All the Single Viscounts by Merry Farmer

Author:Merry Farmer [Farmer, Merry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-09-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Erica rushed home as fast as she could without straining herself or putting herself in a state that would require a full bath to make herself look presentable. She did pause in the barn behind the church to cool down, sponge off, and change from the trousers she’d worn for the dragon’s test flight into her usual skirt and blouse. Somehow, she managed everything without encountering anyone she didn’t want to encounter on the road and, more importantly, without coming face to face with her father before she was in a presentably gentle state.

Even then, her father stopped in the middle of setting out their good tea set on one of the side tables in the parlor to study her as she stepped into the house.

“Where have you been, my dear?” he asked with a puzzled frown. “I was given to understand that you were tidying up your room and not out paying a call.”

Erica scrambled for an explanation that would ease her father’s suspicions. “It is a lovely day, Papa,” she said, putting on a wide smile as she joined her father in the parlor. “I went for a walk, and I called on some neighbors while I was out.” It wasn’t a lie. Well, it was a bit of a lie. But she had walked quite a way to meet Caelian at Boleran Hall, and Caelian was a neighbor of sorts.

“I am concerned about the amount of sun you have been getting of late, my dear,” her father said, continuing to fuss over the tea set. “Browned skin is unbecoming on a woman of your gentle nature.”

Erica pressed her lips together and tried not to frown. In fact, browned skin was a sign of someone who worked outside and who lived by the honest sweat of their brow, and not someone who was closeted inside all day, living a life of leisure. “The sun gives one a healthy glow,” she protested. “And it is a sign that someone lives an active and productive life.”

“You are my daughter,” her father said, shaking his head. “You do not need to live an active and productive life.” He paused, closing his mouth, and tilted his head as he seemed to think about those words for a moment. “That is to say,” he went on.

Erica held up a hand to stop him. “I know what you meant, Papa. I still disagree with it, but I know what you intended to say.”

Her father frowned at her. “I do not approve of all of this wild activity and wandering. It defies the meek and domestic nature of womankind,” he said. Before Erica could protest, he went on with, “But I’ve discovered a remedy for it. I think you will be pleased with the arrangements I have made for you to fulfill every expectation that God has for a beautiful gem such as you.”

Erica’s mouth slipped open, but she had no idea how to reply to her father’s statement. On the one hand, he was sweet to think so highly of her and to care for her.

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