“I think he might be out of town for a few days,” she muttered.
“Well, I miss his conversation,” said her uncle. “I’ve a good red claret waiting for him to try.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” replied Olivia.
“We need to start planning your wedding. I’m sure the parson at Silverton will do the honors. I wonder if that young beau of Jocelyn’s is ready to make an offer. You could have a double wedding and save me a lot of money,” said Uncle Harold with a twinkle in his eye.
Olivia smiled, rather glad that the skinflint streak in her uncle hadn’t totally disappeared. Uncle Harold wouldn’t be the same without his penny-pinching ways.
“Hopefully soon, he’s clearly smitten with Jocelyn.” She deftly steered conversation away from discussion about the earl.
“It will be good to have a wedding at Silverton Hall. Bring the place to life again,” he said, startling her with his words.
“And when are you going to announce your news?” he continued. “You’re both shillyshallying at telling people about this betrothal. The sooner the news is out, the better. It will stop this constant stream of fortune hunting suitors who are parading through the house each and every afternoon.”
“Oh Uncle,” was all she could think of to say.
He had a point though. This steady stream of admirers needed to stop. She had no interest in any of them and it was unfair to keep them hanging on.
Later that day she began to speak gently to the bevvy of suitors and tell each that she expected an announcement soon.
“Surely not?”
“Give me another chance …”
“I’m sure I can make you happy …”
“I know we are meant to be together …”
By the end of the second day. Olivia felt exhausted by the sadness and disbelief of her circle of suitors. When several new hopefuls arrived, she instructed Mrs. Jennings to tell them that she was not at home.
There was a final poignant scene in the late afternoon. Sir Jonathan had continued to call, and she enjoyed his conversation and the shared childhood and memories which drew them together.
He smiled at her across the fireplace as she poured him a cup of rich orange pekoe tea. He took it, reminding her of the first time she had poured tea for him at Silverton Hall.
Yes, they went back in time a long way. Their families had been friends and they had spent many hours at each other’s houses.
And… she had loved him. One day, when she was nineteen and in the middle of a season in London, she had looked aroundat the young bucks who were vying for her attention and just wanted a conversation with Jonathan.
They had begun to dance together, walk together, enjoy carriage rides and taking tea in the garden. Olivia had begun to see a life with Jonathan, which was close in style to that of her brother and his wife, and her dear parents. That was love, with a comfortable, predictable pattern of engagement, marriage and continuation of tradition. Olivia imagined a contented life with children gathered around them.
The suddenly it was over. Life changed within a week.
His return in the last month had allowed Olivia to step back into familiar conversation, laughter about their neighbors, and the community near Silverton Hall. When he’d offered his arm on a walk through the park she had found it a pleasant experience.
Jonathan clearly wooed her with focus and determination. He had brought her a garnet and pearl brooch and given it to her in the garden. The same garden where she had listened to Marcus, telling her she was free to find another, if that was what she preferred to do.
Yet there was no connection, no feeling of anticipation, or checking though the window to catch sight of him arriving. When he held her arm it was pleasant, but there was no shallow breathing, or sensation of light headedness. She had neverwanted to lean close to him and feel the warm of his arms holding her close.
I think we were friends and I liked him. I suspect I believed that meant love. I know now there is something more to love. I know how it feels to be with Marcus. I don’t love Jonathan and I never did.
Even so, she hadn’t expected the words he spoke now.
“We’ve known each other for many years. I value your friendship very highly,” he began.
“And I yours…” she responded.
“I see the suitors surrounding you and cannot wait. I would be devastated if you found another suitor before I’ve had chance to tell you how I feel.”
