As he’d shared his story, she had realized this would feed the gossip mill. Poor little Olivia would be finished this time.
If all went to plan, she might end up marrying Sir Jonathan and he would pay Cressida for her time and effort in manipulating the situation.
He faced ruin and humiliation in thetonand access to Olivia’s fortune would allow him to settle his debts. He owed money to many people and some of the names he’d mentioned were unsavory characters, even in the seedier corners of the underworld. Cressida’s web of influence spread far into the criminal underworld, and Sir Jonathan seemed to have got himself into a scary corner.
She detected a rage towards Olivia which even she thought was excessive. He’d jilted Olivia and now he complained that she refused to give him another chance.
She had supported him in his determination to drive Olivia and Marcus apart, and the gossip mill was turning at top speed, spreading lies about Olivia and Jonathan. The letter had been a stroke of genius, a flourish on her part. And the dead roses? An effective message instilling fear, and making Olivia pull away from the Earl of Hatfield.
Once she had wanted Marcus for herself. That time was long past. It had become a personal vendetta.
Her only slight concern was that Sir Jonathan had been able to work out her identity.
If he could locate her then so could others? She had no intention of being caught, as the consequences for her position in society could be devastating.
She liked the feeling of having this power over the lives of others. Maybe she did take after her French grandmother, who had known how to make love potions, and cast spells changing the direction of the lives of others.
Also, she was having far too much fun.
Chapter 24
“He’s here,” called Jocelyn.
“I could ask who ‘he’ is,” laughed Olivia. “But I suspect there is only one person.”
Jocelyn had been looking out of the window for the last hour.
“Is anyone with him?” asked Olivia.
“I’m not saying,” said Jocelyn. “You have been laughing at me for looking out of the window, and now you are asking me if the Earl of Hatfield is calling.”
“Soon after Lord Ludlow arrives, Mrs. Jennings will come and ask if we can go and confer with your uncle. That means we can give Lord Ludlow the opportunity to propose to Jocelyn,” said Marianne.
The door opened and Mrs. Jennings announced Lord Ludlow.
He smiled widely and openly at Jocelyn, who gazed back. Marianne greeted him and asked him if the Earl of Hatfield would be visiting later.
“Indeed. I’m tasked to tell you that he will be here as soon as he has finished a meeting with his solicitor.” He paused and looked at Olivia. “And might I offer you my congratulations, Your Ladyship, on your betrothal to my cousin. Welcome to the family!”
And so the news of her engagement to Marcus was out in society. True to his word, Marcus had made the announcement and was working on the news spreading throughout theton.She was formally engaged to the Earl of Hatfield.
“I happen to know he sent an express to Belvedere Abbey, so we expect the Duke and Duchess of Hargrove to arrive very soon to congratulate you both,” said Colin.
Of course, I should have realized that there would be appearances and parties linked to our engagement she thought.
She hoped they could keep those events to a minimum, but the duchess and duke would want to be involved in celebrating their son’s betrothal.
Mrs. Jennings appeared and requested that the Viscountess and Lady Olivia join her to consult on an issue with the cook in the kitchen. Olivia touched Jocelyn’s arm, gently, for reassurance as she walked past.
Everything went like clockwork. Lord Ludlow and Jocelyn went out on to the terrace, and then for a walk around the garden.
Marianne watched them out of Mrs. Jennings’ window, which faced the garden. “They are going down to the rose garden,” she said with excitement. “Oh my, he’s kissing her.”
“Marianne, come away,” urged Olivia.
“I certainly will not! I began this chaperonage to see Jocelyn through to a proposal of marriage and it is happening now. It is my duty as chaperone to make sure this happens.”
“Oh, very well. Has she accepted him?” asked Olivia.
