7. Chapter Seven

Kairos

Chapter Seven

Viscount Edmund Bridgerton had never been good at sleeping when he was in the grip of some intense emotion. So, it did not surprise his valet Priorly when he found his young master asleep at his desk the next morning, his head resting upon a half-finished. It was only when the man had started raking the fire that the young man jerked awake, his forehead creased by a dip in the table and his collar spattered with ink.

"Did I fall asleep?" he asked, rubbing his eyes with inky fingers.

"It appears so, my lord," Priorly replied. "How many letters did your lordship manage to finish before you started the one on the desk?"

The Viscount pondered, "Cousin Louisa, Grandmama Dawlish, Uncle and Aunt Dawlish and I'd starter an epistle to Uncle Tom …"

"That's the half finished one."

"So, I'd managed three," he replied triumphantly, "Will you see they're put in the post?"

"Of course, my lord, now might I suggest smartening yourself up for the dowager? You're looking somewhat … ruffled …"

Lord Brigerton merely grinned before allowing himself to be properly "prepared" as Priorly put it. After a thorough wash, clean shave, breakfasting and dressing for the day, he was still riding down his street at the time when most gentlefolk were just ringing for their morning cup of tea.

In fact, he was so full of vigour and enthusiasm that he was already passing out of the environs of London before he noticed where he was. As he left the cobbles behind and was passing green pastures and large gardens, he found his mind wandering to the last time he had entered Aubrey Hall unannounced to tell his mother and brother of his intention.

He had been so full of enthusiasm that he had whirled past Mrs Mays the housekeeper and swept into his mother's favourite morning room without preamble. The peace of the room had been shattered by his loud declaration of,

"I have found the girl I am going to marry!"

The Dowager Viscountess Lady Bridgerton had raised a curious eyebrow at her eldest son, Harold had snorted before burying his face in his book and Mrs Trice (his mother's long-term companion) had dropped her embroidery in shock.

"I beg your pardon, dear?" his mother had asked, "What did you say?"

"I have met the young woman I will make my wife, Mama!" he declared triumphantly before launching into a long and detailed recounting of the Danbury's ball and his first meeting with Miss Clympton.

Still, his mother had not reacted, and he felt his elation subsiding somewhat. She had listened to his entire recount with an inscrutable expression that was neither pleased nor displeased. When she deigned to reply, she did it after picking up her sewing. It was not an auspicious start.

"I thought you were going to London to dip your toe in the water, as it were," she remarked, "I had no idea that you had gone with matrimony in mind."

He pulled a face, "Mama, you know it isn't like that! I've never felt this way about anyone before, and goodness knows, every Mama in our neighbourhood has been trying to thrust their daughters at me since I was seventeen!"

Her ladyship allowed herself a small smile at this image, "Be that as it may … did not you say that you met this young lady at the Danbury's ball? Wasn't that the first event of the Season that you attended?"

"Yes," he was forced to concede, "But I am not overreacting, I promise you Mama! I've never been this sure about anything in my life."

Lady Bridgerton made herself put down her sewing and properly consider her son. "Edmund, my dear, I am not saying that you are wrong about your feelings, but I would like you to promise me that you will hear me out before you react to what I have to say, do I have your word? Now please, sit down before you wear out my new carpet."

Edmund, who had been pacing before this, nodded, though he knew this would not be a comfortable conversation.

"How many times in total have you seen this young lady; Miss Clympton I believe you said? I suppose you mean the only daughter of Lord and Lady Clympton?"

"Yes," he replied, "Lady Danbury knows them …"

"She does and I have heard her speak well of the daughter as well, a Miss Violet I believe ..? However, my question is still unanswered. How many times have you seen this young lady in total?"

"Four," Edmund admitted.

His brother snorted and opened his mouth to comment when their mother fixed him with an all too familiar look. "Harold Bridgerton, if you provoke your brother in any way right now, I will have Mrs May assign you servant duties tomorrow." Harold shut his mouth and feigned the reading of his book once more. Lord Bridgerton marvelled at the power their mother still had to reduce them to disobedient toddlers with one look.

"Edmund, I want you to listen to me carefully. I am not doubting the feelings that you feel for this young lady, or her being fully worthy of them, but I must caution you. Marriage is for life, my dear, and if you come on too strong too soon then you may lose her."

"But I know she feels the same way Mama …"

"Be that as it may, it would be a sensible thing to suggest a courtship. This will enable yourself and Miss Clympton to spend as much time together as you like and properly get to know each other. Physical attraction is a powerful thing, but there must be a strong emotional and mental connection as well or you may be doomed to a life of misery once the bloom of first love fades. Please hear me as one who has seen too many friends have to endure loveless marriages. All I ask is that you slow down and allow your feelings (and hers) to develop at a natural rate, my dear."

In the end, the Viscount had been forced to submit to the sense of his mother's words and had sent the infamous letter that had caused such a ruction early in their relationship. He cringed as he considered the words that he had used in that hated epistle, expressions that had caused such pain to the woman he had come to love.

As though sensing his rider's disquiet, his gelding laid back his ears and increased his pace. It was a welcome change to Lord Bridgerton and he allow his horse to have his head and indulge in a flat out gallop along the road for several miles. It was only once they were approaching the familiar gate house at the start of the drive to Aubrey Hall that he reigned his horse back into a more sedate trot.

He was in such good time that he found his mother and her companion still at breakfast.

"Edmund!" the Dowager exclaimed, truly shocked this time as her son dropped a kiss on her cheek and called for another place to be set as he reached eagerly for the eggs (his own simple breakfast feeling like a long time ago).

"Good morning Mama!" he greeted briskly before turning to the footman, "Charles, could you ask Mrs Mullins to fry me some rashers of bacon please?" The footman nodded with a smile and was gone to the cook before Lady Bridgerton could do more than take a reviving sip from her cup of tea. Her companion instantly poured her a fresh one.

"I hope you will not get into a habit of whirling in and out of our sedate country way of life," his mother remarked drily.

Edmund merely smiled, his mouth full of scrambled egg and toast. He took a large gulp of tea from the cup Miss Trice had poured him and then turned to his mother, feeling renewed.

"I have some exciting news to tell you, Mama, and I couldn't wait longer to share it." His mother nodded and waited, though all knew what he would say. "I'm delighted to say that I asked the beautiful Miss Clympton to be my wife last night and she has agreed!"

He waited for his mother's reaction and was relieved to see a true smile appear. She had the same blue eyes as her sons, and they were warm as she took her eldest child's hand.

"I congratulate you, my dear, she is a lucky young woman."

"I am the lucky one," he replied with relief, "And we took your advice. She also suggested a courtship when I next saw her, her mother made the same proposal."

"Sensible woman."

The Viscount took a mouthful of egg for courage, "In fact, both my fiancée and her mother wished to write to you to express their joy in the match, but I told them not to."

"Why would you deny me the joy of their correspondence?"

Edmund swallowed, "I was hoping that you might like to meet them in person before a correspondence is begun …"

His mother blinked, "Are they coming to visit, my dear?"

"I have suggested it as an option, but I was hoping that you might accept another proposal …"

"What is it Edmund? You looked very uncomfortable."

"Mama, what would you say to the idea of coming to London and us opening up Bridgerton House? I'd love to see the old place taken out of its retirement and Violet and I will probably be living there for some months of the year anyway."

Edmund had known it was a longshot, but his mother's saddening expression took away any hopes he might have had of a family party at Bridgerton House.

"Edmund, dear, you know I am not well enough. We are very lucky that I have improved so much over the past few seasons, but Doctor Lamarny has told me specifically that the air of the country is vital to the sustaining of my lungs. I am truly sorry my dear. It is a lovely idea but quite impossible at the moment."

He sighed; he had known that this would be her answer. Her answering look was so disappointed that he took her hand.

"I miss the dear old place," she confessed, "the beautiful wisteria at the front. That wonderful sunlit parlour."

"You won't be upset if I take Miss Clympton there?"

"Of course not, Edmund! She's going to be the new Viscountess; she needs to familiarise herself with her houses."

"Then may I suggest an alternative? Could you invite her family to Aubrey? They have truly embraced me and been so very welcoming since the beginning of our acquaintance. Lady Clympton is a very kind lady and Violet is …" he lost his train of thought as he contemplated his beloved and missed the knowing look that passed between his mother and Mrs Trice.

"I think that is a charming notion, Edmund. Jeanne my dear, do we have space in my calendar?"

Mrs Trice opened a little black leather book and studied a page, "Lady Anwell is visiting tomorrow, and the Mrs and Miss Prices are coming on the 11th, but you have several days free from the 12th, your ladyship."

"How does the 12th- 14th sound, Edmund?"

Her son beamed, "I am sure it will work very well, Mama. I shall have to see Gatton about bringing the poor ponies out of their retirement. Violet has three younger brothers, and I am sure they will enjoy a good gallop across our meadows."

"How old are they? Tell me of your betrothed's family."

Lord Bridgerton then spent an enjoyable hour telling his mother of the Clymptons and regaling her with stories of their various exploits and escapades. The Dowager was very soon laughing.

"I am sure Gatton will enjoy having boys to entertain again," she stated, "I believe he finds myself and Mrs Trice a little staid compared to the chaos you and Harold used to raise."

With a grin, Edmund rose, "I will join you for lunch after speaking with Gatton and Mrs Mays. Then I must return to London. I am engaged to dine with the Clympton's tonight. We still need to settle upon a date for the wedding."

His mother raised her cheek for the expected kiss and waited for her son to leave before she turned to her companion, "I owe you ten guineas Jeanne, you were right when you said it would be this week. I thought he would wait until the end of the courtship."

It was only now that the matronly Mrs Trice allowed herself a smile, "Oh no, my lady, I knew he wouldn't last that long, his lordship was already in the love with the young lady the first time he came here three weeks ago."

Lady Bridgerton merely took a sip from her cup of tea by way of an answer.

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After an eventful morning, Miss Violet Clympton was starting to regret her engagement. Well, not entirely. She was starting to regret her engagement to a Viscount. She was positively thrilled to be marrying Edmund Bridgerton, it was the expectations of the title that were already exhausting her.

Once the final caller had been banished, she had fled from the parlour and descended very quickly afterwards in her favourite (and oldest) riding habit. Not at all surprised, her mother had merely given her an enquiring look at this sudden change of outfit.

"Fleeing from your adoring public, Vi?"

Her daughter had called loudly for Jones, their groom. "I am escaping to Richmond Park and if any callers appear please pass on my regrets for being absent," she replied.

She had nearly reached the side door when her mother called, reminding her to be back by five o'clock to dine. Violet allowed herself to pull one private face before she had all but run to the stable yard and found Jones awaiting her with a knowing grin. She returned it happily and accepted a cupped hand which flung her up into the saddle.

"Richmond Park did I hear you yell, miss?" the groom enquired as he guided his steady cob Lincoln forward.

She nodded, "I wish to try Bessie's paces in a gallop, and I feel like I've been neglecting the poor darling," she replied, patting her mare's pretty bay neck.

"George and I always keep her well exercised," he replied.

"Yes, but I spend half my morning on her when we're in the country," she observed sadly, "I'm sure she'll enjoy a proper chance to stretch her legs."

Jones agreed and followed his young mistress out into the traffic. They made steady progress through London and had reached the park after an hour. Once they were out of the busy main road, Violet felt her mare's ears perk up and after exchanging a gleeful look with Jones, let Bessie have her head. The mare was a smaller beast than the groom's, but she was built for speed and took off immediately.

Violet simply rose in her stirrups and allowed herself to experience the joyful elation of the gallop, allowing Bessie to let herself go and run flat out along the bridal path. It was a form of escape that she had not experienced in weeks and was a precious release for her pent-up frustration and annoyance.

It was only after they had completed a full circuit of the entire perimeter of the park (which Jones told her was seven and a half miles) that Violet felt Bessie tiring and slowed her to a gentler canter and then a trot. She glanced back to see Jones stoically following on the solid Lincoln (a horse he had raised himself over twenty years ago that was still as solid and reliable as a rock).

"Home, Miss?" he enquired.

Violet considered and shook her head, "Let's do a more sedate circle," she suggested, urging Bessie along the road that cut across the middle of the park. She checked her watch, "It's only just past three, we still have time for a smaller circuit."

She decided to go in search of the deer herd and was just approaching the centre of the park when she heard her name being called and turned to see a familiar pair.

"Good day, soon to be Viscountess Bridgerton!" Katherine Andrews called loudly.

Violet smiled and approached them; Timothy guided his horses to drive alongside her for easy conversation.

"And good day to both of you," she replied, "I feel as though it's been an age since we properly talked."

"Have the Ton been monopolising your precious time?" Timothy enquired. "I've heard on the grape-vine that your parlour was positively brimming with company this morning." Violet pulled a face that made them both laugh.

"Poor Vi, so popular all of a sudden!" Katherine teased, "How will you cope?"

"Isn't it obvious?" she replied, "I cope by running away and galloping my horse faster than is fashionably allowed. Speaking of which, Katherine, can we please arrange to go to tea tomorrow? I miss your company!"

The engagement was swiftly agreed upon and Violet accompanied them around half of the park before she heard a tutting behind her and was reminded of the time by Jones.

"Oh blast!" she exclaimed, "We have to leave, I'm going to be late for dinner."

"Is the Viscount coming?"

"Yes, he left to tell his mother the happy news this morning. Have you met her Timothy?"

He replied that he had, "A very affable lady," he added, "Fiercely proud of her sons. I would not worry your sensible head about not being accepted, Vi. She's always remarked to me about how she has always wanted a daughter; I believe you'll get on famously."

Violet nodded, though the lump of nerves in her stomach did not lessen much. She was secretly terrified at the notion of meeting this important (and apparently formidable) Mama who had raised the man she loved.

After taking an affectionate leave of the Andrews, she led the way back to the busy roads that would lead them home and knew straight away that they would be cutting it fine. Jones voiced his concern at her mother's annoyance and Violet instantly reassured him that she would take the blame.

"You were all for leaving after our first circuit," she stated, "I was the one who wanted to stay for a second stage to our ride."

In the end they were on time, but barely. Violet clattered into the entrance hall at 4.50 covered in dust and with her hair falling from its pins. She had just started to creep up the main staircase when her mother came sweeping out of the front parlour with a very disapproving exclamation of, "Violet!"

Her daughter cringed, turned, and descended the stairs, "I'm sorry Mama, don't blame Jones, it was my fault …"

"Why would I blame Jones? The poor man has been under your spell since you were six years old. You knew the time you were expected home and still left the park later than you should have."

"I am sorry …" Violet began but was cut off by the arrival of her betrothed who had followed her mother from the parlour looking clean, handsome, and very ready for dinner.

He looked up at his fiancée with a twinkle but also a decidedly appraising glance that made her blush. "Please do not apologise on my behalf, Miss Clympton. I would much rather dine slightly late in the knowledge that my lady passed a pleasant afternoon. Did you have an enjoyable ride?"

Unable to stop her deepening blush, Violet said that she had. His grin broadened at the sight and he offered her mother his arm. "May I escort you back into the parlour, Lady Clympton? I'm sure your daughter won't keep us waiting any longer than she means to."

Amused by the cheek and charm of her soon to be son in law, Lady Clympton accepted his arm and allowed herself to be led back into the parlour for the pre-dinner drinks.

"I must warn you, my lord, my daughter is a voracious horsewoman and half the time we don't know where on the estate she is. Be prepared to lose track of your wife at very regular intervals."

The Viscount laughed at this image of Violet and assured her ladyship that he would enjoy the challenge of keeping up with her daughter. "I am also a keen horseman," he added. "I wish I had known how eager Miss Clympton was to take a ride in the park, I would have recommended it over the drive the first time I took her to Richmond."

"Well, it shall have to be a pleasure you may enjoy from now on, my lord."

Edmund Bridgerton was spared giving an answer to this, as young Geoffrey Clympton suddenly turned his bright eyes upon him.

"My lord, is it true that you have many horses at Aubrey Park?"

"It is indeed," he replied.

"When we visit you and Vi, might I be allowed to ride your quickest horse?"

"Geoffrey, I'm sure the Viscount's swiftest beast would be too big for you," Frederick chided his youngest brother.

"I'm certain he'll stick you on the old fat pony," Benjamin jeered.

Geoffrey's face was instantly red, "He will not! Will you, sir?"

The Viscount was quick to interject, having witnessed many such disputes between the lads. "I actually have a request to make of you all concerning my stables, though I would wait for your sister's arrival before I announce it."

The boys' attention was instantly drawn, and they started pestering Lord Bridgerton for information, none of which he would give. It went on for about five minutes before Violet made her entrance and brought the suspense to an end.

The Viscount, who had just rather enjoyed the sight of his future wife in a fitted riding habit with her chestnut hair coming loose from its pins, was momentarily distracted by the vision of her again more formally attired. Her hair was neatly pinned, and she wore a gown of lilac that became her dark hair.

He was so side-tracked that it took Geoffrey poking him in the hand to bring him back to the topic at hand.

"Yes, sorry, where was I? Ah yes! My mother had invited you all to stay at Aubrey Hall from the 12th-14th May. I hope that this date will suit you. She is eager to make all of your acquaintances and I have spoken specifically to my head groom about finding suitable mounts for all my future brothers in law."

This invitation was received with general happiness and though there might have been some slight sadness at the prospect of Bridgerton House not playing host to a large family gathering, everyone was eager to see and admire Aubrey Hall.

The Viscount made a point of sitting by his betrothed and taking her hand.

"Mama wished me to tell you that she highly anticipates making your acquaintance. She and old Mrs Trice were delighted by our engagement."

Violet found a smile and forced herself to put aside her nerves, "So you had a pleasant ride then?"

"Yes, and swift. I left stupidly early after about two hours of sleep. I believe Priorly despairs of me. I slept at my writing desk. He found me this morning."

She laughed, "Well I am sure you looked better than I did returning from my ride. My mother is no doubt horrified that I made such an exhibition of myself."

He grinned suddenly, "I was not complaining, some of your hair had come down. I never knew that it naturally curled by your neck." He reached up a hand as though to wind it round the same curl, which was still at the base of her neck, but moved to rest it on the back of the sofa instead.

Violet looked away, flushing slightly and made a show of folding her hands in her lap. The Viscount smirked, loving the certain knowledge that he had embarrassed her and turned to easier topics.

"I wish that I had known what a keen horsewoman you are! We must take a ride sometime this week."

She smiled, "I'd like that, I was telling Jones that my poor Bessie hasn't got nearly enough exercise since we've been in London. I've decided to take her out at least twice a week for a proper gallop."

He beamed at the prospect, "Well I shall take great pleasure in joining you. I hope you might forgive Harold also being a part of the outing occasionally, he is an even more able horseman than I and requires the escape of a proper gallop at least three times a week."

Violet nodded, "I'd be delighted."

They were called in to dinner by Crook the next moment and Lord Bridgerton rose, offering his intended his arm.

"I haven't forgotten the challenge you set me, by the way," he murmured as they walked in behind her parents. "I will persuade you to say my Christian name before I call you by yours."

"Good luck, my lord," she whispered back as he drew out her chair for her, "You may not be entirely aware of just how stubborn I can be yet, but my father has been known to compare my level to that of a mule."

This image so amused the Viscount that he was forced to hide a snort in taking a sip of water, something which did not escape either of his hosts.

Over dinner various topics were discussed, but Lady Clympton was quick to bring up a suitable date for the wedding.

"It will take four weeks for the banns to be read, so it cannot be before mid-June," she commented.

"We don't want to wait too long, my lady," Lord Bridgerton replied. "Your daughter and I have spoken briefly, and we mentioned a summer wedding, did we not, my love?"

Violet nodded. "What about early July?" she suggested. "We could get married towards the end of the Season and then head off to spend our summer at Aubrey Hall."

"Or maybe we could spend a month in London at Bridgerton House?" the Viscount suggested, "I am dying to show you the place, Miss Clympton. The one thing it needs is a new mistress to breathe fresh life and love into it."

"I've heard it's a beautiful place," Lady Clympton commented.

"Didn't your great grandfather purchase it as a newbuild, Bridgerton?" Lord Clypton asked.

"Yes, my lord," Bridgerton agreed, "It has been my family's London house for over a hundred years. But, as I said, it has sadly been rather neglected in recent years as my mother's health has declined."

"It's terribly good of her to invite our entire family to stay at Aubrey Hall. I fancy the boys will dreadfully interrupt her tranquillity."

The Viscount laughed, "My mother is terribly fond of children, she shall delight in having your sons to stay, I do assure you."

The comment sent Violet's thoughts in a different direction that made her blush over her soup. It was not until her mother had turned away that her betrothed leant over to whisper,

"Is the soup too hot for you, my love?"

"No indeed, you hateful man," she replied, wishing she could swat his arm. Lord Bridgerton took an unconcerned spoonful of his soup. "I was thinking of our future children," she added sweetly, which made his splutter slightly.

Feeling victorious, Violet took a spoonful of her own and dabbed at her mouth daintily. The Viscount however was keen to continue this conversation and muttered back, "How many would you like?"

She took a sip of water to hide her confusion, before turning and seeing that he was dead serious in his question. So, she managed the same candour when she replied that she would like, "As many as God will give us."

The look that passed between them was so touching and fervent that she found herself having to look away. Under the table he took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Unable to help herself, Violet found a smile touching her lips and became lost in her own little happy bubble for much of that course.

It was only when the roast beef had been served that she drew her attention back to the conversation and found her mother regarding her with a happy smile. Violet returned it with a radiant one of her own and found herself very able to join in with the light joking and banter of her brothers.

The rest of the meal passed peaceably enough and after playing a sonata on the piano for them, Violet was just considering whether she might move to the card table when she saw the Viscount approaching her.

"Miss Clympton, I have requested the honour of a private walk with you, your mother said that we might take a turn in the garden."

"Truly? Very well, my lord."

Violet led the way towards the French windows that opened out on to the patio. She showed the Viscount out into the cool shade of the garden. It wasn't large but had one particularly fine oak tree in a corner and a rather beautiful rose trellis climbing two walls. With a strange amount of ceremony, Lord Bridgerton led her to a little bench and sat her upon it before kneeling in front of her.

He took her hand and looked full into her face, "Miss Clympton, from the first moment I saw you, I knew that you were the woman I would one day marry. Will you do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?"

Violet was about to question him when she saw the ring he was holding and gasped. A golden infinity cut with a large diamond in the centre and smaller diamonds delicately inlaid in the band.

"Oh, my lord, oh Edmund!" she exclaimed, "It's beautiful!"

She clapped her hands over her mouth after she realised what she had done, and the Viscount burst out laughing.

"Well, Violet," he stated with a broad grin as he slipped the ring on to her finger, "I believe that means I win this challenge." Unable to get annoyed, Violet merely laughed and found that she could not stop smiling.

"Oh Edmund," she whispered, "I am so happy. All joking aside, to discuss our children and future with you … I never knew I could be so happy. I am so lucky that you chose me."

With a shake of his head, the Viscount sat beside her and took her hands. "No, dearest Violet," he stated, "We are lucky. To have found each other in such a world of superficiality and obsession with wealth and title. I thank God every day for the decision to cut short my tour and come to London. Just imagine what would have happened if I'd sailed for Madeira as I'd originally planned?"

"Maybe we can go there on our wedding tour?" she suggested.

He smiled softly, "There's my brilliant wife." Unable to help himself, he drew her close and kissed her. It was their third kiss, but this one was slower, more tender than the passionate embraces of the night before. Violet felt him draw her to him and wrap an arm firmly about her waist.

As she was held and embraced by the man she loved, she found herself wondering how married couples could think to do anything else with their time. His lips were so soft, his arms so warm and his hold so secure that she was not sure that she had ever felt so safe.

She was so lost in his touch that she at first missed the feel of hands at her neck. She only realised what he was doing when it was too late, and she felt the bottom half of her heavy hair loosening from its coif.

"Edmund, what have you done ..?" she asked, raising a hand to rescue her hair. But he caught her wrists and would not let her touch it.

"Leave it down," he commanded, "You taunted me with loose curls this afternoon and I have been fixated on your beautiful hair ever since." He released her wrists and raised a hand to stroke a lock between two fingers. "Beautiful," he murmured, "Your hair is one of your beauties, my love." He raised the lock to his lips and kissed it.

Equal parts embarrassed and intrigued, Violet allowed him to stroke her hair for a few moments before pulling away.

"I believe we should return to the house," she commented, attempting to sweep her hair back into a respectable style and failing. "I will have to go and see Sarah before I can be declared decent again, my lord!"

Lord Bridgerton's smile was mischievous and unrepentant, "I look forward to the day when I can keep you indecent Miss Clympton."

Unable to stop herself, Violet swatted his arm before turning to escape into the house. However, before she could get away, the Viscount captured her hand and brought it to her lips. "Truly Violet, all joking aside, these next six weeks are going to drag interminably."

Feeling daring, Violet took a step closer to him and kissed him lightly. "Then I suggest you are around here as much as you can be, Edmund," she whispered before pulling away and running back into the house.

Behind her, she left a Viscount who wore a mischievous grin, "Challenge accepted, Miss Clympton," he replied before walking back up the path.

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Author's Note:

Aww … things are all official! These two and incredibly fun to write, I'm looking forward to Violet meeting her future mother-in-law! Many thanks for all the follows and favourites.

As always, please read and review if you have time, it really does help me out.

Many thanks,

Breeze.