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Chapter 16
Olivia stepped out of the carriage, smoothing out the creases in her pristine white muslin morning gown. She gazed up at the tall townhouse on a fashionable Mayfair street.
It was impressive—her grandfather had clearly pulled strings to secure it for Captain Fletcher and his family during the height of the London Season. She knew that townhouses for lease in this area were as rare as hen’s teeth at this time of the year, when the Ton descended on London en masse.
She hesitated, biting her lip. For some odd reason, she felt nervous. Irritably, she tried to suppress the feeling. There was nothing nerve wracking about paying a quick house call. The Captain’s sister, Lucy, should be honoured she had agreed to do this.
Her grandfather certainly was pleased. He had smiled with delight when she had told him over breakfast this morning, clearly thinking she was coming around to the idea of Captain Fletcher and his family being a permanent part of their lives.
As long as he does not think I shall agree to the marry the man, she thought sourly.That is a step too far entirely.
But still, the nerves persisted. She tried to tell herself it had nothing to do with the possibility of seeing Captain Fletcher again. Why should she be nervous about speaking with that man? And yet, she was forced to admit to herself, hedidunsettle her. He always had, right from the first moment she had seen his teasing blue eyes when she had almost collided with him that day in Hyde Park.
So, he is handsome, she thought dismissively.And dashing. But he is also rude, insubordinate, and common. As well as being an interloper.
Olivia took a deep breath, then walked up the front steps of the house. She had no idea what awaited on her on the other side of the door but she had just best get on with it. No point rueing the impulsive decision now. It was far too late for that.
***
To Olivia’s surprise, Lucy Fletcherwascharming, just as her grandfather had claimed. She was also very pretty indeed, with sparkling green eyes and bright auburn hair. The young lady and her aunt welcomed her warmly, curtseying at the same time. Miss Oakley, the Captain’s aunt, gestured for her to sit down near the fire, where a tea service awaited them. Mercifully, there was no sign of the Captain himself.
Miss Oakley poured, while Lucy openly stared at Olivia. Her gaze was full of awe and admiration.
“You are so beautiful, my lady,” said the girl, her voice breathless. “And so elegant! Why, your gown is the loveliest thing I have ever beheld. I have never had the honour of speaking with a lady as highborn as you are before.”
“Lucy,” admonished her aunt. “You are gushing.”
Olivia laughed, feeling flattered. “I do assure you I am not so elegant,” she said, smiling at the girl. “It is only when I come to London that I dress this way. Most of the time at home in the country I do not care what I wear at all. My favourite thing is riding and I just like to be comfortable.”
“My nephew told us that your country estate is very close to the village we live in,” said Lucy’s aunt, handing a teacup to Olivia.
Olivia nodded, gazing covertly at the prim Miss Oakley, who seemed to be the very essence of a maiden aunt. She was tall and thin, wearing a high collared plain gown, with greying dark hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her brown eyes were cool as they rested on Olivia. It seemed the lady was not as easily impressed as her niece and was not planning to fawn all over her.
Olivia smiled at her, sipping her tea. “Apparently so. What is the name of the village where you live?”
“Kirkwell,” said Miss Oakley. “I have a small cottage there.”
“I have ridden through Kirkwell often,” said Olivia, thinking of the sleepy village with thatched roof cottages, a small church and not much else. “It is charming. A country idyll I would imagine.”
Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically. “Kirkwell is pretty enough, but it is very boring. There is nothing to do there at all but take long walks through the woods surrounding it.” She sighed heavily. “Sometimes, I think I shall go out of my mind entirely.”
“Lucy!” Her aunt’s voice was disapproving. “You are too blunt, child.”
Olivia laughed, liking the girl more than ever. She was spirited. “Do you ride, Miss Fletcher?”
Lucy shook her head. “I have no horse and have never been taught.”
“You should come to Essington Manor and I shall teach you,” said Olivia quickly, surprising herself with the spontaneous invitation. “We run a good stable and there are many horses for a beginner to practise on. We own hundreds of surrounding woodlands to go riding in. It is quite beautiful and very invigorating. It would cure your boredom.”
“Really?” breathed Lucy, her green eyes shining with delight. “You would really let me ride one of your horses and teach me yourself?”
Olivia laughed again. “It would be my pleasure, Miss Fletcher. I love riding more than anything in this world and any excuse to do it is very fine with me.” She hesitated. “Besides, if your brother is going to inherit Essington, then you should become familiar with the place, and you must learn to ride as the sister of a future earl.”
There was an awkward silence. Both ladies looked uncomfortable. It seemed they were both unsure of how they should act in this strange new situation they found themselves in. Olivia supposed neither of them had ever imagined that Captain Fletcher would one day become an earl and live in one of the most magnificent houses in the county.
“That is very kind of you, my lady,” said Miss Oakley, in a hesitant voice. “I am sure my niece would be honoured that such a great lady as yourself would be so generous. Are you not, Lucy?”
“Oh, yes,” breathed Lucy. “It is beyond my wildest dreams!”
