Olivia nodded quickly. “Yes, terribly full. Errands, fittings, social calls—it’s a whirlwind.”
Mr. Pritchett’s face fell ever so slightly. “A shame. I had hoped…”
“It is, isn’t it?” Theodosia rose, brushing her hands against her skirts. “But we must be going now. So much to do, and the day is slipping away.”
He stood as well. “Good day, Miss Theodosia. Lady Olivia.”
Olivia looped her arm through Theodosia’s as they walked away from the table. Once they were out of earshot, she whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize who he was or else I wouldn’t have invited him to join us.”
“It’s quite all right,” Theodosia said with a shrug. “He is a good man. But I’d rather not encourage him.”
“Nor should you,” Olivia agreed as they resumed their walk down the bustling pavement. “Kindness is no excuse to be misleading.”
They strolled in comfortable silence for a few paces, the hum of carriages and the chatter of passing pedestrians all around them. As they passed a milliner’s shop with lace and silk bonnets on display in the window, the door swung open with a faint jingle of bells, and a slender young woman with blonde hair stepped out. Her eyes widened as they met Olivia’s.
“Lady Olivia,” she said in surprise.
Olivia came to an abrupt halt. “Lady Jane,” she responded.
Jane's expression shifted, the formality in her posture fading as something softer and more sincere took its place. “How are you faring?” she asked quietly.
“I’ve been better.”
Jane glanced around as if to be sure they weren’t observed. Then, lowering her voice, she added, “I’ve thought about writing, but my father forbade me from contacting you. He said I was to keep my distance.”
“I understand,” Olivia murmured.
Jane cast another quick glance over her shoulder. “But what my father doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” she said with sudden resolve. “Come inside. We can speak freely there.”
She gestured to the shop, and the trio stepped inside the narrow space, the bell above the door jingling softly. The walls were lined with hats, bonnets, and rows of silk ribbons in every shade imaginable.
They wandered among the displays, their fingers drifting over the spools of ribbon, pretending to shop as they spoke in lowered tones.
“Miss Theodosia is my companion now,” Olivia offered after a moment, breaking the silence.
Jane looked up in surprise. “You have a companion?”
“My brother insisted,” Olivia replied, casting a glance towards Theodosia with a smile. “But Dosia and I are managing quite well.”
Jane’s expression softened with warmth. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, turning towards Theodosia. “I’m Lady Jane.”
Theodosia offered a small curtsy. “It’s lovely to make your acquaintance.”
Jane idly picked up a ribbon and ran her fingers over its edge. Her voice dropped as she turned her attention back to Olivia. “I must confess, I was rather stunned when I read you had married Mr. Smith. I thought… well, I thought your affections were elsewhere.”
Olivia’s face tightened slightly, but her tone remained composed. “It was a rash decision,” she said. “One I regret more than I can say.”
Jane set the ribbon down with care. “You may regret it, but in some ways… you’re fortunate.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“I would,” Jane insisted. “He left you, yes—but you still have the legal standing of a married woman. That gives you more freedom than most of us can even dream of.”
Olivia turned to look out the shop’s large front window, her reflection faintly visible in the glass. “Freedom comes at a price. And mine was a scandal.”
Jane gave a wistful smile. “I still think you were brave. I envy that. I live beneath the constant gaze of my father and brother. I suspect they’re plotting my marriage this very moment.”
Olivia reached out and gently rested a hand on Jane’s shoulder. “You don’t have to marry the first man they parade before you.”
