“Your uncle has invited us to stay for dinner,” he told her.
“I know. Cook has been busy all day, and understands you enjoy beef wellington, so she has prepared that especially for you.”
“I must tell her how much I appreciate her kindness,” remarked Marcus.
He glanced across at Colin sitting with Jocelyn and Marianne. “He’s nervous about meeting your niece again,” Marcus whispered. “He had to leave at such short notice, just when they were becoming close.”
“She will be glad to see him again.” She paused, and fiddled with her pearl grey feathered fan before looking up at him. “We have had many visits, and gifts of flowers from Lord Hastings. I believe he has the intention of offering marriage. So many friends abandoned us when the gossip mill started to spread false information, but Lord Hastings has been steady in visiting throughout.”
“I gather the gossip is still circulating,” Marcus told her.
“It is indeed. Whoever is stoking the fire of hatred against me is still working very hard. However, I find that the situation has changed considerably since we returned from Belvedere.”
“News of our engagement?” asked Marcus.
“No, My Lord, I’ve kept that secret close, as we agreed. I believe only our close family are aware of our betrothal. It is an entirely different and totally unexpected development,” said Olivia.
The door opened, and Mrs. Jennings ushered in four gentlemen from the top drawer of theton,including Sir Jonathan Ellington, whom he recognized with a gasp of surprise.
“I’ll explain later,” whispered Olivia, “but I am surprised how quickly news of a large fortune can spread. For some weeks wehad no visitors, and now it is as though Mrs. Jennings is never off her feet showing suitors through to our drawing room.”
Marcus sat in stunned silence while the gentlemen formed a group around Olivia. They were each vying with each other in trying to be entertaining in their conversation. This was serious wooing. He’d been in society long enough to recognize it when he saw it.
I thought I was visiting my fiancée to talk, and begin to plan a wedding by the fall. Instead, I’ve walked into some circus ring of suitors vying for Olivia’s attention.
He took an unusual dislike to Sir Jonathan. He knew the man by sight and considered him as veering toward being a dandy. His cravat was so intensely ruffled that it must take his valet several hours to dress him each morning.
He gazed at Olivia with what resembled total devotion, and compliments dripped off his lips one after the other.
“You must not say that to our dear Lady Olivia,” crooned Sir Jonathan. “I know for a fact that she prefers to take tea at Fanshaw’s Coffee Emporium, rather than Drake’s Cafe.”
Can this conversation become any more inane? I cannot believe I am sitting here listening to this drivel.
He stood, bowed, and took his leave to join Lady Leighton, who had left Colin and Jocelyn to talk.
“You’re surprised to see so many gentlemen callers?” she guessed. “I saw the look on your face.”
“I’d anticipated a quiet conversation with my betrothed, and instead I find myself part of a group of lovesick clowns,” replied Marcus.
A giggle escaped the Viscountess’s lips. “That description is very apt. We have had about twelve suitors so far this week.”
“The ones today are fashionable and rich. They all seem intent on wooing Olivia. I wish we had announced our betrothal last week.”
“You must be wondering what has changed,” remarked Lady Leighton.
“I admit to being somewhat perplexed. Please, Lady Leighton, enlighten me. How has my betrothed, who last week was ruined, suddenly become the catch of the season?” enquired Marcus.
Lady Leighton gestured for Marcus to sit with her on a comfortable velvet covered sofa. He relaxed, glad that he hadescaped from the circle of suitors. Lady Leighton reached forward and poured him a cup of steaming hot tea, then poured herself the same. The delicious scent of fragrant yellow China tea, rose from the delicate porcelain teapot. He held the cup close to his nose and inhaled the fragrance.
“Thank you. I needed some refreshment,” said Marcus.
“I shall tell you about my dear friend’s change in circumstances. It’s come as quite a surprise to us all. You will be aware that we thought Olivia had little fortune. She had expected to be comfortable financially but after her brother Frederick’s death she was told she had nothing but a small stipend,” explained Lady Leighton.
He nodded, encouraging her to continue.
“She will tell you herself later, I’m sure, but she discovered a few days ago that she does indeed have a sizeable inheritance which had very specific conditions. It seems she could only be made aware of it on her twenty-fourth year,” continued Lady Leighton.
“Very individual and unusual arrangements,” commented Marcus.
