Emma paled, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Olivia ignored Emma’s apparent distaste for the idea and turned her attention back to Juliet. “I could slouch in my chair when he’s around.”
“That would be a start, but you have to think of things more drastic.” Juliet tapped her finger against her cheek. “I know. You can ride astride…in trousers. And toss out a cuss word here and there.”
“She couldn’t!” Emma gasped, clearly appalled at the thought of such unladylike behavior.
Olivia could not help but laugh at Emma’s quick reaction. “I can.” In fact, Olivia rather liked the idea. Furthermore, she would do anything to be rid of the duke—well, almost anything. She smiled, then directed her words in Emma’s direction. “And I will. I shall invite His Grace to go for a ride later today.”
“Truly?” Emma’s gaze locked on Olivia.
Olivia gave a firm nod. “Nothing is to be lost from trying to dissuade him.”
“On the contrary. Nothing is to be gained. Your parents will be livid should you succeed, and you may well lose your reputation along the way,” Emma argued.
“I have no need of a reputation when my heart’s desire is to remain unwed.” Olivia nibbled at her lip. “Oh, please do help me think of more unladylike behaviors I might employ? Won’t you, Emma?”
Emma stared at Olivia for long heartbeats before at last, she sighed. “Oh, very well. I suppose you could hike up your skirts and run down the halls or kick off your slippers and dart across the lawn.”
“Perfect!” Olivia clasped her hands together, excitement thrumming through her.
Juliet gave a conspiratorial wink. “I’d wager he calls off before weeks end, and that your reputation doesn’t suffer in the least.”
“I suppose if you save your antics for times when your parents are not watching, you may well get away with the scheme completely,” Emma added. “After all, everyone knows you’re a wallflower, and wallflower’s do not act in such ways.”
“So true,” Juliet bobbed her head in agreement. “Most people pay us no mind, and those who do, believe us to be perfect ladies. Dull even. They’d never think you capable of blatantly breaking the rules.”
Olivia could not argue with her friend’s points. She’d never purposely broken a societal rule in all of her three and twenty years. Though Olivia was most certainly capable of doing what she must to get what she wanted. She had to believe that.
Olivia had never truly been shy or quiet. In fact, it was her outgoing nature that started her friendship with Juliet and Emma. She’d have to rely on that particular trait to pull this off. Nothing short of convincing the duke that she was a true hoyden would suffice.
Yes, she could do this.
Olivia grinned at her friends. “I am quite certain that I’m up to the task.” She poured herself another cup of tea and settled into her seat, looking forward to her next encounter with the duke.
Three hours later, she entered the stable wearing a pair of borrowed trousers. With her heart thrumming, she mounted her horse. The duke would be joining her soon, and she desperately needed a bit of practice before he did.
Olivia had sweet-talked the stable master into giving her a short lesson for she’d never rode astride. Pray the duke not notice here lack of skill.
“Place your feet in the stirrups,” the stable master instructed.
She did as told, deciding nearly straight away that she rather liked sitting astride. She had more balance, and there was less pressure on her hip. “Like this?” She asked.
The kindly old man gave her a smile. “Yes, indeed. Now tap your heels against the horse.”
She gave a gentle tap, then scrunched her brow together when the horse did nothing. Olivia tried again. This time with more force and the beast jolted forward. She gave a squeal of surprise as she tugged back on the reins.
“Easy,” the stable master called out. “Use the reins as you always have and keep your weight centered in the saddle.”
Olivia concentrated on doing just that, and before long, she was riding with more ease.
“There you go. Now nudge the mount into a cantor.”
She did as told and the horse picked up speed, causing her to wobble in the saddle. Startled she grabbed for the saddle horn.
“Keep your hands on the reins,” the stable master hollered.
Her heat pounded as she regained control of her mount. This simply would not do. The duke would instantly discover her subterfuge. As she was about to ask the stable master to ready her sidesaddle, the duke strolled into view. Olivia stiffened her posture as well as her resolve. It was too late to turn back now.
