“I’ve been desperate all day, because I didn’t tell you this yesterday,” he confessed.
“It’s hard talking about these things,” said Olivia earnestly. “I found it hard just now to tell you that I loved you.”
“I know. I love you too. It seemed so hard to say those words and now I want to say them over and over. When I found out about your engagement to Sir Jonathan, I came over straight away.”
“I’m sorry,” she said in surprise “My engagement to Sir Jonathan?”
“I thought you wanted to marry Sir Jonathan. I came straight here when I read about it,” he explained. “Ah, you don’t know. I am sorry, this isn’t easy, but I need to tell you that I read this in yet another gossip sheet.”
She paled, and he was sad that the happiness of a few seconds ago was stripped away but knew he could not hide the truth.
“Are your family here? Your uncle and the Viscountess?”
“Yes,” she answered, and he sensed the fear in her voice.
“Let’s bring them in here and I’ll explain to you all together. I don’t think it changes anything. Truly Olivia. We carry on as we planned. We just all need to be aware that the gossip mill is still grinding away in the background.”
Soon they were all gathered together in the drawing room; the Earl of Riversmead, the Viscount and Viscountess Leighton and Jocelyn. The Viscount and Viscountess had been staying to supper.
Mrs. Jennings brought in glasses and Madeira wine, and Olivia asked her to stay and join them. “You’re a friend Mrs. Jennings, please stay.” Uncle Harold nodded his agreement.
When everyone had settled, Marcus began to tell them about the latest development with the gossipmonger.
“I’d hoped this had ended. We found the original publisher of the scandal sheets, but it seems the person behind this has persisted, and found alternative ways of distributing their vile gossip.”
“There has been another gossip sheet about Olivia?” asked Uncle Harold, with tired frustration evident in his voice.
“Yes sir,” said Marcus and handed him the sheet of paper. Uncle Harold frowned and then handed the paper to Lord and Lady Leighton, and then to Jocelyn, and Mrs. Jennings.
“This is a never-ending nightmare,” said Lady Leighton.
“Surely no one could believe this,” added Jocelyn.
“Erm. I did, for a while,” said Marcus. “I should have realized it was more lies, but it brought me here to ask Olivia if she had decided to marry Sir Jonathan.”
“It’s true. I think it has had the effect of bringing us closer together,” said Olivia and she smiled at Marcus.
“We will ignore this gossip, and instead make the formal announcement of our engagement. As soon as that happens then Olivia will have greater protection with the association with my family name. My father is a peer of the realm and that adds weight in terms of law and society,” explained Marcus.
“We are sure who is behind this campaign to discredit Olivia and besmirch my family name too,” he added.
“I’m going to ask your opinion on something which has occurred to me,” Marcus then told them.
He paused and looked at the group, all listening intently.
“How does Lady Cressida know about Sir Jonathan’s proposal to Olivia?” he asked. “Who knew about the proposal?”
“Well, I didn’t,” said the earl. “Olivia, I know you wish to be independent, and I respect that, but it would have been helpful for me to know you had turned down Sir Jonathan.”
“I’m sorry Uncle. I meant to. I planned to,” Olivia apologized.
“Well, I can only say that I applaud your decision. He treated you despicably after the fire. I wouldn’t have wanted to give you away in marriage to that man,” added the earl.
“I knew,” said Lady Leighton, “and Jocelyn. I didn’t tell Charles though.”
“Anyone else?” asked Marcus.
“I don’t believe any of the household staff were aware,” said Mrs. Jennings. “I certainly wasn’t. However, there is a general suspicion that there will be an engagement between you and her ladyship,” she added.
