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They both flicked their reins, spurring the horses on, heading out over the green fields. Olivia smiled, relishing the feeling of the wind against her body, the beautiful landscape surrounding her home. The only home she had ever known. How could she ever leave Essington Manor? And yet, that day would come. She was a girl and could never inherit it. More was the pity.
***
Olivia was breathless by the time she made it to the dining room. She had entered the house through the servant’s entrance, changing quickly into a suitable gown, before clattering down the staircase.
Her grandfather was seated at the head of the table, as always, and her mother was seated to his left. They both raised their eyebrows as she ran to her seat, scraping the chair on the polished marble floor.
Mama frowned. “Olivia, is that a twig stuck in your hair?”
Mortified, Olivia smoothed down her hair. “I took a quick walk through the gardens, Mama. That is all.”
Her grandfather smiled. “It is lovely in the gardens at this time of the morning, my dear. Your cheeks are red. You look blooming.”
“Thank you, Grandpapa,” said Olivia, reaching for a bread roll.
She gazed at her grandfather, feeling a surge of love for the old man. He had been both father and grandfather to her for such a long time. His hair was pure white now and his face creased with wrinkles. But his kind blue eyes shone out of his face just the same as they always had. Her mother always said that Olivia had inherited the same blue eyes. Her father had them, as well. Olivia could just remember them.
“And are you looking forward to your visit to the dressmakers of London, Olivia?” he asked, sipping his tea. “It is not long to go now.”
Olivia laughed with delight. “Yes, very much so! And it is so kind of you to offer to pay for Emma’s gowns as well, Grandpapa. She truly appreciates it.”
“It is my pleasure,” said the earl, nodding his head. “I have so much wealth and so little to spend it on these days. I like spoiling you and Emma.” He paused. “I have decided to accompany you to London for this trip, by the way.”
Olivia chewed on her roll thoughtfully. “Why? I thought you said you were going to enjoy the quiet while we were gone.”
“Business,” he said, in a thoughtful voice. “I must see my solicitor in Bond Street. Nothing for you to worry about.” He took another sip of tea. “I thought I might book tickets to the latest ballet at Covent Garden while we are there. Do you think you and Emma might be interested in accompanying an old man?”
Olivia clapped her hands together with glee. “Oh, yes, Grandpapa! Yes, please! We would both love it. It has been an age since I have been to the ballet.”
“Then it is done,” said her grandfather, finishing his tea and rising from the table. “Now, I have some paperwork to attend to. Enjoy your breakfast, my dears.” He left the room.
Olivia’s mother smiled fondly at the door he had just walked through. “How he spoils you. Ballet and opera and new dresses by the dozen.”
Olivia smiled. “I know he does. But I do appreciate it all, Mama. You know how much I adore him.”
Lady Henrietta’s eyes grew misty. “And he adores you, Olivia. It breaks his heart to think he cannot leave Essington Manor to you.” She sighed heavily. “But that is the way of it, and we cannot change that.”
Olivia reached across the table, taking her mother’s hand. How beautiful she still was. Her dark hair was only slightly laced with grey and she still had the trim figure of a twenty year old, even though she had just celebrated her fortieth birthday. No wonder her father had fallen head over heels in love with her, pursuing her relentlessly, or so her grandfather had told her.
Her parents love story was legendary, and Olivia could still recall that love. Fleeting memories of them holding hands, or sharing quick kisses, leaning into each other. Her mother had been heartbroken when her father had died and never looked at another man since. She had told Olivia that the love they shared comes only once in a lifetime and she could never find another man to replace her father.
Olivia’s heart lurched. If only she could find a love like that. It was her deepest wish. But did love like that happen often?
It might happen in London, she thought, her heart quickening.The Season. So many eligible young gentlemen. But will there be anyone special for me? Am I destined to marry for love?
She hoped so. Very much indeed.
Chapter 3
A week later, Olivia woke up to half-light peeping through cracks in the curtains. She blinked, slowly opening her eyes. What time was it and where was she?
Then it all rushed back into her mind. She was in London with Emma, her mother and grandfather. It had been three days of activity. Visits to three modistes for fittings for gowns. In between, they had managed to fit in visits to millinery shops as well.
Last night, her grandfather had escorted Emma and herself to Covent Garden. Mama had not wanted to come, saying it was a special treat for the girls. They had watchedPygmalion. Olivia had felt like a little girl again, for her grandfather always took her to the ballet. It was something they did together. And having her best friend along as well had been the icing on the cake.
Olivia sighed, stretching luxuriously in the bed. Another long day was ahead, crammed with fittings and engagements and Lord knew what else. As much as she enjoyed it, it was a little tiring and she missed going for a ride on Pem. She missed having that time alone with her own thoughts, the wind against her face, just her and the horse.
Abruptly, she sat up in the bed, her heart racing. Pem was back in Kent, but they had stables here. She could always sneak down and saddle a horse and take a very early morning ride through Hyde Park. She knew a secluded path where none of the ton usually rode. She could be back before anyone was the wiser.
