“He’ll never connect it with us,” Carenza said.
“Doesn’t that depend on what the new articles revealed? We don’t know what details Mr. Cox might have let slip to a new journalist.”
“There’s one way of seeing if the news has reached Norfolk yet.” Olivia pointed at the letters. “We can tell where they are from by the return addresses.”
“As if anyone writing to offer their stud services to a lady would volunteer their real name and location,” Carenza said.
“You’d be surprised,” Olivia said. “Some of the men are very open about where they live and exactly who they are.”
“You’ve been reading the letters?” Carenza asked.
“Why not?” Olivia shrugged. “I’m always bored, and I’ve discovered some very interesting people.”
Allegra fixed her with an anxious stare. “I do hope you haven’t been answering them.”
“I have entered into correspondence with some of the gentlemen,” Olivia admitted. “I thought I’d already mentioned that.”
“But isn’t that rather dangerous?” Allegra asked.
“Far less dangerous than meeting a man in person, dearest,” Olivia said. “Which is, by the way, what your own sister recently did.”
“Only because you made me,” Carenza said.
“That’s not quite true, is it?” Olivia met Carenza’s pointed stare with one of her own. “You didn’t have to go. No one forced you.”
“Olivia’s right,” Allegra said.
Olivia didn’t take her attention away from Carenza. “It’s far easier to blame me than admit your own culpability in this endeavor. Although why I am surprised, I do not know, because you constantly allow others to dictate the course of your life, don’t you, Carenza?”
“That’s hardly fair,” Carenza said.
“I disagree.” Olivia raised her chin. “You let Hector walk all over you.”
“I was not responsible for Hector’s behavior,” Carenza snapped. “And I will not be blamed for his choices, including his flirtation with you, which, by the way, hurt me immeasurably.”
“I flirted with him to make youdosomething!” Olivia said. “I thought—”
“You flirted with him because you wanted to,” Carenza said firmly. “Please do not try to justify your behavior by yet again holding me responsible for your conduct. I am no more responsible for your choices than for Hector’s.”
Olivia shot to her feet. “I think I should go.”
“Yes. Perhaps you should.” Carenza rose as well. “Good morning, ma’am.”
Olivia left, slamming the door behind her.
Allegra looked at Carenza. “Good Lord, what on earth just happened? You never argue with anyone.”
“Perhaps it is time that I started,” Carenza said. “Olivia loves to complain I am too biddable while simultaneously demanding I do whatever she says.”
“I admire you for standing up to her,” Allegra said. “I have often mentioned she can be a little condescending toward you.”
Carenza walked over to the window to see that Olivia’s carriage was just pulling away. Allegra joined her.
“The thing is …,” Allegra said carefully. “Although you did the right thing, I am worried about whether it was the right thing to do at this present moment.”
“You mean when Olivia holds my reputation in her hands because of the stupid advertisement?” Carenza asked. “Yes,” Allegra said. “That.”
“Miss Cartwright.” Julian bowed. “May I introduce you to my brother, the Earl of Landon?”
