After the long walk through the gallery, Marcus was pleased to see Olivia show her delight at the library. There they found themselves joining his father, who showed Olivia some of his precious historical books.
Marcus relaxed into his chair as Olivia read his father passages from Gulliver’s Travels. He listened as they shared their ideas, and found they were in agreement in their views on the need to see people as individuals, and not let differences lead to pointless battles.
“Mr. Swift does a good job of helping us see the absurdity of some very strongly held opinions,” said his father.
“He writes in a way which is easy to understand too. I enjoy his work very much,” added Olivia.
Olivia asked what side the family had taken in the English Civil war. They were close to Oxford, and she knew there had been many battles in this region.
“Oh, they were always changing sides,” his father told her. “I don’t condone it. They survived and kept the estate in the family. One of my uncles left to live in France in exile.”
As they left the library the duke took Olivia’s hand. “My dear you have made me laugh on a wet and dreary afternoon. While you are staying with us I hope that you will visit the library many times and read to me.”
“Of course,” she smiled. “I’d love to.”
After that Marcus noticed that Olivia found time every day to join his father and read to him. They debated philosophy and talked about history. Both seemed interested in the new field of archaeology, and he thought to himself that he would not be surprised if they didn’t start excavating a strange shaped earthwork that existed in the park.
He came across them one day having an in-depth conversation about Shakespeare, and whether he might have visited Italy.
“I don’t believe he could have written those plays without being in Italy,” said his father.
“The source material is very detailed,” said Olivia. “I can’t make up my mind. He does make me imagine that I am standing in Verona or Venice.”
“Venice is truly beautiful,” said the duke.
“You’ve been to Venice?” she asked in wonderment.
“Indeed, I have. In the days before that wretch Napoleon filled in some of the canals and destroyed their monastery cloisters. It is safe to return there now, but I fear I am too old.”
“Nonsense,” she said. “It will do you good to visit a warmer climate.”
Marcus smiled and felt a surge of warmth for Olivia, who seemed to give his father energy through their animated conversations.
It struck him, as he watched them, engaged in a lively debate, how seamlessly Olivia had slipped into not only his life, but that of his family. He knew the visit was coming to an end and there were decisions to be made, but for now he just wanted to relax and enjoy the remainder of her visit.
If he had to marry, then he could not think of anyone he would prefer to Olivia. He’d been growing closer to her before the gossip began. In some ways her uncle’s demands had slowed down their courtship, as he’d been determined not to be backed into a corner and forced to marry.
She’d told him that she planned to retire into seclusion and live life quietly, where she could write and enjoy the countryside on her family’s estate. He felt a moment of fear at the thought of never seeing her again. He couldn’t let her be ruined by vicious, wagging tongues, and he made his decision to ask Olivia to marry him.
Later that evening, when Olivia and Jocelyn had retired to bed, his mother came to find him in his study, where he was catching up on estate business.
“Marcus. I’ve brought you something,” and she handed him a wooden marquetry box. The box looked very old, and when he lifted the lid he saw a ring with a glistening silvery moonstone.
“It was your grandmother’s ring. I never wore it because she was very much alive when your father proposed to me. However, it is a very special ring, and I know she would want you to give it to your future bride.
“I know a little of this complicated situation, but putting that aside, you really do seem to suit each other. If you decide tomake her an offer of marriage, then it would be a decision which makes sense in every way.”
Marcus stared at his mother open mouthed. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean,” he said uncertainly.
“I’ve seen you with Olivia, I can see that you are drawn to her, and she clearly has feelings for you.”
“Mama, I know you mean well, but I have never had so many people telling me who to marry in such a short space of time. No doubt Papa will join in soon.”
He jumped when his father spoke. He’d clearly come in close behind his mother and had been standing in the shadows.
“I will certainly add my two pennyworth. You’d be a fool not to marry Olivia. I don’t remember ever meeting such a thoughtful, cultured, and intelligent young lady. I can’t believe she is the subject of such unscrupulous gossip and, as it is about time you married, and she is perfect for you, then I hope you will make her an offer.”
“Dammit,” said Marcus. “This isn’t one of your Shakespeare plays, father. It is up to me to decide who I marry and when I marry.”
