Lisbeth looked up from her cup, her eyes wide.A ball?She shook her head.
“It is near the end of the season, and we should celebrate your return.”
My return? To what? Misery?She shook her head again. The last thing she wanted to have was a ball.
“Think about it. Have you seen the amount of calling cards piling up? The only way to address them all is to have a ball. Get it over and done with all in one go.”
It did make sense.It didn’t make her want to do it. Her grandmother was looking at her as if waiting for her to give in to her plans with a nod. Instead, Lisbeth took up her notebook and wrote,I’ll think on it.
“Well, don’t think on it too long. A ball doesn’t happen overnight, you know. There are invitations, menus, decorations, and music to consider. It is all very time consuming. It will keep your mind off… things.”
Things. Oliver. I can’t stand this anymore,she thought. Lisbeth stood up and rushed out of the room with her teacup still in her hand. She was going to go and see him herself. She would stand there until he read her letter. She would stand there all day, all week, if necessary.
Gathering her spencer and a cloak she headed back downstairs.
“My lady?” Rollands asked, his eyebrows nearly hitting his hair line.
She showed him her notebook.Call me a hack please, Rollands.
“But, my lady, it is raining.”
She glared at him and pointed at her request again.
He grabbed an umbrella. “I’ll get one right away.”
She waited by the door.
“You cannot mean to go out there?” her grandmother asked from behind her.
Lisbeth nodded.
“Are you mad?” she said. “You’ll catch your death.”
Lisbeth wrote in her book and turned it towards her grandmother who had to come closer to read it.
I have to. I love him.
Lady Fortesque searched Lisbeth’s face. She must have seen the truth of Lisbeth’s words in her eyes for she nodded then said, “Shall I come with you, for support?”
Lisbeth shook her head.
“I can’t talk you out of this can I?” Lisbeth shook her head again. “Then good luck, my dearest.” She placed a kiss on Lisbeth’s forehead.
Lisbeth raced out into the weather and into the hired conveyance.
*
The carriage rockedfrom side to side as it negotiated the muddy streets. Deep in his depression Oliver watched as the grand houses of his neighbors were exchanged for more commonplace abodes. He felt like he was running away. He had never felt more alone. He felt wretched.
He pulled out the letter. He had to know, for better or worse, what she had written. He broke the seal. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The precise handwriting was smeared in places. Had she been crying while she wrote it? He started to read.
Dear Oliver
I am so sorry about yesterday. I am sorry that I hurt you with my thoughtlessness. Please let me explain my actions.
These last few days have been so conflicted I hardly know how to start. Let me firstly say what I should have said as soon as I knew. You have no longer to worry about your brother’s debt. Before you think the worst, I would never dream of paying you for your services. Mrs. Rollands found Blackhurst’s diary and ledger a few days ago. I wanted to tell you after the balloon ascension but well, Dalmere happened.
In any case the result is that I can now return the capital your brother and the others put into the speculation. Although, I was again advised I was notlegally obliged, I have decided to disseminate the money anyway. It was never mine to keep.
