“Come.”
“Are you ready for tea?” Olivia asked as she walked into the room, where Bett’s maid had just finished putting the last of the pins in her hair.
“There you go, my lady. You look beautiful,” the maid said.
“Thank you, Lydia,” Bett said. She looked at her friend. “I’m ready. Let’s go down and meet the other guests.”
Olivia nodded, but she didn’t share Bett’s enthusiasm. Her stomach clenched tighter as she linked arms with her friend and walked out into the hallway.
Bett looked at her. “My goodness, you’re trembling.”
“Just a little nervous, that’s all. I’m thinking of taking a dinner tray in my room.”
“Liv, you mustn’t hide. We came here to get you out of your solitude, not so you can be alone in a different place.”
“I’m not hiding,” Olivia insisted, although Bett was right—she was hiding. Perhaps it was time to stop being afraid and start living again. “I suppose you’re right, but let’s see how tea goes first. Then I can decide if I want to stay downstairs for dinner.”
“I suppose that’s a start,” Bett said, leading Olivia down the stairs to the parlor. “You look quite lovely, by the way. I’m sure the gentlemen will be tripping over themselves to talk with you this evening.”
A shudder went through Olivia. She wasn’t sure she wanted all that attention.
I think I’ve made a dreadful mistake.
Chapter 5
The country air did wondersfor Robertson’s disposition. How could one be miserable surrounded by such spectacular beauty? He had no idea how large Fleming’s estate was, but he planned on riding around this week to explore it more thoroughly. He regretted not bringing his horse, Perses, especially since the stallion loved to run. The meadow beyond the formal gardens was perfect for a good gallop. He hoped Fleming had a mount he could borrow.
After a good long stretch of the legs, Robertson headed back to the manor house. He had no idea how long he’d been gone, but he wasn’t worried. Over the next ten days, there would be plenty of time to meet all of Fleming’s guests. In truth, he wasn’t particularly keen to meet anyone new—he wanted a respite from courting. He knew the gossip would soon start in London when Lord Evans announced his betrothalto Miss Grandier. He could imagine some of the comments:
Wasn’t Robertson courting Miss Grandier?
Is something wrong with Lord Robertson?
Has the Earl of Ice been thrown over?
He’d never been the subject of gossip before and wasn’t looking forward to reading the news about himself in the coming week or whenever that betrothal announcement was made. Noah was right—he was running away but it was a strategic retreat, and he planned to enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible. Even his lungs felt better in the clean country air. He didn’t feel any of the familiar tightness in his chest as he walked back to the manor.
The butler opened the door before he had a chance to knock. “My lord, the guests are meeting in the parlor for tea. Please follow me.”
Robertson nodded and followed the butler, who knocked on the parlor door before opening it.
“No need to announce me,” he said to the man before walking into the room. There were more people sitting around enjoying tea than he’d expected. As he looked around, he noticed a stunning dark-haired lady sitting on the far side of the room. She was quite beautiful, and when he walked in, he noticed her eyes widen slightly.
That was a curious reaction. Did he know the lady? He didn’t recognize her, and he doubted he’d forgetsuch a lovely face. He gave her a nod as he walked over to Noah and Miles.
“I see you noticed the lovely lady in blue sitting over there,” Noah said quietly.
“Who is she?” Robertson asked.
“She was introduced as Lady Armstrong, although I’ve not yet had the pleasure of conversing much with her.”
“Armstrong? Why does that name sound familiar?” he asked.
“I seem to remember, a number of years back, Viscount Armstrong boasting at the club about the beautiful young woman he had married. That must be her.”
“I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Armstrong,” Robertson said, disappointed to learn that the lady was married.
“And you won’t now. The man died of heart problems two years ago. From what I understand, he was quite disagreeable, cruel even, and I can’t understand why the lady’s father would approve of such a match. Armstrong was as old as my grandfather when he married her.”
