Page 28 of Never Dare to Masquerade with a Maiden

“Your father proved you were wrong. He banished us and sent us packing.”

“I’m not following.”

“Knowing your disposition, your father sent me packing because he believed you would do exactly what you are doing now, making absurd promises despite your obligations as a lord, as a peer, as a member of the ton.”

“You know those are all one and the same.”

“Trust me, I’m well aware. Regardless, that is why your father wove a blanket of lies. Lies he believed would protect you. Prevent you from doing something as foolish as befriending a member of the household staff. He did it for your own good.” With each sentence, her voice escalated.

He shook his head, and in all seriousness said, “That, my dear, is incorrect. My father was a narcissist. He only acted in his own best interest.”

Olivia’s frown took him aback for a moment. She searched his face and then rolled her eyes heavenward. “You really didn’t know your father well, did you?”

“And you did?” The question only solidified the invisible wall Olivia was erecting between them. He needed to redirect the conversation. “Suppose you are right. Why did you continue to avoid me after his death?”

“Because I wasn’t about to go against a dead man’s wishes. What good would have come if you’d found me a day, a week, a month, or even a year earlier?”

“You truly don’t believe I'd be a good husband to you.” The crack in his voice couldn’t be masked. She was rejecting him wholeheartedly, and he was at a loss as to how to convince her that every fiber of him needed her.

“You will make a fine husband.” Olivia bowed her head. “For a lady.”

She had made her position clear, and there was naught he could do to change her mind at the moment. He was stubborn, and he was determined. Much like in a game of chess, sometimes the best strategy was to retreat and reevaluate. He stood and offered his arm. “Shall we return?”

Slow to stand, Olivia slipped her arm through his and allowed him to escort her back. The heavy silence that hung between them spurred him to find a solution. Once he fulfilled his side of their bargain, he was certain his mama and Anne would assist him in winning Olivia’s hand.

Chapter Ten

The terrace doors were left wide open, allowing both the fresh air and the sunshine to fill the morning room. Lady Charlotte was seated beside Lady Anne, who faced Lady Guernsey, the trio of ladies deep in discussion as she and Warren crossed the threshold.

“Ah, you have returned.” Lady Guernsey’s broad smile faded as her gaze flicked between Warren and Olivia.

Olivia pasted on a smile and left Warren at the door. “May I have a word, Lady Charlotte?”

Her employer nodded and rose to meet her halfway. “Is something amiss, Olivia?”

“I would like to return to your ladyship’s townhouse.”

“I think not.” Lady Charlotte grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her back to the settee. Resuming her seat, she pulled Olivia between her and Lady Anne, whose gaze was still lingering on Warren. The sudden knot that formed in Olivia’s stomach made her crouch over, her arms wrapped about her stomach.

“Now that we have all agreed, shall we make arrangements to see Madam Lennox and order our gowns?” Lady Charlotte asked as she recaptured the attention of both Lady Guernsey and Lady Anne.

Lady Anne leaned in closer to Olivia and whispered, “Is it that time of the month?”

Instead of admitting that the knots ailing her were due to jealousy, Olivia nodded.

Lady Anne’s warm hand rubbed her lower back. “I’m sorry. Would you care to lie down in my chambers?”

Why was Lady Anne being so kind? She was making it difficult for Olivia to remain indifferent. The tips of Warren’s hessians came into view, and she sat upright. Once again, the man held out his hand for her, and yet again, she was unable to resist the invitation. She would regret giving up the opportunity to touch him once more, and so she placed her fingertips in his and stood.

Warren tucked her hand around his upper arm. “I shall escort Lady Charlotte’s maid to the guest chambers for a respite. I’m certain you can do without her for a spell, Lady Charlotte.”

Her stunned employer mumbled, “Yes, of course.” Which was barely audible over Lady Guernsey’s outcry, “Oh, you poor dear. Warren, call Helena to assist if need be.”

It was as if Lady Guernsey had not heard Warren’s declaration as to her real identity. Olivia faced her host directly. “No need, Lady Guernsey.” She then turned on Warren and said loudly and clearly for all to hear, “No need to escort me anywhere. If I’m not needed, I’ll head to the servants’ quarters, which would be more comfortable and appropriate.”

“Don’t be silly, Olivia. Allow us to take care of you.” Lady Anne argued. “Get some rest and leave the arrangements for the masquerade to us.”

Why were neither Lady Anne nor Lady Guernsey shocked at Warren’s revelation that she was not a lady? She glanced at Lady Charlotte, whose complexion was now bright pink. How could she possibly be in a room full of peers and not feel out of place? She had entered an alternate dimension where all the rules of society had been turned upside down. Olivia’s head began to spin, and before she knew it, Warren had slipped an arm beneath her knees and was carrying her out of the room. Head heavy, Olivia rested against Warren’s shoulder and shut out the world around her, not ready to face reality.