As he vanished from sight, Olivia muttered, “I should have shot him.”
Theodosia let out a shaky breath. “Let’s just find a novel worth getting lost in.”
After a long, contemplative silence, Olivia turned towards her friend, her voice quiet but steady. “Mr. Pritchett was wrong, you know. You do belong here.”
“Do I?” she asked, her voice more uncertain than sheintended. “I’m merely the daughter of a baronet. A companion. Thetonwill never truly welcome me, especially not as one of their own.”
“Well, then thetonis blind,” Olivia said. “Because I certainly don’t see you that way. You’re not just a companion, Dosia—you’re my friend. And I, for one, am grateful you’re here. London is far more bearable with you in it.”
A warmth stirred in Theodosia’s chest, softening the sharp edges left behind by Mr. Pritchett’s cruel words. “I feel the same,” she murmured. “I hadn’t realized how much I needed someone like you.”
Olivia leaned her shoulder against the nearest shelf. “What say you to a bit of lemon ice after we’ve chosen our books? I feel we’ve earned it.”
Theodosia’s brows arched. “Shouldn’t we be preparing for the ball this evening?”
Olivia waved a dismissive hand. “We should, yes. But it won’t take long, and I’m firmly of the opinion that lemon ice can mend almost any ailment, especially the emotional sort. Even if only temporarily.”
A smile crept across Theodosia’s face, her spirits lifting. “In that case, I have no objections.”
“Splendid,” Olivia said, straightening. “And should Mr. Pritchett appear at Gunter’s again, I shall be forced to shoot him.”
Theodosia gave a laugh, more genuine now. “I think that sounds more than reasonable.”
“Would you like a muff pistol of your own? I have a spare one at the townhouse.”
Theodosia considered it for a moment before replying, “Given recent events… yes, I believe I would. It’s rather comforting, knowing one could defend oneself if necessary.”
Olivia grinned. “Excellent. Just don’t tell my brother. He would be most unamused.”
“Would he object?”
“Oh, not exactly,” Olivia responded. “But I daresay he rather fancies himself your protector.”
Theodosia gave her a wary look. “I’m afraid to ask what you mean by that.”
Olivia gave a nonchalant shrug, her expression perfectly innocent. “Nothing at all. Only that he seems particularly invested in your safety. Quite touchingly so.”
Theodosia’s cheeks warmed, but she kept her voice composed. “That is because I’m under his protection as your companion.”
“Yes,” Olivia said lightly, already turning back to the shelves. “Let’s go with that.” Her fingers trailed across the spines of the neatly arranged volumes, eyes scanning for titles, though her smirk suggested her thoughts were elsewhere.
