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Olivia hesitated. She was torn. She knew her mother would not be pleased if she just took off with the host’s son to the stables, before they had even properly talked to their hostess. But then, she could always claim afterwards that Lord Bertram Langley had insisted, and she was just trying to be accommodating. A morning ride exploring the surrounding countryside sounded wonderful.
“Why not?” she grinned.
He laughed with delight, taking her hand, and leading her out of the room without another word. Olivia blushed fiercely. He was bold—in fact, he was very unconventional indeed. She should not be holding the hand of a gentleman she had only just met. She should not be following him to the stables at all. But Lord Bertram Langley intrigued her mightily. Could he be the one?
***
It took only ten minutes to saddle up, with a groom as her chaperone, and then they were flying over the hills surrounding the estate, the horses’ hooves kicking up mud and splashing water from deep puddles. Olivia could see why Bertie’s boots had been covered in mud from his earlier ride. There had clearly been a significant amount of rain here overnight and the earth was sodden.
She felt exhilarated and knew her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks red. She had not ridden like this since they had been in London. Once or twice, she had thought about sneaking out for another illicit ride through Hyde Park, but the thought of bumping into Captain Fletcher again had put her off. But now, she could ride as fast and as furiously as she wished.
The hills were verdant green. She spotted a meadow of wild jonquils, looking like a sea of yellow in the distance. She saw several woolly white sheep in another field tended by a shepherd. It was a charming pastoral scene. Olivia could not quite believe they were still so close to London. Langley Park felt like it was deep in the countryside.
After they had ridden for over ten minutes, Lord Bertram slowed down as they neared the top of a hill, pulling in his reins. Olivia followed suit. They both dismounted. He grinned at her, gesturing for her to follow him to the outlook.
Olivia caught her breath as she gazed beyond. There was a valley, and within the centre of it was a beautiful lake, shimmering blue in the wan sunlight. An abundance of birdlife surrounded it. She spotted swans and cygnets gliding upon it as well as families of ducks. The sound of chirping birds filled the air.
“This is my favourite spot in the entire world,” said Bertie slowly. “I often come here when I need to be alone and think.”
“It is beautiful,” said Olivia, in a fervent voice. “If I lived here it would be one of my favourite spots too.”
He turned to her, looking at her curiously. “And where are you from, Olivia?”
“Kent,” she said, smiling at him warmly. “My grandfather is the Earl of Weaver. We live at Essington Manor.”
His eyes widened. “You are the granddaughter of the Earl of Weaver? I have heard of him. He has an impressive reputation.” He hesitated. “I do not mean to be indelicate, but I have heard of the tragedy that surrounds him—that his last remaining son and only grandson died, leaving him without an heir.”
Olivia blinked back tears. “It is true. My father and only brother. It was many years ago now.”
“And you are his only grandchild?”
Olivia nodded. “He dotes upon me. I truly could not ask for a better grandfather. He has been like a father to me since my own died.” She took a deep breath. “Until recently, we believed that the earldom would die when my grandfather passes and our ancestral manor sold off, but my grandfather has recently found a distant relation who shall inherit the title.
So, all is not lost. My grandfather is happier than he has been in a very long time. The earldom means the world to him. The thought of the title dying with him filled him with sorrow.”
Bertie raised his eyebrows. “That is jolly good luck. The distant relation must be overcome with joy at his sudden good fortune. I can imagine that he shall inherit everything? It must be worth a pretty penny, in addition to the house.”
“My grandfather is very wealthy indeed,” said Olivia, frowning slightly at the thought of Captain Fletcher getting all her grandfather’s wealth as well as everything else. “Most of it shall go to his heir, as the law demands. But Grandpapa has assured me he shall settle a generous dowry upon me that is separate from it, and he will of course provide well for my mother and I.”
Olivia looked away, towards the lake, suddenly deeply uncomfortable with the conversation. For it reminded her that she and her mother must live somewhere else after Grandpapa was gone. She knew he would purchase a fine house for them in the country—or just for Mama if she was married—but it would not be the same as Essington Manor. It would not be home.
She could change all that, she thought guiltily. If only she would agree to marry Captain Fletcher. She shook her head angrily. Why was she thinking of that man again? Determinedly, she turned to the gentleman at her side, resolved to changing the subject.
“Tell me about Langley Park,” she said. “You have lived here always?”
His eyes lit up. “Yes. The place is old and ramshackle. My father is always grumbling that it is a money pit. But there is history and tradition here, and I think it would break his heart to lose it. All our hearts if truth be told.”
Another sliver of pain fell through Olivia. That was exactly how she felt about Essington Manor. But the loss was inevitable. She was not prepared to pay the price for keeping it. More was the pity.
