Page 9 of Most Sought-After Scoundrel in London
“The discussion at Theo’s literary salon was not nearly half as simulating without you present, Lady Violet.”Lord Hadfield clasped his hands behind his back.“I find your views and opinions extremely insightful.”
Violet mirrored the man’s posture, placing her hands behind her back.She’d not conversed with Lord Hadfield at length nor about any other topic but the weather.It was a pleasant discovery to find that the man was not only eloquent but extremely clever in his word choices.Bah.The gentleman next to her was a PORF; she shouldn’t have expected less.Uncomfortable accepting compliments, she replied, “You are too kind, my lord.”
“There are many who would strongly disagree with you.”Lord Hadfield laughed and then stopped to glance over at the house.“It’s time for us to join the others, but before we do, I want to share with you that whatever you decide, you shall have the support of the Neales.That includes my wife, my brother, his wife, my mother, and I.”
Stunned, Violet watched the Earl of Hadfield stride back to the house without pause.It was only when he reached the terrace door and held it open for her that she found herself moving forward despite her intuition screaming at her to run the other way.
“Hurlington, will you please take a seat?”Lady Bronwyn’s order, delivered in an even, unruffled tone, had Cameron joining his host at the table.
He couldn’t help but look over his shoulder at the woman who was casually strolling alongside the highest-ranking PORF as if Lord Hadfield didn’t have the power to change the direction of her life at a whim.Not that Lord Hadfield had ever acted without reason; his wife ensured that.Cameron turned back around to find Lady Bronwyn studying him closely.
He picked up his fork and took a healthy bite of sausage.When Lady Bronwyn arched a brow in his direction, he quickly swallowed, then picked up his napkin to wipe the corners of his mouth before asking, “Is there something on my face?”
“Not in particular.”Lady Hadfield’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.“However, there is a look of guilt, or is it concern?Is there something weighing on your mind that you have not shared with us?”
His mind raced to find the words that would normally come with ease after years of practice tiptoeing about the truth.“There has been a matter—” His reply was interrupted by the entrance of Lord Hadfield and Lady Violet.
Cameron rose and bowed.“A good morn, Lord Hadfield.Lady Violet.”
“Sit,” Lord Hadfield commanded, and both he and Lady Violet moved quickly to obey the man.
“Husband!You’ll scare Lady Violet away before I’ve even had a chance to visit with her,” Lady Bronwyn scolded the man who only had soft looks for his wife.
“My apologies.Should I take my leave now, then?”Lord Hadfield asked with a smile that made Cameron feel as if he was intruding upon a very private moment.He glanced over at Violet, whose cheeks were pink, and her gaze was trained on her hands in her lap.
“My mama was correct.Once a rogue, always a rogue.”Lady Bronwyn stood and escorted her husband to the door before giving him a final push over the threshold.
As he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, Violet flickered her gaze in his direction, her stern look reminded him of those he used to receive from his governess as a boy.Why Violet was able to humble him was both unnerving and bewildering.
“Hurlington?”Lady Bronwyn’s unusually sharp tone broke through his thoughts.
“Yes, my lady?”
Ignoring him, Lady Bronwyn returned to her seat and shifted to address Violet.“This is exactly why I need your assistance.”
“You wish formeto attend a week-long house party at your country estate?”
“There’s naught for you to worry about.It will be a small, intimate affair.”Lady Bronwyn tilted her head, a sign Cameron had come to recognize to be a warning that the woman was about to impart news or information of significance.“Lady Theo shared with me… Well, she advised that since I was a lover of Louisa Herman’s work, that we should become better acquainted.”
Egad.If Cameron had deciphered Lady Bronwyn’s words correctly, Lady Violet and Ms.Herman were one and the same.His gaze shifted to Violet, who looked unruffled and not at all like a woman who had been unmasked.Her composure was remarkable.Muted in wonder, his gaze continued to flicker between the two women who volleyed arguments as to whether Violet should attend.While he wanted Violet to be the victor, he secretly knew that Lady Bronwyn would win.As wife of the head PORF, the Countess of Hadfield was a master debater and negotiator.
It wasn’t long before Violet’s shoulders rolled slightly forward in defeat.“As you wish, Lady Bronwyn.I shall join for a week, but only a week.”
“Grand.I shall have the Hadfield coach come fetch you tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow!”
“This afternoon then?”Lady Bronwyn challenged.
Cameron couldn’t help but sit back and smile as the banter began once more.Regardless of when they were to depart, he was looking forward to spending a week in Violet’s company.
“Then it’s settled.We shall set out tomorrow afternoon,” Lady Bronwyn declared.
Violet, clearly defeated, stood, and Cameron jumped to his feet.“Allow me to escort you home, Lady Violet.”
As he came to stand next to her, Violet hissed, “Oh, you can speak.”
Perhaps he should have interjected and assisted her earlier in response to her pleading eyes, but given his wishes were aligned with Lady Bronwyn, he didn’t believe he’d be of much help.
