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Chapter 21
Olivia smoothed her hair, mortified to discover that her hands were trembling ever so slightly. Captain Fletcher and his sister Lucy had just unexpectedly dropped by for a house call. It was the first time she had seen him since the dinner party when he had taken such outrageous liberties, kissing her in the hallway while their families dined only metres away.
Her face burnt at the shocking memory. The worst of it was that she had suddenly realisedhewas the highwayman. The way he had kissed her had left her in no doubt. She recognised the feel of his lips upon her own. As the realisation had exploded within her, she thought it a miracle that she had not guessed the truth prior. It was so obvious as to be
She had delivered a stinging slap to his face as soon as the realisation hit her. To her satisfaction, he had been quite shocked at that. Then she had turned on her heel and marched stiffly back to the dining room.
She had not been able to get it out of her head even when she was with Bertie, something which infuriated her. She finally had a lovely suitor, and she could not even focus upon him. Bertie had taken her riding through Hyde Park, accompanied her to the opera, and squired her to several balls in the two weeks since she had returned to London from Langley Park.
Olivia should be the happiest girl in the world. She knew it. Bertie was handsome, clever, and charming. He was an excellent horseman. She knew he would make a wonderful husband.
She took a deep breath, turning to Lucy, trying to attend the conversation. She must not look at Captain Fletcher, but it was hard, as he was making a point of staring at her over the rim of his teacup. Olivia’s chest heaved with irritation. Why had he called? Lucy could have been accompanied by their aunt. He did not have to be here!
“I was thinking we might attend the ballet on Tuesday evening,” said Olivia, focusing on the bright haired girl. “Would you and your aunt be available then, Lucy?”
Lucy clapped her hands together with glee. “Oh, yes!” She turned to her brother. “If it is quite alright with you, Alexander?”
The Captain shrugged. “I do not see why not. Although why anyone wishes to see people prancing around a stage for hours on end is beyond me. I have never seen a ballet in my life and think it sounds like a yawn, to be frank.”
“Alexander!” Lucy looked mortified, glancing at Olivia. “You are so uncivilised, brother. Do not pay any attention to him, my lady.”
“I was not planning to,” said Olivia sharply, shooting him a withering look. “It is just as well that you are not attending then, is it not, Captain Fletcher?”
He gave her a disarming grin. “Yes, you could be right, milady.” He turned to his sister, his eyes softening. “I am certain you will have a wonderful time, Lucy. Do not mind me. I am uncivilised and proud of it. But I am sure some people find that rather exciting.” He turned back to Olivia. His blue eyes had a challenging look within them.
Olivia reddened. Must he be so obvious? It was clearly a veiled reference to the kiss. A gentleman would have never been so uncouth. But Captain Fletcher was no gentleman and she doubted he would ever become one, even with Grandpapa’s careful tutoring.
Lucy frowned, looking at her brother and then back to Olivia. She seemed puzzled. Olivia coughed into her hand, feeling uncomfortable. But just at that moment, there was a sharp rap at the door. She heard the butler open it and then male voices speaking. Her heart flipped. It was Bertie’s voice. She had not known he was planning to call.
Panic filled her. She did not want Bertie meeting Captain Fletcher, but there was little she could do about it now. She could hardly turf the visitors out of the room, could she?
She stood up quickly. “We have another caller,” she said, her mouth dry. “How perfectly lovely.”
Bertie sailed into the room, carrying a large posy of flowers in his hand. He drew up short, clearly not expecting anyone else to be in the room. Captain Fletcher and Lucy rose, staring at him curiously.
Olivia rushed forward. “Are they for me? You should not have, Bertie!”
He grinned, handing her the flowers. “A perfect posy for a perfect lady.”
Olivia took the flowers, burying her face in them, to hide her discomfort. She heard Captain Fletcher coughing behind her. Damnation! He expected an introduction. Why could not he just make his excuses and leave?
She forced a smile onto her face. “Bertie, this is Captain Fletcher and his sister, Miss Lucy Fletcher. This is Lord Bertram Langley.”
“Charmed,” said Bertie, giving them a dazzling smile. “I say, are you the new heir to the family fortune that Olivia has been telling me about?”
Olivia blushed fiercely. Bertie was so direct sometimes that it was a little disconcerting. Usually, she found his frankness refreshing but this was a very odd situation, introducing her formal suitor to the man she had shared not one, but two, passionate kisses with. How had she managed to get herself into this situation? It was mortifying.
“That’s me,” said the Captain in a dry voice. “At your service, milord.” His tone was slightly mocking, a fact that did not escape Bertie, who raised his eyebrows, as if the other man was a puzzle that he could not quite work out.
Bertie turned to Olivia. “I was wondering if you wanted to go for a stroll with me in the park? After your visitors have left, of course.”
“We were just leaving,” said Captain Fletcher, sounding amused. “No need to delay that walk. Come along, Lucy. Aunt Edwina wants you back at the house for a dress fitting, anyway.”
Olivia tried not to breathe a sigh of relief. “Sit down, Bertie. I shall just see the Captain and Miss Fletcher out. Then we shall go for that stroll.”
In the foyer, she tried to smile as they retrieved hats and gloves. Her heart was pounding furiously. For some reason, she did not think that Captain Fletcher liked Bertie. But then, it had just been a brief meeting, and why should she care what he thought of her suitor, anyway?
“Thank you for the call,” she said, in an overbright voice. “I shall see you on Tuesday evening, Lucy. I am certain we shall have a fine time.”
