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Olivia blushed fiercely. “Oh, just idle curiosity, I guess! His disguise was so good that it is a challenge to know his identity.”
“You may have to remain unenlightened,” said Emma, smiling. “Perhaps he shall always remain a part of the mystery of the ball.”
Olivia nodded. She felt very disappointed. How could she find him again if she did not know who he was? But then, she recalled that he knew whoshewas—her mask had been missing when he had stolen that kiss. Perhaps he would seek her out again if he saw her at another event. Her breath caught in her throat at the very thought of it.
She tried to banish him from her mind. The maid slipped her gown over her head, tying the laces at the back. She turned to Emma, her eyes narrowing. “So, my friend… do tell me all about Lord Turnbury?”
Emma’s cheeks turned pink. “Oh, there is not much to tell,” she said, her voice wavering slightly. “He was very attentive and respectful.”
“Emma,” said Olivia, in a gentle voice. “You do not have to pretend with me, you know. I can tell that you like him.”
Emma’s blush deepened. “Oh, Idolike him, Olivia! But I have only just met him. It is too soon to tell if he admires me or not. Perhaps he may change his mind today?”
“I do not think he will,” said Olivia, smiling warmly at her friend. “He did not leave your side for the entire evening, dearest.” She paused. “Perhaps he shall call upon you today?”
Before Emma could respond, the door opened again. Her mother was standing there.
“Girls,” she said. “The carriage is waiting to take us to Bond Street.” She turned to her daughter. “Olivia, you are barely dressed, and you have not even broken your fast yet. Do you wish to delay so you may eat before we go?”
Olivia shook her head. “I am ready now, Mama. I shall have my fill of cakes soon enough. Let us go.”
They left the room, clattering down the staircase. Olivia saw her grandfather standing in the foyer. He was dressed to go out too, his top hat and gloves already on. She frowned. A small pang of jealousy shot through her. Was he going to spend time with that interloper Captain Fletcher again?
“Ladies,” he said, smiling broadly. “You all look very fair and lovely despite your late night. Heading out for a spot of shopping?”
“Tea and cakes, Reginald,” said Henrietta, putting on her gloves. “The girls thought a visit to Mrs Parker’s tea rooms on Bond Street would be in order. We have already shopped enough before we came here for the season. No need for anything more.”
“Nonsense,” said Grandpapa, his blue eyes twinkling. “Ladiesalwaysneed something more. How about you go into that milliner’s you like and order some new ribbons for something?”
“Reginald,” said Henrietta, giving him a mock scolding look. “Olivia does not need any more hair ribbons, nor bonnets, or fans. She has quite enough.”
“Where are you off to today, Grandpapa?” asked Olivia, an edge to her voice, not caring in the least about new hair ribbons or bonnets. “You seem so busy every day, rushing off as soon as breakfast is done.”
Her grandfather stared at her directly. “Yes. I realise you are already aware that I am spending some time with Captain Fletcher, Olivia. He decided to stay a few weeks in London with his family. I have helped him secure a good house not far from here for the duration of their stay.”
Olivia’s ears pricked up.His family?
“I see,” she said, dying of curiosity, but not wanting to show it. “I did not realise Captain Fletcher had a family.”
“Did you think he grew in a pod, Olivia?” Her grandfather’s tone was teasing. “He is an orphan, but his younger sister is his ward. She resides with their aunt not far from us in Kent. Apparently, his sister is eager to meet you.”
“Really?” Olivia’s voice came out as a squeak. “How old is she?”
Her grandfather frowned. “Very young. She has not yet had her debut. She is quite charming.” He cleared his throat. “Perhaps you might find it in your schedule to call upon her one day? To extend the hand of friendship. Lucy Fletcher does not have any acquaintance in London and it would be a kind gesture to take her under your wing, so to speak.”
Olivia did not reply, resisting the urge to tell her grandfather that she did not want to be kind to Captain Fletcher nor any of his relatives. But it was not entirely true. She was very curious about this Lucy Fletcher. What would the Captain’s sister be like? Perhaps she might indulge that curiosity by condescending to call upon her one day.
It had nothing to do with wanting to see that man again, she told herself fiercely. He was rude, insulting, and common. He was also an interloper, stealing her grandfather’s time and attention, as well as the earldom and her home eventually. Why should she extend any courtesy to him at all? It was not as if he liked her in the least. He had made it very plain that he did not want to marry her any more than she wanted to marry him.
Thinking about marriage again caused panic to close around her like a vice. Shemustfind a love match before it was too late. The one gentleman who had seemed promising on that front was a mystery to her. She would probably never discover who he was nor see him again. And yet, the memory of that fiery kiss lingered…
“Olivia?” her grandfather’s voice interrupted her reverie.
She jumped guiltily. How could she have drifted off into a memory of the kiss with the highwayman like that, with everyone watching her? How terribly embarrassing!
“Perhaps I shall call upon the young lady,” she said, in a prim voice. “I shall consult my schedule, Grandpapa.”
He smiled. “Very good, my dear. What a kind girl you are. I am certain they shall all be happy to receive you.”
