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Olivia did not even hesitate. Without even thinking about her gown, her lack of pearls in her hair, and her rather shabby slippers, she hurried after Lord Monteforte towards the front door, stopping only to pull on the cloak that Betty held out for her – having somehow known that Olivia would require it that evening. Her heart was in her throat as she climbed into Lord Franks’ carriage, with Lord and Lady Watt taking their own carriage. Within moments, the carriage wheels were turning quickly over the cobbled streets, the driver going as fast as he was able as the tension continued to mount.
“We have to be in time,” Olivia whispered to no one in particular, as her eyes stared blankly out of the dark window. “Let us pray we are in time.”
Chapter Thirteen
Phillip was not about to reveal to anyone just how painful his head was hurting at present, for such was the fervency of their present situation that he knew he could not bring a word of complaint past his lips. His heart was clamoring within him, his foolishness biting at his mind. If only he had told Lord Franks from the start that Lord Dayton was gone to Lord Waterston’s, then they might already be present within the gentleman’s home, preventing Lord Cammish or Lord Dayton from doing something so treacherous. He dreaded the moment of stepping into Lord Waterston’s home, fearing that there would be gentlemen and ladies already speaking of the collapse of the Prince, fearful that something had already occurred that could never be recovered.
“Come then.” Lord Franks threw the door of his carriage open wide just as it came to a stop, practically tumbling out of it to the ground and only just managing to catch his footing. Lady Olivia was out after him, throwing an anxious look over her shoulder as he climbed out, wincing just a little as a stab of pain caught his head once again. Her eyes sharpened as he took her arm, looking up at him still as though she knew very well what it was he was hiding.
“We cannot tarry,” he murmured, pulling her towards the door. “My own pain can wait.”
She nodded but did not say a word, hurrying after Lord Franks as the front door was opened for them. Phillip followed quickly, relived that neither he nor Lord Franks was required to explain their presence here—for the footman and staff welcomed them both in without hesitation.
Phillip’s heart pounded furiously as he stepped into Lord Waterston’s drawing room. There were naught but ladies present, it seemed, for there was a sea of gowns, with tinkling laughter being thrown from one part of the room to the next. Lord and Lady Watt joined him and they stood together, the five of them as one, looking all about the room for any sign of the Prince.
“Ah, Lord Monteforte!” Lady Waterston came forward from the crowd, her expression a little confused but her eyes warm regardless. “I did not expect you this evening. Nor you, Lord Franks.” She curtsied quickly. “Lord and Lady Watt. And…”
“Lady Olivia,” Phillip said quickly. “I believe her aunt and uncle are present this evening.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Lady Waterston answered, smiling. “They said you were unwell. How glad I am to see you recovered enough to join us.” She spread out one hand towards the crowd. “Please. Gentlemen, the others are through in the library with one very special guest.” Her eyes twinkled. “We thought it best to keep him away from the young ladies at present, given his reputation!” Laughing, she threw Lord Watt a knowing look. “Although I am sure we will not be able to keep him out of here for long.”
Phillip cleared his throat and tried to smile despite the fear climbing up his spine. “You refer to the Prince, I presume?”
“To Prinny, yes!” the lady replied, giving the Prince his nickname. “My husband was so delighted when he agreed to attend. Lord Lincolnshire has been improving his acquaintance with the Prince of late and was able to convince him to come. Although,” she finished, with a broad smile, “I am sure that if we told him the room would be filled with pretty young ladies and that the finest whisky would be on offer, then he would have had no difficulty with attending!”
“Might we join your husband and the Prince?” Phillip asked quickly before Lady Waterston could say more. “The library, did you say?”
“Indeed,” Lady Waterston smiled, clearly not put off in the least by Phillip’s interruption. “The library opens through to my husband’s study, so they will be in either one of those rooms.” She opened one arm out towards the rest of the ladies. “Lady Watt, Lady Olivia. You would be most welcome to join us here.”
Lady Olivia gave a small start, glancing up towards Phillip before looking at Lady Watt, who bore a rather strained smile.
“I fear we must be very rude indeed and attend with the gentlemen,” he heard Lady Olivia say, her voice strong and filled with such a determination that he could not help but smile to himself, thinking just how wonderful a young lady she was. “If you will excuse us, Lady Waterston.”
Nothing more was said, save for Lady Waterston beginning to stammer with astonishment over what had just been declared, whilst Phillip grasped Lady Olivia’s arm and hurried her from the room.
“I do hope we are not too late,” Lady Olivia whispered, as the door began to close behind them. “What if the Prince…?”
“We will be in time,” Phillip told her firmly. “Lord Cammish and your uncle will need to wait until the Prince is well in his cups before attempting such a thing. And whilst Prinny does indeed like to partake in fine brandy, I do not think that he will have succumbed to senselessness yet.” Every fiber of his being was taut with tension, his heart beating much too quickly for his liking as he threw a glance back towards Lord Watt, whose face held a very grim expression indeed.
Lord Franks was first at the door. “The study?” he said, looking between Phillip and Lord Watt. “To discuss matters there?”
Lord Watt nodded, but Phillip hesitated. “We should not discuss it whilst the Prince is present,” he said slowly. “You know as well as I that the Prince can often be foolish in his judgements when he has too much liquor in him. He might well be foolhardy and do something that we will then come to regret.”
“Then let me speak to the Prince.” Lady Watt took a small step forward, her face set. “I will tell him that the ladies present would very much like to be in his company and will bring him through to the drawing room. I am sure most of the other gentlemen will follow.”
“Save for those who are in the League,” Lord Watt added, agreeing with what his wife had suggested without hesitation. “They can remain here to ensure that Lord Cammish and Lord Dayton do not escape. I will find the first.”
“And I will find the second,” Lord Franks said, looking pointedly at Phillip. “You will need to clear the study, Lord Monteforte.”
Phillip nodded. “At once,” he said, seeing how Lady Olivia’s face paled somewhat as Lord Franks settled a hand on the door. This was going to be difficult for her indeed, but he would make sure to stay beside her no matter what came to pass.
This settled, Phillip took in a long breath, set his shoulders and followed Lord Franks into the room.
The situation was settled within minutes. Phillip and Lady Olivia cleared the study without any difficulty, for Phillip’s presence was forcible enough in itself to have the gentlemen gone from the room within minutes, although Lady Olivia encouraged those who lingered to hurry to the drawing room with promises of debutantes awaiting their company.
“You should sit down, Lady Olivia,” he said, as gently as he could as he took her by the hand and led her to sit in the corner. “Not because I fear that you will succumb to a faint or any such thing, but rather because it is best for you to remain silent whilst we speak to your uncle and Lord Cammish.” He looked into her face, thinking she might argue, only for her to nod w
ithout hesitation, her hand tight in his. “I thank you for your understanding.”
