As they spent their time at Swanbourne there were a few callers, but nothing like the stream of guests they’d previously entertained. No one spoke about it.
On the third day the realization struck that Lady Cressida’s plan to ostracize Olivia from society had gained momentum. The usual invites to supper, or soirees had dwindled to nothing. No gilded invitations for grand balls arrived at Swanbourne Place.
“She’s managed it, hasn’t she?” said Jocelyn with bitterness.
“It looks as though she has,” agreed Olivia. “My reputation is ruined, though that doesn’t mean yours is as well.”
“Oh, we have to face facts Olivia. The whole family has fallen out of fashionable society. I rather miss the balls and recitals. I still can’t believe that one small-minded person can create such chaos.”
“It might only be temporary. It’s always possible things will change when the dust settles in a few days,” said Marianne, trying to maintain an optimistic outlook.
“It is her, isn’t it?” queried Jocelyn.
“Oh, I think that’s beyond doubt,” said Marianne. “We caught her in the act at the ball.”
“There’s a carriage arriving,” said Jocelyn “It’s Lord Hastings.” They watched as the Marquis of Hastings descended from thechaise, with a footman carrying a display of pink roses so big that his head disappeared. Jocelyn giggled.
Perhaps Lord Hastings was a little more distant towards them than previously. Olivia made herself scarce after greeting him, leaving Marianne to chaperone the visit.
Maybe he does care about Jocelyn. He is still visiting, despite our being banished by most of the ton. He is still visiting and actively courting Jocelyn.
The mood plummeted that afternoon when Marianne shared a letter she had received that morning from Lady Golightly, her sponsor at Almack’s Assembly Rooms. The suggestion was that it would be best if the family delayed attending any events for a while. She was sure she would be able to welcome them again in a few days, and thanked the viscountess for her understanding in this matter.
“They really believe that on the occasion of my niece Jocelyn’s coming out ball, in the house of my best friend, that I spent time in a liaison with Lord Hatfield. Indeed, that I would embarrass myself by appearing half dressed and disheveled in the hallway?” asked Olivia.
“No, I don’t think they believe it. They just have such intricate unwritten rules that they can’t openly disregard the scandal.”
“We’re ruined then,” complained Jocelyn. “I’m ruined by association with this fallen woman, who cares for me so little that she cavorted half clothed with her paramour during my coming out ball.”
Marguerite began barking loudly, sensing Jocelyn’s distressed tone.
“That’s it little Marguerite. You can defend us against this wicked lady,” said Jocelyn to the little dog.
More barking and Marguerite licked Jocelyn’s hand as she lifted her up on her lap.
“I’ll have to tell Uncle Harold about Lady Golightly,” said Olivia. “This situation is getting worse. I’d hoped by now it would have settled a little. This is so unfair.”
***
As she entered his study, Uncle Harold looked up towards her with a tired smile. He’d come back from Silverton and arrived just as Marianne was leaving. He read the letter from Lady Golightly and immediately called his manservant to get the smaller phaeton ready and drive off into the city. He didn’t tell them where he was going.
“Sit down Olivia. I am so sorry, but it seems we must talk about this matter,” he said to her in a tone of despair.
She nodded.
“I’d hoped rumors would die down, and you and Jocelyn could continue with your season unaffected.”
She nodded again.
“This is a difficult conversation, as I know we often have a difference of opinion.” He smiled and she noticed the weariness in his face and felt a pang of guilt that he was dealing with the fallout from this unpleasant situation.
“I consider that we are alike. We are both forceful personalities and it is inevitable.”
Olivia couldn’t believe her ears. She realized that he thought they were alike. Possibly he thought that Olivia took after him. Olivia thought that this was balderdash, but accepted that, if it made him happy to see it that way, she could accept it. She certainly felt warmer to her uncle than she had a few months earlier.
“I’m alarmed by how this has escalated. I had already asked Rawlings, my solicitor, to look into this matter. He sent a man to the printers and discovered another order, for more sheets with more extreme content, was about to be distributed. He advised the printer of the legal situation, and thankfully we prevented the flyers being sent out. But there are other printers and if the perpetrator is determined then there is little we can do.”
“It seems very personal to me. Yet it has directly affected Jocelyn, and to some extent the Viscountess Leighton.”
