She would never understand how Jonathan could have been so cruel. Even if he had needed to end their engagement his timing had been brutal in its impact. She could tolerate Jonathan and bear to be in the same room as him, but she could never love him.
“Please believe that I could never marry you,” she said with certainty. ‘It’s really very simple. I don’t love you.”
She gripped the arm of the green velvet settee.There, I’ve said it. Please go and leave me alone.
She thought of Marcus and the slim possibility of marriage with him. Then she remembered her plan to live quietly at Silverton, writing and being content with life.
She had pathways to choose, and none led to marriage with Sir Jonathan Ellington.
Chapter 22
“Marcus, where are you? You seem in a world of your own,” said Colin.
“Sorry Colin. Did you say something?” came Marcus’ reply.
“You’ve been distracted all day. It’s most unlike you. Could it be the lovely Lady Olivia causing you to show this Friday face to the world?”
Marcus turned to stare at Colin. “No, well maybe, all right yes, it’s Olivia.”
“But you’re engaged to her. You just need to set a date,” said Colin.
“Oh, if only…” replied Marcus.
“Cousin, you are one of the most straight-talking men I know. This is unusual because I’m totally confused about what you’re saying.”
“I don’t think she wants me to marry her,” confided Marcus.
“That surprises me. Are you sure?” replied Colin.
“No, I’m not sure,” Marcus stood up and began pacing around the room.
“Well, she has certainly made you seem like a bear with a sore tooth. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the household staff are giving you a wide berth today.”
“Really? I had no idea,” Marcus responded.
“Believe me, everyone is walking on eggshells around you cousin,” confirmed Colin. “Now tell me why you think she doesn’t want you.”
“Well, she’s rich now. Look at all those men who have suddenly begun to call at Swanbourne Place, including that odious Jonathan Ellington. It seems it is different if you are ruined but rich. That house is full to the brim of fortune hunting suitors. She could have her pick of them.” Marcus said with sudden passion.
“That doesn’t mean…” Colin started to say.
“But Colin, I only offered marriage because she faced ruin. That’s no longer the case,” added Marcus.
“Your emotions are clouding your thinking. I’ve seen nothing to suggest that she is encouraging any of those suitors. She can’t turn them away, society is built on the politeness of afternoon calls. Let’s think about this logically. Has she ended your engagement?” Colin asked.
“Not exactly,” said Marcus.
“Right. So, what did you say to her?”
“I told her that if she no longer wished to continue with our engagement, and would like to find another man, then I would understand.”
“You did?” said Colin bemused.
“I thought it best to let her know that I wouldn’t press her into maintaining our arrangement,” Marcus clarified.
“So, Marcus. Did you tell her that you would be, erm, sad, maybe heartbroken, if she decided to do that?” asked Colin.
“No, why would I?”
