Free An Inconvenient Trilogy by Audrey Harrison Page A

to think I would like to get to know you better,” Lord Halkyn said in a quiet voice. “Perhaps we could spend some time without your entourage?”
    Elizabeth did not really know what to say. She did not want his attentions, but did not want to appear rude either. “I’m not sure.”
    Lord Halkyn turned his most persuasive smile on her, “Come now, I am a friend of Dunham’s, a drive out with me cannot be so dangerous can it?”
    “No I suppose not,” Elizabeth replied.
    *
    The following day Elizabeth and Lord Halkyn drove out in his phaeton. Elizabeth had found Michael unresponsive when she had asked whether she should have agreed to the outing, and out of frustration had told Michael that she was going to encourage Halkyn’s attentions. She had failed to notice the firm set of Michael’s lips, or the raised eyebrows of his sister.
    Violet decided that she had to speak to her brother whatever his response, before he completely lost Elizabeth. So while Elizabeth was being entertained by a man who could make her smile, but not make her laugh or her heart pound, Violet sat down next to Michael and took his hand.
    “I think you should declare yourself to Elizabeth,” she said quietly.
    “What?” Michael exclaimed, pulling his hand away from his sister.
    “Michael you cannot hide from me. I see the way you look at her. I see the way you smile when she is in the room.” Violet persisted.
    “She is my ward and I like her!” Michael explained, cursing himself for not being more circumspect when Violet was near. It was typical that she would see what he strove to hide from everyone else.
    “We all like her, but I think it is more than mere like with you. I have never seen you respond to anyone in the way you do to her.” Violet persisted.
    “This is nonsense,” Michael maintained his defensive position.
    “I will tell you what is nonsense! The way you are encouraging Halkyn to chase after her. Have you thought how you will feel if she agrees to marry him?”
    “I will feel that I have done my duty.” Michael muttered, trying to ignore the feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.
    “Yes, you will have done your duty, in finding her a husband. But you will have pushed her towards a man who won’t love her the way you would.” Violet said quietly.
    “Why won’t he?” Michael asked genuinely puzzled.
    Violet realised she was making some progress; Michael had not denied that he did not love Elizabeth. “He is interested now because she is a novelty; but do you not think he would tire of her eventually, no matter how charming we all know she is?”
    “He would be a fool if he did.” Michael said with feeling.
    “I agree, but have you not noticed how cold Halkyn is? Elizabeth has sensed it, even on such a short acquaintance.”
    “Why what has she said? Has he behaved inappropriately?” Michael demanded. He would kill Halkyn if he harmed a hair on Elizabeth’s head.
    Violet smiled at her protective brother. “No he has done nothing wrong, but she has said that he seems cold somehow. He has given her the impression that any marriage he entered into would be a business transaction, nothing more.”
    “It is in many instances.” Michael acknowledged. The number of arranged marriages that occurred throughout society to achieve the joining of estates could be seen as nothing but a business transaction. Feelings rarely were considered in such situations.
    “I agree in some cases, but have you not seen that Elizabeth could never marry on such terms? She is a girl that is passionate about life; she needs to be loved by someone who would not try to stifle her because of the need to fit into society. She does not openly show it, but she yearns to be loved Michael. Halkyn is not the man for her.” Violet insisted.
    “Shouldn’t Elizabeth be the one to decide that?” Michael asked, stubbornly sticking to his sense of duty, wanting to let Elizabeth make her own decisions.
    “Oh for goodness sake!”