And then she’d go tumbling down the hill to be found days later with her skirts above her head, broken and bedraggled.
The thought of such a mishap horrified and amused her at the same time.
“Who’s there?” the male voice demanded.
But oh, heavens, she could not be discovered yet!
“Stand down!” She’d read the term just two weeks ago in a military tome.
The shuffling feet and snapping branches ceased at her command. “Are you injured? Do you require assistance? You’ve no reason to be afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid,” she returned. “But I wish to remain alone and… and… I’ve a rather large rock in my hand and am not averse to thrashing a skull with it.”
More laughter, and then the leaves directly in front of her shook.
“I mean it!” she shouted in panic. “Go a—”
The branches parted and a tall, masculine shadow appeared. He only required a moment before ascertaining that she—
“Oh, hell, I… Uh… Pardon the intrusion.” He turned his back to her as quickly as he’d appeared. “I beg you to accept my most sincere apology.”
An awkward silence fell, and he seemed at a loss as to how to proceed. His shoulders, she noticed, however, seemed to be shaking as though he was stifling laughter that was exclusively enjoyed at her expense.
Please, she urged silently,just go away.
“I must admit, I’ve not found myself in this situation before.” And yet he hadn’t taken his leave as requested.
As a gentleman, apparently, he held some misplaced notion that he ought not abandon her in her present circumstances.
“I did warn you.” Olivia sighed. Because… what else was there to say? Most likely no manners book ever written contained the proper etiquette to follow if caught in this particularly embarrassing situation.
“Could you not have simply employed the retiring room? You’re not the only person strolling in these gardens this evening.” Annoyance now mingled with the laughter in his voice. “Your privacy was not assured, by any means.”
“That is precisely why I am so far off of the formal path, practically hiding in the dark. I did not expect some well-meaning gentleman to follow me. And as for the ladies’ retiring room… It was… occupied.”
“But of course. By all means then.” The man made something of a choking sound and those damn shoulders of his were shaking again.
“I’m in no mood for your condescension.” How could she put this politely? “And if you wouldn’t mind—“
“In all good conscience, madam,” he cleared his throat, “I cannot leave you alone here, to fend for yourself. Not all gentlemen would pass up the opportunity to, ahem, take advantage of such a situation.”
“Um, well. I’m pleased to hear of your upright and moral character, but really...”Please go away. Just please go!Employing an abundance of caution, Olivia rose and adjusted her skirts. “But as I’ve assured you, I’m perfectly fine and intend to return to the ballroom shortly. So, if you wouldn’t mind...”
But of course, he did not do as she wished. He instead glanced over his shoulder and upon seeing she was presentable, turned all the way and then studied her through the darkness.
Lord Kingsley! Although she’d not laid eyes upon the blighter for ages, she doubted she’d ever forget such a handsome but bothersome person. He was the one who’d first called her Lazy-eyed Livvy.
He, apparently, had had no difficulty forgettingher. Which was all just as well…
He and Lord Stanton, Louella’s groom-to-be, in fact, had both christened her with a number of derogatory names nearly ten years ago.
Lazy-eyed Livvy had been the one that stuck.
Stanton, of course, had since apologized. Louella had insisted he do so before she accepted his suit. Olivia doubted Kingsley ever would. He hadn’t remembered her even; she wasn’t fool enough to expect him to feel remorse.
No, he’d taken far too much pleasure tormenting her.
Handsome blighter.
