Both looked at the letter and wondered how long it would take for the book to be published.
As she took a cup of tea from Mrs. Jennings, Olivia noticed her exchange a glance with Jocelyn.
“Is there something you need to tell me about?” Olivia asked, “I can see there is something.”
“I was going to tell you in the morning,” said Jocelyn. “We only found out an hour ago.”
“Found out what?” Olivia asked with impatience.
“The weekly rider from Silverton Hall arrived today with the usual letters and reports for your uncle. Cook gave the lad a good meal and he gave her all the local news. It seems Sir Jonathan Ellington has returned to England, after being on the continent for three years,” Mrs. Jennings informed her.
Olivia, stunned, simply said, “Thank you for letting me know, I doubt we shall ever see him again.”
After she returned to her bedchamber, she thought it through objectively.
She gripped the wooden windowsill and peered out into the darkness. No stars or moonlight tonight.
I realize now how unrealistic that was, but nevertheless, I came to believe that after he walked away from our engagement that I would never need to see him again.
Then it came to her that she could use the same approach and step into the role of Contessa Allegra Fortuny if she eventually met Jonathan again.
***
Cressida knew deep depths of rage after seeing Olivia with Marcus at the ball. She realized with anger that Lord Hatfield would never propose to her, and she planned to have her revenge. She would enjoy destroying this fledgling relationship and wasted no time in putting her plan into action.
She had called that afternoon on Lady Elaine Frobisher, a notorious society gossip. Over a cup of fine China tea, she confided her concern at seeing Lady Olivia Sherwyn with Lord Marcus Hatfield during the ball at Maybury Crescent. They had come out of the library with their clothing disheveled and what’s more Lady Olivia had proceeded to lead the earl upstairs towards the bedrooms.
It was a rather ridiculous story, and the chances of anyone taking such a risk during a ball were slight. But Cressida was a convincing storyteller and the story spread, at first slowly, then gathering traction in theton.
***
Within two days the news of the gossip being circulated reached Swanbourne Place. Marianne arrived holding a scandal sheet which specifically mentioned an incident at a recent ball at the home of Viscount Leighton where a Lady Olivia Sherwyn had been seen in a state of undress in the arms of a certain Marcus, Earl of Hatfield, who had an estate in Hertfordshire.
Marianne’s face was ashen. “I’m so sorry to show you this, but you have to be aware.”
Olivia read the words and they began to swirl before her eyes. “I can’t believe this,” she whispered. “I’m nobody. I’m not rich. I hardly engage in any social activities. Who could write this?”
As they talked it through Marianne told Olivia she was quite sure of the identity of the scandalmonger. The same person who had been engaged in spreading unkind rumors at Jocelyn’s coming out ball.
“Surely no one will believe this. It’s such an unimaginative story. I don’t care about myself, but I don’t want Jocelyn tainted by connection with me,” said Olivia.
“Oh, Olivia! That sounds noble, but if this continues then you are ruined,” Marianne warned her.
“I’ve lived through so much that I am not scared of idle chit chat.” Knowing that she was being far from truthful, she continued. “I’m going to put it out of my mind for now.”
“I think that’s best,” said her friend, taken in by Olivia’s positive manner. “Hopefully the story will fade away as quickly as it began.”
“Let’s hope so, and I’m not going to let this spoil the joy of my book being published,” stated Olivia
She continued, “At least I have the book contract. I don’t have to marry to please Uncle Harold, or anyone else. I’m sure there must be a cottage somewhere, where I can live out my days quietly. I was going to seek work as a governess or companion,and I hardly dare dream, but it looks as though I might be able to support myself independently.”
She knew she could write. It was her essence, her identity, and it was going to be her escape.
“Well, I don’t think that is something you need to worry about at the moment,” Marianne reassured her.
“I’m not going to leave society quietly though. I am a gentlewoman of quality, and I will fight this scandalmonger. I have no idea why she hates me so much that she would try to destroy my reputation,” said Olivia, with more confidence than she felt.
Yet even as she said this, she saw the face of Marcus, bending close to hers, and knew that the green claws of jealousy were responsible for this situation.
