Page 8 of Most Sought-After Scoundrel in London
Her serious tone had him straightening and giving Lady Theo his full attention.Damn.He’d faltered and allowed a woman to distract him to no end, which hadn’t ever been an issue in the past.“My apologies, Lady Theo.”
“No apologies necessary.I simply need you to focus on your task of seeing to Bronwyn’s safety.”Lady Theo pinned him with her direct gaze.The woman was of small stature but she was as imposing as her husband, who now stood behind her rather than next to her, giving her full authority to lead the discussion.“No more traipsing about flower marts.You are to be at Bronwyn’s beck and call at all times until advised otherwise.Do you have any qualms or objections, Hurlington?”
Now was his opportunity to address the issue of Lady Violet, yet hesitation set in once more.“No, my lady.I have no objections, and you can be rest assured that my sole focus shall be on the Countess of Hadfield’s safety.”
“You’ve never given me reason to doubt you, Hurlington.However, Bronwyn is averse to having more security appointed to her; hence, you are to carry out your duties as discreetly as possible.”With a wave of her hand, Lady Theo beckoned him to come closer.“I grant you permission to employ whatever resources necessary to aid you in your duties.However, youmustkeep me informed at all times.”
As he straightened, Lady Theo’s piercing gaze had him questioning whether she was indeed a mind reader.Bending down once more, so that his question was for Lady Theo’s ears only, he asked, “Do I have your permission to recruit Lady Violet to assist me?”
“Not unless you are willing to stand before the archbishop.”
He took a step back and stared at Lady Theo, who was not known for jests.
With an angelic smile that would normally put him at ease, only this time had the opposite effect and placed him on edge, Lady Theo added, “Those are my terms, Hurlington.”
She turned and hooked her arm through her husband’s.The look of admiration on Lord Archbroke’s face was clearly evident.The couple’s preference to be in each other's company was rare amongst thetonalthough not uncommon for those bonded by duty and purpose within the Network.His own father and mother shared a deep connection that often bewildered him and his sisters.Thankfully, his sisters were able to make compatible matches, while he was still searching for his person.
The sudden visage of Lady Violet flashed before his mind's eye, making Camron blink to clear his vision.He convinced himself the image of the woman was due to the unresolved matter of how he should handle the situation of Lady Violet.It had nothing to do with the fact that his pulse raced in her presence nor the fact that his thoughts continued to be plagued with questions like what Violet would think of this or that.
He crossed his arms over his chest, then unfolded them, and then crossed them once more.Damnation.He shouldn’t be dallying about; he had a task to do, yet Lady Theo’s threat of marriage had him pondering what a life with Lady Violet might be like.
Expelling a long sigh, he marched out of the study.He joined the others in the library, where he stood at attention next to Lady Bronwyn, who was engaged in a lively discussion of when the infamous poet Louisa Herman might pen her next literary piece.While he enjoyed the verses penned by Ms.Herman, Camron’s interests lay more in what the devil Lady Violet was currently doing.
The early rays of daylight streamed through Violet’s window.She gazed down at the verses that had propelled her to abscond from Lady Theo’s salon early.It had been pure coincidence, or so she told herself, that her departure coincided with Lord Hurlington’s arrival.Words that had evaded her for months had finally flowed until the dark hours were over, yet the triumphant feeling that accompanied completing a piece was missing.
What was Lord Hurlington doing?
She peered out her window, scanning the gardens below, searching the shadows but somehow knowing there was nothing, no one, no scoundrels lurking about.The unsettling feeling that had slowly invaded her since she decided to avoid Lord Hurlington not only spurred the words that were now penned before her but also ignited her curiosity that would not abate.
Lady Bertha had been correct.After having been in Lord Hurlington’s company, Violet had managed to pen a poem that would secure funds, funds she was sorely in need of.She should follow through with her promise to Lady Bertha as repayment and continue to investigate the true nature of Lord Hurlington’s activities, except if her suspicions were correct, would she dare to share the truth with Lady Bertha?
She pushed her chair back and rose, placing her palms on the small of her back, which ached.What were the odds she might find Lord Hurlington at the flower mart again this morn?Or perhaps he was still abed.Her wicked imagination had her wondering if the man slept in a lawn shirt or naked.Was he with a woman or alone?Blast her curiosity!Marching over to her wardrobe, she pulled open the double doors and reached for her wool cloak.
“Focus,” she scolded herself.
As Violet tied the ribbon of her cloak, it dawned on her that the key to Lord Hurlington’s whereabouts lay with Lady Hadfield.Shoulders set, with the beginnings of a plan, Violet skipped through the halls of Matron Manor, ready to embark upon her mission.Except when she reached the street, it was deserted.She looked to her right and then to her left, releasing a deep sigh.Since the gas lamps remained lit and presumably the majority of thetonwere abed, there was no reason for many hacks to be out at this hour.Violet had no option but to go on foot.
With only her thoughts to keep her company, she recalled the days when she would spend hour upon hour devising plans to escape from the ever-watchful eyes of her maid.Despite the fact that marriage had brought her nothing but worries and collectors to her door, Violet knew it was far better to be an indebted widow than a spinster who was still at the whim of her family.She shook her head as girlish dreams of falling in love and having a family with a gentleman who adored her fogged her brain.
Regaining her bearings, Violet found herself but a short distance away from the Hadfield residence.It was still hours before it was deemed socially acceptable to make such an impromptu visit, and even if she were to wait for receiving hours, what purpose would she declare to the butler that would warrant an invitation inside, rather than her being sent away?Clearly, her mind was muddled for her to have embarked upon such a fruitless adventure.
Violet turned to make her way back toward the flower mart when she stopped.What harm could she possibly cause by investigating into her suspicions a tad?If she was right, Lord Hurlington would be within close proximity of the Hadfield townhome.Her mind refused to relinquish of the idea that there was far more to the scoundrel than what he led thetonto believe.Mayhap if she approached from the back alley, she might be able to discover the truth.Retracing her steps, Violet practiced to the best of her ability to move without sound.She wasn’t as stealthy as Lord Hurlington but she was making progress.Before turning down the alley, she took a fortifying breath and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head.
Keeping to the fringes of the estate, Violet carefully tread along the hedges until she found a gap that would allow her both a purview of the house and provided adequate protection from detection.She crouched down and admired the manor before her.It wasn’t as grand as others nearby, however it was only a skipping stone’s throw away from St.James Palace and the Royal Family.The curtains in one of the lower rooms were drawn, and Violet got a peek into the home of Lord and Lady Hadfield.The couple were rarely seen attending functions, and even less without one another.In fact, the only time Violet could recall such an occurrence coincided with Lady Bronwyn’s confinements after the birth of their three children.
A footman was bustling about the room that looked to be where the family broke their fast, arranging platters, silverware, and glasses.Oddly, the man appeared harried and not at all familiar with the task.When a mature-looking housekeeper appeared and chased the man out of her way as she went about fixing each setting, Violet realized that the man was no footman; it was Lord Hurlington.She could only guess that Lord Hurlington was getting a rather lively lecture from the woman.The debonair gentleman who charmed ladies with ease in the ballroom was now being shooed about by a woman half his size.Shifting back into the bushes, she swallowed the giggle that was lodged in her throat.
When Lady Bronwyn appeared in the room, the Lord Hurlington Violet knew and recognized reappeared, and the playful gentleman who was bantering with the housekeeper moments before disappeared.Lord Hurlington moved to the sideboard and began loading up a plate of food.Urgh.After years of watching others from the shadows she should have mastered the art of lip reading yet she failed to decipher what Lady Bronwyn had said to cause the man to straighten to attention, nearly fumbling his plate and spilling its contents.When Lord Hurlington lifted his gaze to the mirror above the sideboard, Violet did likewise, and as their eyes met briefly, she fell backward onto her arse.
Her right leg cramped, preventing her from fleeing immediately.Breathe.No rash movements.If she remained quiet and still, she could hope that he might convince himself that he was seeing things and go about enjoying his meal.Except when she heard the crush of pebbles beneath quick booted footsteps, Violet knew her wishes would be dashed like always.
She wasn’t surprised when a large, gloved hand was extended to her through the leaves.However, she was shocked at the gravelly voice of Landon Neale, Lord Hadfield.“Lady Violet, please allow me to escort you back to the house.”
Discovered and left with no choice but to accept the gentleman’s offer, Violet placed her hand in Lord Hadfield’s.Cheeks warm, Violet bobbed a curtsy as soon as she emerged from the hedge.“My thanks, my lord.”
“Might I suggest we take a stroll before we join my wife and Lord Hurlington?”Lord Hadfield’s tone was light yet serious.
Legs aching and needing to be stretched, Violet answered, “That sounds like a grand idea, my lord.”
