“Mr. Smith preyed upon your vulnerability,” Theodosia said.
“He did,” Olivia admitted. “But at the time, it seemed likethe only option. I am five and twenty years old, and I thought no one else would want me. I felt unlovable.”
Theodosia reached out and gently clasped Olivia’s hand in her own. “I understand now why you did what you did.”
Olivia glanced down at their joined hands, her voice quiet. “It hasn’t been easy, pretending everything was well. I am glad you’re here, Dosia. Truly.”
“You haven’t told anyone? Not even your mother?”
A humorless smile flitted across Olivia’s lips. “She would no doubt tell Richard, and I couldn’t bear another of his lectures about propriety and decorum.”
Theodosia squeezed her hand. “Your brother may surprise you. He has surprised me of late.”
Olivia scoffed. “My brother? He is nothing but predictable. He has been telling me what to do since my hair was in braids.”
“He is… different now,” Theodosia mused. “Beneath that gruff exterior, I see a tenderness he tries so very hard to hide.”
“That’s only because you’re beautiful. If you were toothless and bald, I daresay he wouldn’t be quite so kind.”
Theodosia laughed. “I don’t think that’s the reason.”
As if summoned by their conversation, the door opened and Lord Wilton stepped inside. “I have made a decision,” he announced. “We are going to Vauxhall Gardens this evening.”
Theodosia’s lips parted in surprise. “Truly? That sounds positively delightful.”
He smiled, clearly pleased by her response. “I thought you might approve.”
Theodosia sprang to her feet. “Then I must change into one of my new gowns immediately.”
Olivia, however, remained seated. “I don’t know that I am in the mood for such an outing.”
“You must come,” Theodosia urged. “A diversion will do you good.”
“I fear I shan’t be very good company.”
“Then come exactly as you are. I expect nothing more,” Theodosia asserted.
Lord Wilton clapped his hands together. “It is settled, then. I shall see that the coach is brought round.”
As he strode from the room, Olivia watched him go with narrowed eyes. “My brother detests crowds. Why is he dragging us to Vauxhall Gardens?”
“Does it matter?” Theodosia asked.
“I suppose not.”
Looping her arm through Olivia’s, she gave her a gentle tug. “Come, let us change. We mustn’t keep your brother waiting for too long.”
Olivia allowed herself to be led, a soft chuckle escaping. “You’re far too eager for a trip to Vauxhall Gardens.”
“I’ve only ever read about it,” Theodosia replied. “The gardens are lit with hundreds of lamps, which are disposed in different figures of suns, stars, and constellations. The very idea sounds like something out of a fairy tale.”
“I always loved the statues,” Olivia replied, a wistful smile touching her lips.
As they descended into the entry hall, they found Lord Wilton and Lady Wilton in quiet discussion with the butler.
Lady Wilton turned towards them with a fond smile. “You shall have such fun tonight, my dears.”
“Would you care to accompany us?” Theodosia asked.
