“Colin, if you feel that way then my advice is to woo your Jocelyn and woo her well. Treat Lord Hastings as a rival and play him at his own game. You can send flowers or bonbons. Arrange a picnic at Kew Gardens or take her a boat ride. If it helps, then invite her to stay with us at Belvedere Abbey. I know my mother would be delighted to have guests.”
Colin stared at his friend and mentor as if everything had just clicked into place.
“You’re right, by Jove,” he shouted. “I need to treat this like a tournament. Lord Hastings is my rival in love. I want the fair Lady Jocelyn to choose to wear my favor. I need to be her knight in shining armor, the one she admires, and not Lord Hastings.”
There was a knock on the study door and James Cartwright appeared, holding a piece of paper.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, my Lord. One of the footmen brought this, erm, gossip sheet to me. I thought you needed to see it as you are mentioned by name, and you know the lady concerned.”
Marcus took the sheet and read it. He sat back in his chair, reading the cruel words. Anger rose like a red mist as the consequences of the allegations sank in.
He didn’t care about his own reputation, yet he had been portrayed as a callous womanizer and it rankled. This gossip was designed to ruin Olivia. When a young lady was observed in such a compromising position, then she lost her reputation immediately.
His hope was that, because this was a rumor based on no facts, people would discount the information. Yet he knew society could be cruel.
What could he do to help? He felt so powerless.
For a moment he found himself back in the library on the night of the ball, listening to her story which had given him insight into her suffering.
Colin came up to him, sensing something was amiss. “Marcus, whatever is wrong?” he asked. “Is it your family?” he persisted, getting no response as Marcus just stared at the sheet of paper.
“Marcus?” he repeated.
“Sorry Colin. This is despicable. It is slander of the worst possible kind.”
Colin reached forward and took the paper from his friend’s hand. He scanned the words and shuddered. Colin knew this meant a ruined reputation and Lady Olivia Sherwyn would be ostracized from theton.
“This is evil. Pure evil,” muttered Colin. “How can they write such dreadful lies?” He turned to Marcus. “Your reputation can stand this, but Lady Olivia will be ruined. Those tabbies of thetonwill have their talons in her by the end of the week.”
“I believe I know who is responsible for this,” said Marcus through gritted teeth. “Lady Cressida Lantham.
“I want to confront her, but I have no proof—and until I do, I can’t do anything. If I talk about this matter, then it will fuel the fire and could make it worse.
“I want those who believe and spread the gossip to understand the pain they have caused. Yet at this moment there is nothing I can do. I can’t even go and visit Olivia, as being seen with her might make it worse. Yet every bone in my body is telling me to go and find her and tell her that this will pass, and that everything will be alright in the end.”
He stood up and walked around the room. He couldn’t settle and knew he was preventing himself from doing all the things that he instinctively wanted to do. This included confronting a certain blond-haired lady, whom he was very certain had lit the touchpaper and set fire to this rumor.
“I can’t think, Colin. My thoughts are stuck in a spiral of anger about this scandal sheet. Lady Olivia could be ruined by this.”
“I know,” agreed Colin, “and Lady Jocelyn isn’t going to escape unscathed either. How can anyone spread such lies and not be brought to account?”
“What’s more, there’s nothing I can do. Someone has paid for that to be circulated, Colin. Someone is determined to cause Lady Olivia misery.”
“I’m going round there to see Lady Jocelyn,” said Colin. “You clearly can’t go as that might inflame the rumors which are flying around town. I can visit discreetly and it’s important that their friends don’t desert them at this time.”
“I want to come with you, but you’re right, I can’t,” agreed Marcus. He looked at Colin with anguish in his eyes. “Colin, if you get the chance, please tell Lady Olivia that she is in my thoughts.”
“I have to ask. Do you care for Lady Olivia? Were you thinking of offering for her hand in marriage.”
Marcus stayed curiously still, as if he was in another world for a few seconds. He spoke slowly and hesitantly. “In all honesty I don’t know. I did spend time with Olivia, that night of the ball. Nothing happened. Those scandal sheets are a disgrace. However, I suspect Lady Cressida saw us leave the library.She showed her true colors by starting that rumor at the ball. Viscountess Leighton almost demanded that she leave the house, but we decided to be compassionate. I regret that.”
“You think she saw you with Olivia, she must have followed you,” suggested Colin.
“Colin, I’m certain of it. I can’t prove it, but I plan to make life very difficult for Lady Cressida.”
“If what you say is true then it should be Lady Cressida who is driven from society.”
“I agree, but it’s how to fend off these allegations, without bringing further attention to Lady Olivia. If I do anything too obvious it would only reinforce the rumors. Damnation, this is so difficult!”
