“Are you well, Olivia?” Nicola said.
“I’m just a little dizzy.”
“You’re pregnant.”
Nicola’s expression hardened, and Olivia shivered. “How do you know?”
“I’ve suspected it for some time. Susie said something about your bedsheets, and—”
Olivia’s head throbbed as Nicola’s voice sharpened, and she raised her hand. “Nicola, I know we’re friends, but I’d rather not discuss it.”
“Of course.” Nicola’s smile returned and she offered her hand. “Are you afraid?”
“Yes.” Another wave of nausea rippled through Olivia’s stomach, and she took the proffered hand. Nicola curled her fingers around Olivia’s wrist.
“Does Devereaux know?”
“I’ve not told him,” Olivia said. “How can I, when he made it clear that he didn’t want a child?”
“I can still help,” Nicola said, glancing over her shoulder towardthe house. “Old Mrs. Gibbs is very discreet. She’ll have something to end a pregnancy as well as prevent one.”
“No!” Olivia withdrew her hand.
“You could save yourself the prospect of death,” Nicola said. “Don’t you recall what I said about Ma Lucy?”
“Please desist,” Olivia said. “If you continue, I must return to the house.”
Nicola let out a sigh. “Forgive me. I’m only thinking of you.” She caught Olivia’s hand and kissed it. “I wouldn’t want to lose my friend. You’ve been so kind to Susie—kinder than any other lady would be in your position, especially considering she’s not the best of maids.”
“Susie’s an excellent lady’s maid.”
“That’s generous of you to say. Come—we’ll speak no more of it.” Nicola gestured to her basket. “Mrs. Groves has given me all manner of good things for our picnic, and I asked her to pack some of her lemonade as well, seeing as I know how fond you are of it.” She linked her arm with Olivia’s, and they entered the forest.
Almost at once, the air was filled with the sounds of the forest—the rush of the wind through the trees and the rustling of woodland creatures investigating the undergrowth. The faint hammering of a woodpecker echoed in the distance, followed by a squeal—some creature caught in the jaws of a predator. The sun penetrated further now that most of the trees had shed their leaves, illuminating the forest floor with patches of light. Olivia thrust her foot into a pile of leaves, kicking them up into the air. Nicola followed suit, then threw back her head and laughed.
“I love this forest!” she cried. “I’m so fortunate to have you as a friend. Do forgive my earlier words.”
“They’re forgotten,” Olivia said.
“You’re like a sister to me,” Nicola said, “dearer to me than Susie. I hope, one day, I might be able to call you sister.”
“But Jacob doesn’t—”
“Jacob doesn’t what?” Nicola said, a sharp edge to her voice.
“Has he asked you to marry him?”
Nicola’s eyes glistened and Olivia’s heart ached at their expression. How cruel Jacob’s words had been at breakfast! Didn’t he realize how much Nicola loved him?
“Hewantsto marry me, but he needs…”
“Encouragement?” Olivia suggested.
“Convincing,” Nicola said. “I fear he thinks I’m not good enough for him. Did you see him at breakfast this morning?”
Olivia nodded.
“Did he say anything?”
