AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Slowly, to his shock, a wide smile spread across Lady Henrietta’s face.
“But this is wonderful,” she said, her voice filled with joy. She turned to her daughter. Her eyes were shining. “I understand everything now! The reason that you could not bring yourself to accept Lord Bertram. It is all clear!”
Olivia frowned. “Mama, it is not as straightforward as you would believe…”
Alexander took a deep breath. He had compromised Olivia. Her mother had discovered them in an intimate embrace. He knew that Lady Henrietta assumed there was an understanding between him and Olivia. He could see the fervent hope in the lady’s face.
He would do the right thing by her. He still did not understand the complex knot of feelings in his chest, and he did not know how she felt about him, but it had gone too far. It was astonishing they had not been caught before now.
“Lady Henrietta,” he said. “I know it is not proper protocol as I have not asked the Earl formally yet, but I need you to know that I have asked Olivia to be my wife and she has accepted me.”
Olivia looked shocked, but she did not have a chance to respond, because her mother swooped down upon her, hugging her tightly.
“Congratulations,” squeaked her mother, stroking her daughter’s hair. “I have dreamt of this moment!”
Olivia looked dazed. Alexander’s heart twisted. Was she going to deny it? Surely, she knew it was all too late for that now? Their secret was out. They had nowhere to hide any longer.
He took a deep breath, feeling a little dazed himself. It had all happened so quickly.
But Olivia did not deny it. She did not say anything. She simply gaped at Alexander.
“I am going to send for your grandfather at his club,” said her mother, her eyes gleaming with joy. “He will want to come back straight away to wish you both joy!”
Before they could say anything else, she scurried out of the room.
Olivia rounded upon him. “What possessed you? Are you quite mad?”
“Olivia,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “She saw everything. I have compromised you. It was the only thing I could do. Do you not understand?”
She shook her head vehemently. “No, I do not understand anything! I have not seen you in ten days. No word, no letter. And then you march to the front door, demanding to know if I am betrothed, saying that there is something between us.” She took a deep, ragged breath. “This has all happened so quickly. I cannot breathe.”
Alexander cursed underneath his breath. He had not wanted to get married—he had been very vocal about that fact. But now that the situation had run away from him, he could admit that perhaps being married to Olivia might not be the prison life sentence that he had once imagined.
It was all too late now anyway, he thought ruefully. Her mother had pounced upon the news with alacrity and soon everyone would know. The Earl would be over the moon. He had wanted them to marry and his wish was finally coming true.
“Tell me that it is real,” said Olivia, tears in her eyes. “Tell me that I am not throwing my life away.”
He cursed again. He did not know what to say to her. Overblown declarations of love or anything else were not for him. He did not know if he loved her. He only knew that he cared enough that he had not wanted her to marry Langley or any other man.
“We will do well together,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I am certain of it.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “Is that the best you can do? Is it?”
He shrugged, suddenly feeling completely out of his depth. Before he could say another word, her mother bounded into the room again.
“It is done,” she said. “I have written a note to your grandfather. I am certain he will be home directly. Now, let me pour you a brandy. Olivia and I shall do very nicely with a sweet sherry.”
She scurried away to a table in the corner. Alexander looked at Olivia, his heart pounding uncomfortably. She looked so wretched he almost told her mother that they had made a mistake and the engagement was over before it had even begun.
And then, Miss Percy entered the room. She looked taken aback to see him there but recovered quickly. She glanced questioningly at Olivia.
“Captain Fletcher,” she said. “You have returned from your trip.”
“Olivia is engaged,” cried Lady Henrietta. “The Captain just told me!”
Miss Percy’s jaw dropped. She looked truly stunned. As she groped for something to say, Olivia put her head in her hands, as if she had monstrous headache.
Alexander felt sweat dripping down his neck. Thingsweremoving at a most rapid pace. His head was beginning to spin as well. The day was finally catching up with him. All he wanted to do was lie down and let the oblivion of sleep take him.
After half an hour, the earl finally entered the room, gazing at them expectantly.
“You have good news for me?” He gazed at Olivia, then Alexander. “What is it?”
“They are engaged, Reginald,” cried Lady Henrietta, her eyes smarting with tears. “They are in love! And everything has worked out exactly as it was fated to be.”
“Oh, my,” said the Earl, looking overcome. “My most heartfelt congratulations to you both. You are already a valued part of the family, Alexander, but now you will truly be one of us. I am so pleased to welcome you.”
Alexander swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. He really was very fond of the old man. And he could tell that he was sincere in what he said. The earl would move heaven and earth to make sure he was welcome.
Alexander glanced at Olivia. He stirred uneasily. He just was not entirely sure how his new fiancée felt about the situation at all.
