“Who else will be in attendance?” She at least needed to have some idea before committing herself to something that could bring about a great deal of embarrassment.
Wouldhebe there? He’d traveled extensively over the last few years. She likely had nothing to worry about…
“Lady Kingsley’s daughter, and I believe several of her acquaintances. Old friends to the dowager, from what I gather. I imagine most of the guests are friends of the countess, likely to be more advanced in years. Oh, Livvy, puleeez?”
Olivia wanted to ask directly if Lord Kingsley would be present but… Louella would have mentioned him if that was the case.
Wouldn’t she?
Worst case scenario, Kingsley was there.
Surely, the estate would be large enough that they could avoid one another for a few days. If Olivia brought along a few books, and she could explore the countess’s gardens, which she’d heard were quite spectacular…
Olivia exhaled loudly. Louella, it seemed, was not about to allow Olivia to hide in Misty Brooke forever. “You are certain my coming along won’t be an imposition?”
Louella squealed in delight. “Come up to Ashton Acres tomorrow morning. I have a modiste scheduled to measure Cameron’s sisters and myself. You must have something made up for the house party. You’ll feel much better wearing something fashionable. Trust me.”
Olivia squirmed. “I don’t want any new gowns, Louella.”
“But you need them! I won’t take no for an answer.” And then she rose from the patio, took up her reticule, and sent Olivia a rueful glance. “Am I acting horribly spoiled? All you need to do is tell me. It’s just that… I hate that I am so happy and yet since I’ve married, nothing seems to have improved for you. Before I realized that I would love my husband, being able to make your life easier was my main consolation for giving into Father’s demands. Now that I have everything I ever dreamed of, it’s all the more important to me that you find happiness as well.”
Olivia reached out and squeezed Louella’s hand. “You are the best little sister in the world, did you know that? And no, you are not acting horribly spoiled. I will come up to Ashton Acres and be measured foronedress. And then we will pack up our trunks and go to this house party together.”
Louella smiled tentatively.
“And I will be happy,” Olivia added.
Chapter 22
Nice People… Mostly
As it turned out,she was measured for seven new gowns. Seven! Olivia had protested but Louella insisted that they’d already been made for her, and it would be an awful waste. At which, Olivia had no choice but to give in gracefully.
Olivia smoothed her skirt and then stretched her arms up after exiting the carriage. The scenery surrounding Sky Manor was jaw-dropping.
“Aren’t you so very glad you came?” Louella slipped an arm around Olivia’s waist and led her toward the grand staircase leading up to the castle. Which was the only word Olivia could think to describe the magnificent structure set perfectly against the side of the hill, as though it was meant to be there from the beginning of time.
Louella presented Olivia to the Countess of Kingsley, who in turn introduced the other ladies present.
“Your Grace, I’d like to present my daughter, Lady Priscilla, Mrs. Beasley and Miss Shipley. Ladies, the duchess is Crawford’s bride, Miss Redfield is her sister.” Uncertain as to who should curtsey to whom, Olivia dipped into a half-hearted bob. Miss Shipley caught her eye, did the same, and grinned.
“Come inside, please.” Lady Priscilla gestured them up the steps. “I’m sure you both must be ready for a cup of tea after your long drive this morning.”
Olivia’s head spun around as a virtual army of servants began assisting the outriders and driver in unpacking and leading the untethered horses away to some unseen stable area. Mary stood off to the side of them, looking uncertain as to where she ought to be.
For the past five years, she’d been much more than just a companion, maid, or housekeeper to Olivia. She’d been a good friend.
Olivia gestured to her. “And this is my companion, Mrs. Mary Brown.” Olivia did not need Mary to sit around all day waiting for her to come back into her chamber. Louella caught Olivia’s eyes and smiled.
An hour later, Olivia was so very glad that she’d given into Louella’s pleas and come along. Lady Kingsley was all that was pleasant, as was Gabriel’s lovely sister, Lady Priscilla.
Gabriel was nowhere in sight.
The only person in the room to avoid looking her in the eye was the rather unpleasant Mrs. Beasley, whom she’d discovered to be Miss Shipley’s aunt.
Olivia simply adored Miss Shipley, however. At first, she’d seemed somewhat quiet, but as they conversed, she quickly proved herself to be clever and thoughtful.
And friendly.
