Page 37 of The Gentleman Was Right
Belinda had revealed far too many things Violet wanted to ask about, but one stood out amongst the others. “Are you saying that Edward might withdraw his offer if Sebastian does not approve?
“Not at all.” Belinda chuckled. “Sebastian wouldn’t stand in the way of Edward’s happiness, but he’s sensitive about your motives, and he has encouraged Edward to proceed with caution.”
“You’ve only just met me. And he hasn’t met me at all. It’d be suspect if your family wasn’t wary.”
“That’s true, but we would be less wary if you explained your situation.”
There was a part of Violet that wanted to explain. If anyone could empathize, she suspected Belinda might. The words, though, refused to leave her lips. She couldn’t force herself to reveal the depth of her folly, even if it meant she lost Belinda’s support. “My situation is that I require a husband, and Edward asked for my hand.”
Belinda said nothing, just continued staring at Violet as if she could see straight into her soul. It took everything Violet possessed not to fidget under the scrutiny.
“Do you like him?” Belinda asked suddenly.
Violet blinked. “What kind of question is that?”
“Our father died, and then Sebastian abandoned us. Edward felt the loss of our brother down to his bones, but he did not allow himself to wallow. He took care of us—Jane, Louisa and me—when no one else could be bothered to do so. If not for him, we’d be untamed and uncivilized.” Her lips turned down a little. “Edward can’t turn his back on a person in need. Even though Sebastian left him behind, he didn’t hesitate to help our eldest brother when he required it. There is not a soul in London who cares more for his family than Edward does, and we owe him more than we will ever be able to repay, so I’ll ask you again, do you like him?”
“I do.” Violet swallowed. “If his offer stands, I should like to accept; if it doesn’t, you will never lay eyes on me again.”
“I believe it stands.” She leaned forward and spoke softly. “I would never interfere in Edward’s life, but if you’re toying with him, I will protect him with everything I have.”
“I’m not toying with him.”
“But you’re using him.”
It was hard to argue with that. “I will be a devoted wife.”
Belinda nodded. “Fair enough. But if you hurt him, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
ChapterTwelve
Edward slowly and somewhat mechanically followed Sebastian up the stairs of their London residence. He’d been a bit lifeless since he’d received the report from the investigator earlier that morning.
The news that Violet was in London but showed no signs of distress should have been a relief, and the fact that it was a disappointment instead did not speak well of his character.
What was wrong with him?
Why was he so invested in what happened to Violet? And why had he been hoping he’d need to sweep in and save the day?
It was partly the kiss.
But it wasn’tjustthe kiss that made him want to go to her. He’d wanted to save her before he knew what her lips tasted like. The fact that she didn’t want his help chafed more than it should.
Refusing his proposal.
Leaving without so much as a goodbye.
She had made her position abundantly clear.
Still, the urge to confirm with his own eyes that she was well had not dissipated after he’d read the report. If anything, the urge had gotten stronger now that he knew where to find her.
In an attempt to distract himself, he’d accompanied Sebastian to his club, but it hadn’t worked. Edward had thought about her theentiretime they were there. She was an itch he couldn’t scratch. An itch heshouldn’tscratch.
“I might return to Greydon Hall,” he said to Sebastian, as he handed his hat to the butler. If he didn’t leave London, he would find himself on her doorstep within days. Or possibly hours. Nothing good would come of that. He could only imagine how displeased she’d be to see him again.
“You just returned from the cottage, and you wish to leave again?”
“London doesn’t suit me,” he stated, as if it were an indisputable fact rather than a bunch of rubbish.
