I don't trust Parrish either.

Thinking back to Chapter 3 and the mention of Mr. Hurst's winning wager at White's, I wonder if Mr. Parrish actively sought Caroline out for some reason. Other than a life of wedded bliss and tall, striking heirs, that is. ;-) If he had enlisted Hurst's aid in getting close to her, for instance, that would have given Hurst the inside info he needed to make that bet a safe one.

And isn't it a strange coincidence that Mr. Parrish has courted two different women in such a short period of time, whose fathers were once in business together?