“I believe so,” said Marianne. “They are out of view now. No wait… I can see Lord Ludlow coming back to the house. I believe he is going to speak to your uncle.”
“And Jocelyn?”
“Heading this way.” Marianne opened the sashwindow and waved frantically at Jocelyn.
“Let’s go back to the drawing room. Come and join us for a cup of tea Mrs. Jennings, and some honey cake. I believe you and I have another wedding to plan,” Marianne said.
“At Silverton Hall?”
“Yes, at the newly re-opened Silverton Hall. It’s going to be a joyful celebration for the village,” confirmed Marianne.
Jocelyn appeared, her face beaming with joy. Olivia felt tears welling up in her eyes at the sight of her niece looking so happy.
“Come, my dear. Let’s go to the drawing room where we can take tea and you shall tell me all about your proposal of marriage,” said Marianne.
Marianne smiled and took Jocelyn’s hand in hers. “I trust you are accepting him?”
Jocelyn giggled and nodded. “He’s gone to see uncle. I hope Uncle Harold is in a good mood today.”
Soon after they began their tea and cakes, Lord Ludlow and Uncle Harold joined them.
“Come and join us. I believe congratulations are in order,” said Marianne. “And, Lord Ludlow, I am going to defy tradition and give you both a small kiss. I am delighted that you are to marry Jocelyn. I have met your dear mama, and look forward to meeting her again very soon.”
She stood and went over to kiss Colin on his cheek.
“Well, my dear Harold, you have both your nieces engaged and soon to be married,” declared Marianne.
“All thanks to you Lady Leighton, as chaperone during the season,” said Uncle Harold, smiling broadly. “I believe I might retire to Silverton soon. I find it peaceful when I visit. I’d like it to be a place for family to visit in the future.”
“We are still in choppy waters, as we can’t be certain the gossipmonger will stop distributing those sheets now the engagement of Olivia to the Earl of Hatfield has been announced. The next week will be interesting. However, today we have much to be grateful for, two weddings on the horizon and Olivia’s fortune restored,” added Marianne.
Lord Ludlow departed, assuring Uncle Harold that he would return with Marcus, and his parents, for a family meal that evening.
After he’d gone Olivia spoke quietly with her uncle, asking if she should give him any money towards her and Jocelyn’s expenses. “You took us in and have acted as guardian. I know you have been conscious of the expense at times. I have the means now to make that right.”
The elderly gentleman looked at her with an affectionate gaze. “I believe I have not always been fair or kind to you and Jocelyn in the past. I believe I realized—when the rumor mill began grinding out that vile gossip, and you faced ruin—that I cared for you both, as a fond uncle.”
He poured her a glass of his fine Madeira wine and topped up his own glass before continuing.“I hope I have acted differently since then my dear. I have tried to mend my ways. What was it you called me? A miser?”
Olivia blushed. “I’m so sorry uncle. It wasn’t polite to use that expression.”
“I shall always count the pennies, Olivia. I haven’t changed my character totally.”
“I’m not convinced,” she said, smiling. “You seem to me to be very much changed uncle. I am grateful for your kindness and feel we are good friends now.”
“Absolutely dear niece.” He offered her a plate of ratafia biscuits, and she took one, enjoying the crunch as she took a bite of one of Cook’s delicacies.
“I know we had our fiery exchanged in the past, but as I’ve said, I believe that may be because you take after me in temperament,” added her uncle.
Olivia had to reach for her glass of wine as she began to choke in stunned surprise.He really does think I resemble him. If it makes him happy then I shall not disagree.She took a deep breath and regained her composure.
Their guests arrived soon after, and when Marcus walked into the drawing room with his parents Olivia’s eyes met his. He smiled in the loving way she had begun to recognize as special between them, and her heart glowed with the warmth of contentment.
He walked across and took both her hands in his. “You are well today?”
“I am. Very well indeed,” she replied.“It’s been an exciting day here with news of the engagement of my niece to Lord Ludlow.”
“And now you must come and meet my parents again. They are delighted at our news,” said Marcus, as he offered her hisarm, and guided her to meet his parents who were talking with Marianne and Charles.
