If neither of them was able to aid her, what would she do?
Perhaps take a horse and ride for the next town? Maybe hide somewhere on her own estate until a safe escape plan came to mind? She could book passage on the mail coach that comes through town. Ideas popped in and out of her mind in rapid succession. With so many options, she would surely find her way to freedom.
Olivia returned to her desk and placed a fresh piece of parchment on its surface. She may disagree with her ’parents’ stance, but she still loved them. There would be no way to avoid hurting them, but she could try to keep them from worrying overmuch. She dipped her quill into the inkwell and began…
Father, Mother,
Forgive me for what I have done, but I saw no other option. I could not sentence myself to a life without love. Could not abandon my own dreams and ambitions for a title. Do not worry over me, I assure you, I am perfectly well and safe.
Ihope that in time you will forgive me,
Olivia
She sighed, then pushed the chair back and stood. Her parents would be furious when they discovered her absence. Mother would be beside herself and Father… It pained Olivia to put them through the heartache and anger. For a heartbeat, she considered burning the letter and forgoing her plan, but the urge past as quickly as it had struck.
A rapping sounded at her door, and she moved to stand in front of her desk. It would not do to have her note discovered before she was gone. “Come in.”
A footman carrying a silver tray entered then bowed. Holding the tray out, he said, “My lady, you have a reply.”
Olivia plucked the letter from its silver nest and grinned. “Very good. Should I receive another one, you know what to do.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Olivia gave a nod, and the footman backed from the room. Her pulse raced as she opened the letter and began to read.
Dearest O,
As it happens, J and I are together. If you can manage to be at the road near the edge of your estate after super, J can pick you up. She is joining us for the meal but will make an excuse to depart directly after. I have a place for you and J will show you where.
Iwould be remiss if I did not ask you to reconsider. Once you leave, there may well be no chance of returning. Is that truly what you want? Please take the time to fully consider your actions before meeting J. Nothing will be harmed if you change your mind.
All our love,
E and J
Olivia released a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. It was as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from her, and she instantly knew that all would be well. Emma may not agree with her actions, but in the end, Olivia would be glad for them.
She’d be free to live as she pleased, to love if she wished, and to be herself.
What more could a lady ask for?
Chapter 11
Everything in William wanted to go to Olivia. It had been far too long since she’d left him by the stable. He could not help but worry about her and their future. His notes and invitations went ignored. A fact that not only hurt his pride, but also his heart. With great regret, William had decided to let her go.
He swirled the whisky in his tumbler then looked across the large mahogany desk separating him from Pemberton. The man would not be happy with what he was about to say. William downed the liquor then cleared his throat. “I regret to say that I have not come with good news.”
“I could tell as much when you entered and went directly to the decanter.” The older man took a drink from his tumbler, then set it aside and leaned in. “Why have you come?”
William poured another splash of whisky before getting the mans gaze. “I will not be marring your daughter.” Before Pemberton could speak, William downed the contents of his tumbler.
The marquess’s eyes widened, narrowed, and widened again. “There is a contract.”
“And I am here to break it.” William ran his finger along the rim of his tumbler. “I will compensate accordingly.”
Pembroke rubbed his jaw between his thumb and middle finger as he stared past William in speculation.
A million things tumbled through Williams’ head, things he should say or do, but in the end, all he managed to accomplish was refilling his glass. His chest squeezed despite the liquid courage for the last thing he wanted was to walk away from Olivia.
