Today they took the same road, but with a far different destination. Louella was finally going to have her way. She was taking Olivia to London for a Season.
Olivia stared out the window as they passed through a small village. She wore one of her new gowns, a jaunty eggshell bonnet, and brand new slippers.
She’d come to love impractical slippers.
“Are you nervous?” Louella’s voice broke into her thoughts.
As soon as Gabriel’s fever had broken, Olivia, Crawford, Louella, Mary, and Louella’s maid, Jane, had taken to the road. Only after arriving home did Louella question her further about Gabriel.
Olivia had gone so far as to admit that she had developed tender feelings for Lord Kingsley but hadn’t the heart to admit to more than that.
“A little.”
Louella already knew the truth; Olivia could see it in her eyes. Olivia barely remembered much from that horrible day when he’d been shot, but she did recall that she’d stroked Gabriel’s hair. He’d called her Oluvia. He’d teased her about tying him up.
Yes, Louella had guessed.
She would see Gabriel again in London. Of course, he and Miss Shipley would attend many of the sametonevents. Two weeks ago, the invitation had arrived. It was to be the wedding of the Season.
The Earl of Kingsley and Miss Victoria Shipley would be taking their vows in St. George’s Cathedral on the morning of May seventh. Hundreds would be present.
“You shouldn’t be nervous, you know,” Louella stated emphatically. “You’re my beautiful sister.”
Olivia blinked, still gazing out the window. “I’m most excited to visit Hatchard’s.” Because she could keep books with her forever. But they also would go to the Theatre Royal, Hyde Park, and Vauxhall Gardens. There was so much to see, and she set her mind to looking forward to them all.
She did not wish to go to the wedding. She wished Miss Shipley well. She wished Gabriel well, but… She blinked again. It would be obvious to both Crawford and Louella if she pleaded a megrim on that day.
How pitiful of her! Longing for a man who belonged to someone else.
“Perhaps you will meet someone wonderful. He will ask you to dance, and then romantically sweep you off your feet.” Louella meant well. But…
Olivia would not allow herself to be pitied. She would happily wear her new gowns, soak up the sights… and when she came face to face with Gabriel at the ball Louella had planned for one week’s time, Olivia would smile and wish him happy.
It would have to be enough.
“Perhaps.” Olivia turned back to her sister. “Tell me what the children have been up to.”
* * *
Leaning more heavilyupon the cane his mother had dug out from his father’s belongings than he’d wish, Gabriel grimaced and rang the bell at Mrs. Beasley’s residence.
He hated that he still tired easily, but this meeting could not be delayed.
“My Lord.” Mr. Thompson, a quite nondescript butler nodded.
Gabriel dispensed with handing over his calling card. By now, he ought to have been known well enough. Surely, he and Victoria’s betrothal must be one of the longest in recent history. “I wish to speak with Miss Shipley,” he stated. “Alone.”
Mr. Thompson’s eyebrows rose, but he bowed, nonetheless. “This way, My Lord. I’ll see if she is available.”
Gabriel could not have this discussion with Victoria’s aunt present. In order for all of this to work, he needed Victoria’s understanding and cooperation.
Mrs. Beasley would not be amenable; he was most certain.
The long-time retainer led him into a sitting room and closed the door behind him without making a sound.
His hip still pained him, but Gabriel could not bring himself to sit. Instead, he perused the room slowly. A room he’d waited in dozens of times. They’d set numerous wedding dates for their nuptials and postponed nearly as many. Gabriel rubbed his chin. Had he ever actually proposed?
Oddly enough, he did not remember doing so. Was Victoria aware of such an oversight? They’d both been so very intent on fulfilling the promises they’d made to dead men. Men they admired, good men.
