“Well, so that she knew you cared and would be sad to lose her,” elucidated Colin.
“Ah I see,” replied Marcus the penny dropping.
“I have never used this word to describe you before cousin, mainly because you are far more intelligent than me, and you are better at fencing. However, I have to say you are behaving like a nincompoop,” said Colin with feeling.
Marcus almost roared. “A nincompoop?”
“Absolutely. You love her. It’s obvious. Does she know that? Well, we’re not quite sure. You’ve given her the impression that you would be happy for her to find another man.” He looked at his cousin with an exasperated expression. “Has it occurred to you that she might not realize that you actually care for her?”
“When you put it like that…”
“You need to tell her that you care about her and want to marry her,” Colin spelt it out. “This is most unlike you, and I suspect it’s all part of coming to terms with loving Olivia. You can be very restrained, maybe a little proud sometimes, and it’s important to keep saying you care.”
“It’s all such a mess. I started to think there was something between us, right from the first moment I saw her. Then, just as I was beginning to court her, the gossipmonger began to spread scurrilous rumors. I agreed to marry her to save her from ruin.It’s what her uncle asked me to do,” explained Marcus. “The trouble is that as I proposed I suddenly knew that I loved her.”
“Yes, if the gossip mill hadn’t struck, you would have still wooed her anyway. However, I’m not sure, from what you say, that you’ve ever told her how much she means to you,” said Colin.
Marcus put his head in his hands. “Maybe. I think she knew I loved her on the day I asked her to marry me, but I don’t remember if I actually said that. Since then, maybe I have been a little pre-occupied. Oh Colin, what have I done? How can I make it right?”
“I would suggest that you already know what to do, and that is why you have been in high dudgeons all day. Now, I suggest we go for a ride and get rid of some energy.”
“That is something that I can do,” agreed Marcus.
“And then I suggest you go and call on your betrothed and tell her how you feel,” added Colin.
“I never took you for an expert on romance, given your lack of insight with Jocelyn, Colin,” Marcus teased him.
“A man on the verge of a proposal of marriage is an expert in terms of romance. I plan on offering for Jocelyn any day now,” replied Colin.
“I’m sure she will accept. You look made for each other,” Marcus reassured his friend.
When they returned from their ride, James came to show them another gossip sheet.
“I thought you would want to be aware of this My Lord,” he said, and handed him a sheet of crumpled paper. “These are all over town.”
Marcus read the words and as he read them, they began to merge and blend together. He collapsed into an armchair and Colin took the sheet from him.
“Lady Olivia Sherwyn, who recently caused a stir in society by her shenanigans with the Earl of Hatfield. You may recall, dear reader, how this lady was recently observed emerging from a room with the earl in a state of undress. I can report that she has now transferred her affections to another gentleman in the ton. An engagement between Lady Olivia Sherwyn and Sir Jonathan Ellington is to be announced imminently.
They were, of course, engaged before, and Sir Jonathan left the country in disappointment. It seems this fickle lady has changed her mind again.
This writer wishes them happiness in their future life together.”
“I saw him visiting there. Sir Jonathan has returned. That much is true,” confirmed Marcus.
“But Marcus, we know this gossipmonger is vindictive. There is an intent to hurt Lady Olivia in everything written so far. This is more derogatory defamation of her character.”
“I must go and speak to her,” declared Marcus.
“You should go now. I am going to tell you cousin, that I do not believe a word of this scandal sheet,” affirmed Colin. “James, fetch His Lordship’s coat and ask for the carriage to be brought around.”
As Marcus stared to protest and suggest he walk, Colin continued. “No cousin, you were already distracted before this happens. If you walk there, you will probably step in front of a carriage or something. Listen to what she has to say. Remember you can’t believe what you read in these gossip sheets.”
***
Mrs. Jennings showed Marcus into the drawing room, and he breathed a sigh of relief that Olivia was alone.
She stood to greet him and offered him a chair. “Will you take tea, My Lord?” she asked. “I didn’t expect to see you today and it’s late. Is something wrong?”
