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“Olivia.” The viscountess walked toward her daughter and placed her hand over her forehead. “You feel feverish. Are you sure you are feeling all right?”
“Yes, I am well,” she said irritably.
“Is there anything you wish to tell me?” Her mother raised a brow.
I assume there’s no reason for keeping it to myself.“Jarvis was supposed to call…”
“Well, do not worry so. If he promised you he’d come, he probably will,” her father intervened. He stood and smoothed his cravat. “It’s not like he needs to abide by calling times. However, I have a game of cards waiting for me in the coffeehouse.”
“You just want to discuss last night’s events with your peers,” the viscountess accused.
“Of course, I do. But I shall deliver every bit of gossip to you.” He walked toward her and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“I always know a lot more gossip than you can possibly gather.”
“Darling?” The viscount outstretched his arms toward Olivia.
“You can’t go yet. The calling hours are not over.” Olivia frantically looked at the clock.
The viscount gave a weary sigh. “I am not young, Livvie, dear. I cannot walk as fast, and I do not want to be late for my game.”
“But, Papa—”
“Dear? What is the matter?” Olivia’s mother sat next to her.
“Jarvis promised he’d come,” Olivia whispered and lowered her head.
“Do we all have to be present when he does?” her father asked.
Olivia gave a short nod.
“Did he say he’d come to see your father?” The viscountess peered up into Olivia’s face.
Olivia nodded again, unable to look up.
“Darling, it is marvelous news, isn’t it?” the viscountess exclaimed happily and looked up at her husband.
“What are you two mumbling about?” The viscount made a couple of steps toward his wife and daughter.
“Jarvis. He is supposed to come and ask for Livvie’s hand. Isn’t that right, dearest?” the viscountess asked excitedly.
“Are you certain?” There was disbelief in the viscount’s voice, and Olivia couldn’t deny that it hurt.
Even her father didn’t believe Jarvis was going to propose.
He was, wasn’t he? He wouldn’t just lie and disappear. Why would he? She didn’t require him to ask for her hand. She’d given herself to him without asking anything in return. If he didn’t want to see her again, he could have just left.
Unless, of course, he had changed his mind.
No! She wouldn’t allow herself to think like that. He’d come, and that was that!
That same evening, Olivia sat on the bed, reading a book, or rather mindlessly flipping the pages.
She hadn’t changed for bed, neither did she have her supper. She was too nervous. Reading a book was usually the only thing that could have calmed her, other than making perfume. But every scent in the still room just reminded her of Jarvis. So she opted for a book, although she hadn’t even paid attention to the title. All words had lost their meaning.
So she sat there, with a book on her lap, looking up every few minutes, expecting Jarvis to climb up her trellis.
But Jarvis didn’t come to claim her.
