Richard lifted her hand to his lips, eyes gleaming with fondness. “How is it I did not know this about you before we wed?”
“You never thought to ask my opinions on birds,” Theodosia replied, her tone playful.
“No, I did not,” Richard murmured. “But I shall endeavor to ensure no feathered fiend disturbs your slumber, my lady.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “I preferred it when you two were perpetually at odds. It made for far better entertainment.”
Richard released Dosia’s hand and leaned back in his chair. “And how do you intend to occupy your day, dear sister?”
“I thought to call upon Lady Everwyck,” Olivia replied. “Evander mentioned her health is declining.”
A voice from the doorway interrupted them. “I shall accompany you.”
Olivia turned to find her mother entering the room. “Very well,” she said. “But may I ask why? I usually call alone.”
Her mother moved to the end of the table, smoothing her dark blue skirts before taking a seat. “Circumstances are different now.”
“In what way?” Olivia asked, brows knitting together.
Her mother’s tone was patient but firm. “Evander is now the heir. It would be highly inappropriate for you to call unchaperoned.”
Olivia frowned. “I am visiting Lady Everwyck—not Evander. And our families have been friends since I was a child.”
Richard cleared his throat. “Mother is correct. Your reputation is already... fragile. We must take care not to worsen matters.”
Olivia sighed. “Perhaps I should simply remain here and resign myself to an utterly uneventful existence.”
“Be serious, Olivia,” her mother admonished. “You must accept that these are the consequences of your choices. You eloped to Gretna Green with Mr. Smith.”
A flush crept up Olivia’s cheeks. “Thank you for the reminder,” she said coolly.
Her mother’s expression softened. “I know this is difficult. But we must weather this scandal—together.”
Richard bobbed his head. “Thetonis a fickle beast. In time, another scandal will capture their attention.”
“Wonderful,” Olivia said dryly, picking up her fork.
As Olivia pushed the food about her plate, her appetite all but vanished, and the familiar wave of guilt rose in her throat, bitter and unrelenting. It was her fault—entirely her fault. Her foolish decisions had not only ruined her own prospects but cast an unwelcome shadow over her family as well. Richard was determined to repair the damage she had wrought, to shoulder the burden she had placed upon them, but it was not his responsibility. It was hers. And she alone must find a way to set things right.
Buthow?
The question haunted her waking thoughts, as relentless as the bird that had driven her from sleep. She could think of only one clear solution—marriage. A well-made match could begin to restore her tarnished reputation. But who among Society would risk even the appearance of courting her now? No one would dare. Her name had become the subject of drawing room whispers and smirking glances. The thought of enduring more of that empty pretense made her stomach twist. Better,then, to simply step aside from Society altogether. To embrace spinsterhood, fade into the background, and allow her family’s life to resume untroubled by her presence.
No one would miss me if I did.
Dosia’s voice pulled her from her dark reverie. “Do not give up hope, Olivia.”
Olivia looked up. “It is far easier to forgo hope than to believe there is any bright future left for me.”
“You do have a future,” Richard interjected. “I will find a way to fix this.”
She forced a faint smile to her lips. He meant well—he always had. That was what she loved most about him. “Thank you,” she replied softly, knowing there was no use arguing with him. They were both far too stubborn to sway one another.
Their mother glanced at the long clock in the corner of the dining room. “Shall we be off?” she asked, rising gracefully to her feet.
Olivia took a final sip of her chocolate and stood. “Yes, I think a visit to Lady Everwyck would do me some good.”
“I am certain it will do her good as well,” her mother said. “She often complains of the tedium of her bedchamber.”
