“That, probably more than anything, convinced Leith of what he had done to you,” she said, tartly, as she smoothed down her new ball gown in front of the mirror. Augustus had ordered it for her on rush from Mrs. Warburton and she had to admit that she looked rather well in it.
“You are so beautiful,” he said, kissing her behind her ear, and making her shiver with desire. “And I think you are rather right. I was glad that I hadn’t told him sooner. The idea that he would have deprived any other human man, never mind his own best friend, of thirteen years of copulation—well, I am not sure he will ever be the same.”
“How mad are you with him still? Be serious.”
Augustus frowned. He was wearing his dark suit of evening clothes. He looked so handsome that she seriously wondered how it could be worth it to leave the house.
“I admit that it will take time for me to truly forgive him,” he said, and then, catching her little frown in the mirror, “But before you go blaming yourself, I have to say that I think my relationship with Leith—and John and Trem, too—can only be improved by the truth.”
“Do you think they will accept you? As you are?”
He smiled. “Of course. We have known each other so long—they would love me no matter what. I wasn’t letting them see me before. I chose to hide my feelings from them and then would feel estranged from them when they addressed me as I presented myself. But now, we are on a more honest footing. It has to be for the best.”
She nodded. “I agree.”
“And now,” he said, taking her hand, “for my surprise.”
“We are clearly going to a ball,” she said, “given how we are dressed.”
“Yes, I must admit we are.”
“And we will see society people—your people.”
“It is true, we will.”
“I don’t see how it is a surprise then.”
“You will,” he said, kissing her hand. “Come. It’s time.”
Soon, they were in the carriage, and then they had pulled up in front of a dwelling that she knew was Leith Manor.
“Are you going to murder your best friend in your finest evening clothes? Is that why we are here?” She meant it as a joke, but she was really anxious.
“Hardly,” he said, taking her hand, “Just trust me.”
When they approached the door of the Manor, Petunia exited the door and came towards them.
“There you are!” she cried, “You two are late.”
“Time waits for love,” Augustus said, mockingly.
“Pfft!” she scoffed, “This way.”
She brought them towards the door and Olivia had to admit she was bewildered. What surprise waited inside?
Petunia opened the door and led them through the entryway, which was decorated as if for a lavish party. She heard the strains of music in the ballroom and the hum of many voices.
“I will give you one minute to make your grand entrance,” Petunia said, “But don’t take any longer!”
“Augustus,” she said, once Petunia departed, “Whatis going on?”
He took her hands. “Welcome, my dear, to our engagement party.”
“I do not understand.”
“Olivia, listen to me. You have said you don’t belong in my world. And maybe that is true. Maybe it will never be a perfect fit. But I wanted to throw you this party to show you that, no matter what happens, I will bend this world. I will make it what you need it to be. That is how strong my love is for you. I never want you to change to fit this world. But I will change this world to fit you.”
After such sweet words, she felt her shock fade.
