Page 41 of Waiting for Love

“The countess. How they met. How difficult it was when they…when they fell out.”

“You now know more than I do.”

He smiled a little ruefully. “I don’t imagine your brother’s love life was ever an appropriate topic for you.”

“No.” She thought for a moment. She was seeing Vanessa’s behavior in a different light now. Of course she hadn’t wanted to go riding. Or to fret together over how best to face the ton. “Who can Vanessa confide in? Georgiana might not be the best person just now. Vanessa’s brother came to the wedding, but I don’t think they are close.” She frowned when Benjamin just shook his head. He didn’t know either. “She has friends in Cartmel.”

“The folks in Cartmel are not…moneyed. And Cartmel is days away. They could not be sent for. They would have to be fetched. The countess would likely see it as too great an imposition.”

He was right. She sighed.

“I think she is close to Crispin. But that is no help.” She kicked a small stone in her path. “I don’t know who she can really talk to, besides Jasper.”

He made a sympathetic sound, but said nothing.

Olivia sighed again. “She and I haven’t had time to grow close. It all just happened so fast. And ladies can’t simply drink vats to become bosom friends.”

Benjamin’s lips bunched and a little laughter entered his eyes. “No. I don’t suppose you can.”

As they approached the stables, the mist changed to a light rain. Benjamin rubbed his arms, then frowned as he swung the door wide.

“You are certain you want to ride in this?”

“I’d rather ride in sunshine if you have any.”

He sniffed. “Just be careful,” he echoed Jasper.

They entered the stable. It held all of its typical winter gloom with an added helping of damp. But Olivia breathed in the scent of horse, sawdust, and straw and comfort seeped into her bones. She loved this. And she would hate London. But what a bother she would be to everyone if she were to say so.

George came hurrying to them, though he hustled slowly as though his knees hurt. “Ah! I wasn’t expecting company this day. I’ll fetch one of the lads.”

“May I have Oatmeal?” Olivia asked.

He stopped. His bushy eyebrows rose. “Oatmeal? No, miss, m’fraid not. Fergus took her.”

“Took her?” Benjamin demanded.

“Aye, he did. Mr. Taverston’s orders, see. An errand to London. I told him Fergus was our fastest and Oatmeal best for such a long ride. So.”

Benjamin shook his head with what seemed to be annoyance.

George went on, “Dandy could use a good run, miss. And Goose for you, sir?”

“Dandy will be just fine,” Olivia said. “And Goose.”

George bustled off to fetch one of the stable hands. Benjamin still frowned.

“What is wrong?” Olivia murmured.

“Jasper was adamant that Mr. Leighton be told not to let word get out. Not to even tell Reverend Brindle. I suppose I am concerned why Reg sent Fergus on an errand to London. Jasper didn’t mention it. Did Reg say anything to you?”

She shook her head. How odd. Unless…unless Georgiana’s pains had started.

“Maybe that is it,” she accidentally said aloud.

“What?”

“Well, it would be particularly unfortunate timing if Georgiana’s confinement is due, but Reg might have sent a message to her father.”