Page 46 of Waiting for Love

Olivia gasped. This was about London. And her. Wrong or not, she sank to her knees and crawled to the fireplace.

“Jasper, if I could march, half-starved, to Corunna, I can ride in your luxurious coach to London. We have one chance to do this right.”

“Then tell me. You say you have a plan, but you won’t tell me.”

Silence fell. Olivia held her breath, blinking to clear tears from her eyes. What were they saying? Their voices were very low. This was so wrong!

“No!” Jasper practically shouted. “Vanessa, no. That is not how we do things.”

“Oh, spare me your ‘we are Taverstons,’ Jasper. We can all be Taverstons after Olivia’s future is secure.”

“Olivia won’t stand for it.”

“She doesn’t have to know.”

“Well, then, it is cruel! She’ll think you don’t like her.”

“For pity’s sake. She isn’t a baby! She must know not everyone is going to like her.”

“But you must.”

The pulse in Olivia’s ears was so loud, she missed what they said next. And she wouldn’t put her ear to the floor. She would not.

Vanessa’s next audible words were, “If I tell her, she will refuse to play along. Let me do it my way, Jasper. Please. If her chances are ruined because of me, because of us, I won’t ever forgive myself. The ton will accept her more readily if they think she has shunned me.”

“But love—”

“Please stop arguing with me. Please.”

Then murmuring. Only murmuring. But Olivia had heard enough. Vanessa was planning to ensure Olivia’s success at the expense of her own.

She hated this. She didn’t want a “secure” future with a man who would expect her to reject her sister-in-law. Moreover, Vanessa was the one who absolutely must succeed. Jasper needed to be in London. Not only had he always preferred the city to the country, but his political aspirations demanded his presence there. Vanessa’s self-sacrifice wouldn’t work. If Jasper’s actions had tarnished the Taverston name, he would never forgive himself.

Well, Vanessa was right about one thing. There was no way she would play along.

Olivia cupped her mouth and yelled down the chimney. “Fearless and unapologetic, Vanessa!” She heard them both yelp. Jasper swore. She yelled, “You and I both are going to succeed or neither of us will!”

*

“What do you mean you are going to London?” Jasper shut the book he’d been reading, Historical Speeches, with some force. Benjamin had finally cornered him in the parlor, in the early evening the day after the burial.

“Hazard said I may accompany him when he goes back next week.”

“I didn’t ask how you were going. I asked why. Why now?”

Benjamin tried to keep his voice level. “There are things better handled there than here, and this is the best time to go. Before we get caught up in spring planting and fair-weather restorations about the estate. I’d like to speak directly with Tate. Moreover, the stove and the fixtures for the cottage’s new water closet can be ordered in London far more easily.” He chuckled. “And I have that box of badger pelts to sell.”

Jasper scowled. He looked as though he would argue more, but then his scowl faded, and he nodded. “I suppose it makes sense. Only I hate to lose you and Hazard both. Are you taking Hannah and her nanny?”

“Yes, of course I am.”

“You needn’t. They are welcome to stay here. Olivia and Mother will be sorry to see them go.”

“They will have Mr. and Mrs. Taverston’s baby to dote upon before long.” Perhaps that was the wrong thing to say. “I appreciate the offer. But I don’t wish to frighten Hannah by leaving her behind.”

“Well, yes. I suppose I understand that.” He tugged his earlobe. “The devil. I guess that as long as you are going, I have something for you to do.”

Good. He raised his eyebrows. “Such as?”