“Indeed, you are.” Lady Cotswalts had entered the room, look resplendent in her own emerald gown. “I have procured these masks for us all.”
Olivia took the delicate half mask from Lady Cotswalts. It was a beautiful, intricate work of gold and would, of course, do nothing to hide her identity. Jane’s mask was almost a mirror of Olivia’s but in silver.
“The carriage awaits.” Lady Cotswalts beckoned for Jane and Olivia to follow her.
As the carriage wound its way towards the Danterberry Estate, Olivia found herself sitting taller and straighter than she ever had before. It was on odd sensation, not being afraid of her own height.How strange to feel calm before a ball.
In what seemed like moments, they saw the torches of the Danterberry Estate, and the carriage drew to a halt. Jane made to leave, but as Olivia went to follow, Lady Cotswalts caught her arm.
“I would have a moment with you, dear, before we enter the ball.” Lady Cotswalts gestured to the seat. “Jane, we shall be along shortly.”
Jane looked between her mother and Olivia, an odd look passing across her face. Before Olivia could make sense of it, her friend nodded and left the carriage.
Olivia canted her head towards Lady Cotswalts. “You wished to speak to me?”
“It is about your… well the hostility between yourself and Duke Glassley.” Lady Cotswalts gave Olivia a look.
Olivia shifted uncomfortably. “There is no hostility between us.”
“Then why did my dear daughter spend much of the garden party kicking you to stop you from trying to murder the man with your eyes?” Lady Cotswalts raised an eyebrow at Olivia.
“I had not realised you noticed that.” Olivia felt her cheeks redden but did not look away from the other woman.
“I notice everything. It is what I do,” Lady Cotswalts stated. “And that is why I am entreating you to let this matter rest. It will do no good for you to continue to harbour such hostilities.”
Olivia did not respond. In truth, she had expected to feel the familiar anger at the mention of Nigel, but it had not flared to life. In fact, she was not sure she had felt anger towards him since the garden party. The thought surprised her.It is not like anything has changed; he still said all of those hurtful things and clearly thinks the world of himself.
Olivia frowned, trying to unpick her feelings. Lady Cotswalts clearly read the expression as a sign that Olivia was not willing to do as she asked.
“My dear Olivia, you cannot hope to have a successful courtship with a man if you are constantly staring daggers at his cousin,” Lady Cotswalts said patiently. “Please, promise me you will leave the unpleasantness with the Duke behind you.”
It took a moment for Olivia to realise what Lady Cotswalts had said. “But no one is courting me.”
“Not yet.” Lady Cotswalts waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Not yet, my dear, but I am certain that this will soon change.”
Olivia laughed. “I hope you are right.”
“I know I am. Especially if you put the unpleasantness between yourself and Duke Glassley behind you.” Lady Cotswalts held Olivia’s gaze.
“I shall do my best.” Olivia wasn’t sure why she didn’t tell Lady Cotswalts that she didn’t seem to feel any anger towards Nigel.Whatever my thoughts on him, they do not matter. Lord Briston is the prize, not his cousin.
“Wonderful.” Lady Cotswalts clapped her hands together in excitement, and together, they left the carriage.
Their conversation was still playing in Olivia’s head as she walked down the steps into the ballroom. She could understand why her animosity with Nigel might put his cousin off; it made sense to let the rivalry fade.Perhaps I will find him less irritating if I try.
She was so consumed by her own thoughts that she almost didn’t notice how different she felt entering the ballroom. It was only when she caught a glimpse of herself in one of the windows that she realised it.
Though corsets forced one to stand erect and upright, Olivia often felt self-conscious about her height. Yet this evening she stood tall, comfortable in her own skin.It is nice.
“There is Lord Briston and Duke Glassley.” Lady Cotswalts subtly gestured across the floor.
Lord Briston was standing with his cousin. His mask was a simple half mask painted grey. Nigel was wearing a more ornate mask decorated in the venetian style. Begrudgingly, Olivia had to admit it rather suited him. His coat was more stylish than his cousin’s, and Olivia was struck by how much taller than the other man he was.
“Who is that the Duke is talking to?” Jane indicated the woman beside Nigel whom Olivia had not noticed until that moment.
“I believe that is Lady Vanessa Everett, daughter of the Earl of Penworthy.” Lady Cotswalts looked thoughtful.
Something stirred within Olivia’s chest, some kind of disquiet she could not quite recognise.It is probably just nerves. And worry for Jane — after all, that will make our number uneven, and I would hate for her to be left out.
