Violet was now the one to lean forward to get her point across to her family. “This is hardly the place to discuss such a private matter, Father. Can’t we discuss this at your home or mine?”
“I knew she should have never gone to London. It’s bad enough we’ve allowed her to live on her own on the edge of town,” her father fumed again. “She should still be living with us at our house where we can keep a better eye on her, Beatrix. This is all your fault.”
“You’re being over dramatic, Harry,” her mother counseled. “We’ve trusted our daughter to lead an exemplary lifestyle. Nothing has changed on that account.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Violet said, thankful that at least one member of her family trusted her to care for herself.
“She cares for the gentleman,” Owen all but shouted out for the entire tavern to hear. She supposed he was trying to mitigate their father’s concerns.
“I never said such a thing!” she retaliated.
Owen gave her one of hisI know you better than you thinklooks with one raised brow and a cocky smirk. “You didn’t have to. One glance on your face when I interrupted the conversation between the two of you this morning was enough to tell me all I needed to know.”
“You were alone with him?” her father asked, gripping the handle of his tankard.
“At the apothecary,” she quickly stated, stressing her point. “Why are you questioning me about how I run the business or my life? This has never been an issue in the past. If you’ve forgotten, I am alone all the time with customers who come in to purchase something to healwhatever ailments they may have. And you know how often I go to people’s homes when they are incapable of coming to the shop.”
“But this hardly applies to someone who has a hidden agenda for you,” Father replied, as his face became redder while he attempted to hold in his rising anger.
“There is no hidden agenda from Captain Tyler,” Violet answered, trying to hold back her own sense of frustration that was growing from this conversation.
“CaptainTyler?” Beatrix whispered.
“Yes. He’s Patience’s brother-in-law. The captain merely came here to apologize for a misunderstanding which occurred between us.”
Beatrix’s eyes widened at the news. “Then he’s family and can be trusted.”
Harry wagged his finger toward his wife. “Not where my daughter is concerned.” He then glared at Violet, who was about to voice another opinion, but one look into his eyes and she instead clamped her mouth shut. “As for you, young lady, until I’ve met him and given my approval, you will stay away from Captain Tyler and you certainly won’t be alone with a man you aren’t married to!”
Owen cursed beneath his breath. “Then here’s your opportunity, Father, because the captain just walked in.”
Violet jerked her head upwards before her fingers touched her parted lips in surprise. Gideon had indeed strolled into the tavern, looking far too handsome for her wellbeing. Was it her imagination or did his eyes seem to brighten once their gazes locked together making time once again come to a standstill?
He gave a short nod and began walking in her direction. There was no place for her to hide. But what was truly shocking was that Owen began introductions to their parents and then ordered him a drink from a passing servant.
What followed was even more troubling.
“Move over, Violet, so Captain Tyler can join us,” Beatrix declaredas Owen slid over on the bench to make room for an extra person. Violet did as she was told and she could not mistake the rapid beating of her heart once Gideon was seated next to her. Nor could she easily dismiss how her father appeared about to explode before Mother once again placed her hand on his arm.
Gideon turned slightly toward her. “Hello again, Miss Barnet.”
“Good evening, Captain Tyler,” Violet managed to mutter, not trusting herself to give more than a casual reply.
“Welcome to Bracknell, Captain Tyler,” her mother continued.
Gideon again nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barnet.” He turned his gaze toward her father. “You as well, Mr. Barnet. I was hoping to speak to you tomorrow and was going to seek you out at the mercantile. My cousin Patience told me this is where I could find you.”
A huff of displeasure left Harry’s lips. “Should have been the first thing you did once you came riding into town.”
“Yes sir, and I apologize for my bad manners and not speaking to you before I saw your daughter. Given how lovely she looks this evening, I’m sure you can understand how I could easily lose my head,” Gideon declared with a warm smile.
“What a lovely thing to say, Captain Tyler,” Beatrix murmured. “Isn’t that a nice compliment, Violet?”
Did it somehow feel as though a hundred eyes had turned upon her besides those sitting at their table? She glanced around the room and she wasn’t too far off the mark. The volume of conversations had clearly dimmed and everyone appeared to be taking interest in the newcomer to town. And then she heard the start of whisperings by those nearby and how they began to mock the fact that a scar ran down Gideon’s face. She took a glance at him but he appeared as though he either hadn’t heard their terrible words—which she herself would find hard to dismiss—or he simply did not care what others thought of him. He must have felt her stare for he turned toward her,gave her a smile, and then returned his attention to her parents seated across from them.
“Violet… wasn’t that a nice compliment?” her mother repeated.
Before she could answer, her father spoke up but whether this was a relief or a curse remained to be seen. “And what brings you to our little corner of the world, Captain Tyler?” he asked as his eyes roamed over the man seated next to her.
