“You have certainly charmed that old curmudgeon,” said Charles. “You’ve made another conquest my dear Marianne.”
“I must say you are all rather unfair about dear Harold,” Marianne berated them.
More spluttering laughter came from his nieces.
“As I was trying to say, Harold has reminded me of another event which should be on our social calendar.”
“I think you are going to have to end this anticipation my dear,” Charles urged her.
“Very well, my love. Harold tells me that although the work has been delayed a little by the bad weather this winter, that the renovations of Silverton Hall will soon be completed.”
“Of course,” said Olivia.
“I have persuaded him there should be a party or ball to mark the re-opening,” said Marianne. She looked at Jocelyn. “I know it will be a bittersweet occasion for you my dear.”
“No, no Marianne, far from it. I grew up at Silverton Hall and all my wonderful memories of Mama and Papa are of our life there.I’ll always miss them, and nanny too, but they would want me to be happy in our home again.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. Silverton is a beautiful place,” Marianne said sounding relieved.
“It’s too early to plan, but I shall look forward to organizing an event for—” She paused dramatically and looked at Jocelyn, then Olivia. “Dear Harold, Lord Sherwyn.”
Olivia felt a pang of longing as she thought of walking in the woods at Silverton once more. Everything is changing, she thought, and an image of honey brown eyes floated into her mind.
They arrived back at Swanbourne to find that ‘dear’ Uncle Harold had already left for his club. Marianne took over the drawing room, and soon there were piles of dresses, pelisses, redingotes, and bonnets covering every surface. Ellen and Millie, one of the parlor maids, carried clothes up and downstairs.
Olivia was glad her uncle was out, as she thought this chaos might have tested his amicable relationship with Lady Leighton to its limits.
It wasn’t long before Mrs. Jennings joined them, bringing tea and honey cakes and her eye for the latest fashions.
“I’m so sorry Lady Jocelyn, because I only arrived back at Swanbourne this morning I quite forgot. We had another delivery of flowers for you early this morning.”
Millie entered the drawing room carrying the largest bouquet of flowers they had ever seen. It was so huge that it was difficult to see Millie behind the bouquet. Jocelyn rushed across to help her carry the flowers.
“Oh, those are so beautiful,” declared Olivia.
“Now Millie, let’s go and put these in a vase in the dining room,” said Mrs. Jennings. “There’s nowhere in here to display them.”
“Are they from Lord Ludlow?” asked Marianne.
“No. I discovered the identity of the sender last night. It’s Lord Hastings,” replied Jocelyn.
“I saw he was quite taken with you. He danced with you twice I think?” said Marianne.
“Yes, and told me that he would call soon and that he’d like me to meet his mama.”
“He sounds a serious suitor,” mused Marianne. “How do you feel about that my dear, if you don’t mind me asking? I know Lord Ludlow has been visiting and I wondered if he might propose.”
Jocelyn blushed bright pink. “I know. I really thought it was Colin, err, Lord Ludlow who had sent me those flowers.”
Jocelyn walked to the window, back to the piles of clothes, and then back to the window again, clearly agitated.
Olivia spoke gently. “Come and sit with us over here and tell us what’s troubling you.”
“I just feel so confused. I love being in town and the recitals and soirées. My ball was one of the most magical evenings ever,” Jocelyn said, looking with grateful thanks at Marianne. “Then I met Colin, that first night of the season. I really, really like him. I think, well I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love with him.”
“I suspect he loves you and is also surprised at the intensity of his feelings,” Olivia told her.
“Ah yes, even though he came to town in search of love and a bride, it is still quite a shock for these men when they realize that they have fallen in love.” Marianne smiled at Jocelyn. “Even the Viscount, my own dear Charles, has said as much about those first few weeks when we first met.”
