Page 78 of Waiting for Love

They left the pond and climbed the slope. The scent of grass tickled Olivia’s nose. Servants had set up tables, chairs, and an impressive array of cold meats, cheeses, bread, pickles, and jellies, as well as tall pitchers of lemonade.

They all began filling their plates, but Olivia saw Benjamin hold back. He had set Hannah down, and now had a hand on her shoulder to keep her from rushing to the table. He had a strange look on his face. Annoyance, perhaps.

“Thank you, Iversley,” he said, his voice gritty, as though he had sand in his mouth. “For inviting us.”

Jasper started. He looked hurt. Olivia’s eyes felt hot. Why must Benjamin be like that?

No one spoke. But then Vanessa touched Jasper’s arm and gestured with her chin.

“Who is that?”

They all looked. A gentleman strode toward them across the hill. A handsome young gentleman. He was dressed in the latest fashion with an excessively high collar, a bright-green-striped waistcoat beneath his brown jacket, and several tassels on his highly shined boots. Even his tall hat had a gloss.

“Oh, the devil.” Jasper said. His attention and his venom turned to the newcomer.

“Good afternoon, Iversley,” the man said, drawing up to them. His voice was as polished as his boots. He bowed with perfect correctness, yet when he straightened and regarded Jasper, he had a glint in his eye that Olivia did not like at all.

For a moment, she thought Jasper would give him the cut direct. She’d never seen her brother’s expression so cold. But then he turned stiffly and indicated Vanessa.

“Lady Iversley, let me introduce Lord Chase.”

Vanessa gave him a small curtsy, and Lord Chase once again bowed.

“I believe you know Mr. and Mrs. Taverston,” Jasper said.

Appropriate bows and curtsies were made. Reg’s expression was wooden. Georgiana did not smile.

“Lord Chase, I present to you my sister.” Jasper’s voice iced over. “Lady Olivia.”

She made her curtsy. Lord Chase took a step toward her before bowing.

“I am charmed,” he said. “Congratulations on your coming-out. I only arrived in London this morning and am sorry to have missed your ball. I hear it was unsurpassable.”

“Thank you, my lord.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Jasper’s jaw set so tight she thought he’d crack a tooth. She could tell he would not have invited this man to her ball if he were the only bachelor in the ton.

There was another profound silence. Until Georgiana’s good breeding won out. “Will you join us for some refreshment? We had not heard you were coming to London.”

“Yes, well, my cousin likes his secrets, does he not?”

Oblivious to the tension, Hannah squirmed out from under Benjamin’s hand and said, pointing, “Papa, more bread.”

In a very low voice, Benjamin said, “Yes, sweetheart. There is more bread.”

Olivia’s chest tightened. Benjamin had not been introduced. As though he and Hannah did not even exist.

“And I will not keep you from it, little one,” Lord Chase said, bending down to send the words to her. He straightened. “You are very kind, Mrs. Taverston, and this looks delightful. But I’m afraid I have another engagement.” He swept a bow. “Good day, to you all.”

Everyone said their good days. Except Jasper. Who did not speak until Lord Chase disappeared down the rise.

“That man is trouble.” He turned to Olivia. “Do your best to stay away from him.”

“Can you not keep him away?” Benjamin said.

Jasper turned up his palms. “He is Hazard’s cousin. What am I supposed to do?”

Chapter Twenty-Six

At least Benjamin would not bear the blame for the ruined picnic. That fault lay with Lord Chase. But although Chase cast the pall, Benjamin knew Jasper was not pleased with him either. And now he felt compelled to go to him to apologize and explain. Apologize and explain. Two things at which he’d proved himself most inept.