her to avoid certain topics, and if he had to place a wager, one topic in particular—Lady Violet and his proposal.
As the coach lurched forward, he braced himself for a long journey back to London.
David’s gaze was trained on him.“You appear rather distracted, Lord Hurlington.”
“Do I?”he asked.The boy was still young, but he’d already begun his training as a PORF, which Cameron could only imagine was more intense than that of a Network member.
“You were appointed to oversee my mother’s safety.I suggest you keep your guard up; you never know when one might come across a highwayman.”David’s delivery was serious and beheld a maturity that was weighted with responsibility and honor.“Mama is with child again.”The boy smiled up at his mother.“I’m hoping for a brother this time.”
Lady Bronwyn wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders and tugged him closer as she rested her other hand over her belly.“We shall have to wait and see.”
The loving image before him reminded Cameron of when he used to receive hugs and words of encouragement from his own mother.He missed his parents dearly.Like David, he was the middle child and the only son, and understood the longing for another male family member.He sent up a quick prayer for David to be blessed with a younger brother or even two.While he loved and missed his sisters, there had definitely been occasions, mostly when he was away on a mission, that he would have liked to have a brother to help protect his family and the PORFs, for there were but two titled families in the Network, his own and the Earl of Waterford’s.
Given that Lord Waterford and his wife had declared to remain childless, it was imperative for him to continue the Hurlington line.Why in the damnation had Violet left early?
Laden with emotions and an overstuffed valise, Violet trudged up the stairs of Matron Manor to her room.The hours she’d spent alone, traveling back to town, had allowed her to take Lady Bronwyn’s advice to organize her thoughts with an honest heart.After much contemplation, she decided it was best if she kept her distance from Cameron.
He had shown absolutely no interest in Violet prior to him carrying out orders to train her.She surmised his interest had been the result of his becoming accustomed to her presence.After all, they had spent a fortnight in each other's company.Now that they were to return to London, he would have his pick of partners once more and not be forced to spend time with her, and her alone.She prepared herself for the rejection that was surely to come.
Admittedly, Violet had fallen into the same trap, confusing her feelings for Cameron, believing herself in love.She rubbed her chest in hopes of alleviating the ache that refused to abate since her early morning departure.As she reached the door of her room, she inhaled deeply before entering.Her gaze fell to her bed.No matter how exquisite the coach, Violet found traveling to be bone jarring and uncomfortable.
Too weary to undress, she fell upon her bed and pulled the covers over her.Wrapped up tightly, she curled her legs up to her chest and closed her eyes.The familiar sounds of doors opening and closing, and the patter of women traipsing through the halls lulled her into a deep sleep.
Awakened by the rapid rap of knuckles and Lady Bertha calling out her name, Violet peeked her head out from beneath the covers as her door swung open.
“Oh, dear!”Lady Bertha rushed over to the bed.“Violet, you are…”
“A mess?”
Lady Bertha tugged at the covers.“Lord Hurlington is below stairs awaiting you.”
“What time is it?”She pushed herself up and slipped her legs over the side of the bed.
