“That wouldn’t be hard,” Olivia commented. “And I did guess. You were very flustered when you came back into the drawing room after your little chat. If the monstrous Smythe-Hardings hadn’t turned up and started demanding you turn out your pockets, I would’ve said something at the time.”
“They were rather horrible, weren’t they?” Carenza, who was far more willing to discuss Hector’s relatives than her relationship with Julian, carried on. “I don’t think Hector would’ve liked them at all. I know I was at fault for not returning the tiara, but I’d grown so used to hiding it from Hector that I’d almost forgotten it belonged to his family.”
“They were completely at fault,” Olivia stated firmly. “Now, tell me everything about Julian Laurent.”
“There isn’t much to tell. He simply offered to be my lover.”
“Just like that?”
“Well, obviously, he was annoyed about the advertisement, and he said that if I was determined to take a lover, it had better be him because at least he’d be discreet.”
“That’s hardly romantic,” Olivia objected.
“I’m not looking for love or romance,” Carenza reminded her friend. “Just a lover.”
“I’ve heard he’s very good.” Olivia winked. “From reliable sources. Can you confirm that?”
Carenza gave her friend a pointed look. “I am not going to reply to that, Olivia.”
“After all my help to bring him to such a point?” Olivia looked pained. “If it hadn’t been for the advertisement—”
“I wouldn’t have ended up in danger of losing my reputation,” Carenza reminded her friend. “What possessed you to use the exact wording of our made-up advertisement?”
“I thought it would draw a larger crowd,” Olivia said. “And when I say larger, I mean—”
Allegra loudly cleared her throat. “At least no one suspects Carenza of being that particular lady. That is good.”
“Did I mention that Mr. Cox is still getting letters from aspiring applicants?” Olivia said. “I am enjoying reading them.”
“Please don’t share them with me.” Carenza shuddered.
“Why would I? You’ve already found the perfect man for the job.” Olivia nodded. “In truth, it has turned out very well indeed for you.”
“I hope you are right,” Carenza said. “I like Julian.”
“It is possible to remain friends with your lovers, Carenza,” Olivia said. “You just have to remember not to have feelings for them. It makes it so much easier to let them go. I’ve never found it a problem.”
“That’s because you don’t have feelings.” Allegra winced. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”
“Rude, perhaps, but still true,” Olivia said. “I trained myself not to feel during my marriage and succeeded beyond my wildest imagination.”
Carenza hated the derisory note in her friend’s voice. “Someone will show you how to love again, Olivia. You just haven’t met him yet.”
“And I hope I never will,” Olivia responded. “Life is far simpler when I can be selfish and think only of myself.” She rose to her feet. “Speaking of which, I’m meeting a delicious naval officer for dinner this evening.”
“Did he reply to the advertisement?” Allegra asked.
“No, but I have seen some intriguing candidates who wish to be considered.” Olivia winked at Carenza. “If Julian doesn’t come up to scratch, let me know.”
Allegra waited until Olivia left before she spoke again. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told her about you and Julian.”
“If you hadn’t told her, I would probably have blurted it out myself,” Carenza said. “But please don’t mention it to anyone else.”
“Even Maude?”
“If Maude asks, you may tell her,” Carenza conceded. “But that’s it. The last thing I want is Father coming up to town and insisting I marry Julian.”
“Father would approve of him,” Allegra said. “He told me once that he’d always thought Julian would be a better match for you than Hector.”
