Page 85 of The Rules of Courtship
“Right away, sir.”
Oliver was not entirely certain, but he believed he saw a smug smile on his butler’s face as he left the room.
Chapter Thirty-One
Rule #31: Never become engaged unless you can have the banns read straight away. Waiting is sheer torture
Ruth preceded Catherine, Lady Helena, and Mrs. Watson into the drawing room at Boone Park, so she was the first to see Oliver’s smile light up when he saw her. In her position, she was also the first to see his expression fall when he noticed the train of women following in her wake. The whole party was swathed in silks and gauze, their hair intricately put up and long, silk gloves pulled up to their elbows. They were ready for the Locksley assemblies, and they looked regal and sophisticated. But still, Oliver only had eyes for Ruth, making warmth steal up her neck and pepper her cheeks.
“We hoped to see Eliza,” Ruth said, coming to stop before him. “How is she feeling?”
“Better today, I think, but I will let her answer that.” Oliver spread his smile over the group and bowed low. “How good it is to see you again so soon, Mrs. Watsonand Miss Temple.”
If he was curious about Miss Jane’s absence, he did not say so. The women curtsied.
“If you would like to remain here, I can take Ruth and Lady Helena up to see Eliza,” Oliver offered. “I will have Harrison bring you something to drink.”
They murmured their assent, and Mrs. Watson led Miss Temple toward the sofa while Oliver exchanged a few words with his butler. Harrison discreetly handed him a folded white letter, which he tucked in his pocket. He was soon opening the door to lead the Wycliffe women from the room.
“You will never believe what I learned,” Ruth whispered once they reached the stairs and were well out of earshot.
“Ruth,” her stepmother admonished. “You do not wish to gossip.”
Ruth shot wide eyes back at Lady Helena. “It is notgossip. I am merely telling my future husband information that is of interest to him.” Even if it was gossip, did that count between spouses? Oliver was nearly her spouse. He would be the moment he put off his black gloves, at least.
Besides, this news was relevant. He had speculated with her at Rocklin about the state of Miss Edmunds, and now the mystery was solved and his lingering curiosity—if there was any—could be satisfied.
“I suppose Miss Jane would likely tell you herself were she here,” Lady Helena finally admitted.
Oh, there was alsothat. Ruth’s grin widened. “That is not what I wanted to share with him, but it is good news, too. Jane Temple is soon to be engaged.” Ruth bubbled with excitement. “To Mr. Edmonds!”
“Truly?” Oliver asked, pausing at the top of the stairs to look at her. He showed genuine surprise, which mirrored what Ruth felt when she had heard the news. The couple had never shown a marked interest in each other.
“Catherine told me so last night when they arrived, in orderto excuse her sister for choosing to remain at home. Jane has been helping to see after Mr. Edmonds during his recovery, and they formed something of a connection. Lord Rocklin invited the Edmonds to remain at Rocklin House as long as they would like.” She grinned. “Mrs. Watson believes an engagement is imminent, for Mr. Edmonds told his sister he would like to ask for Jane’s hand the moment he is able to stand and do so.”
“It is awfully romantic,” Oliver said, amused.
Ruth tugged at his arm. “It is, but the other news is even better than that. Once Mr. Edmonds proved he was going to fully recover, his sisterran off.”
Oliver blinked, waiting for her to continue.
Ruth’s smile stretched wide. “With Mr. Kellinger.”
“Truly?” His surprise mounted, which felt oddly gratifying.
“Yes. I thought the man was married, but it turns out the Phillipa he struggled to leave behind for the house party was not a wife. It was hishorse.” Ruth chuckled. “What a happy turnaround for the Edmonds. To think, if Mr. Edmonds had never hit his head and required such a lengthy convalescence, he might not have fallen in love.”
Oliver laughed, exchanging a glance with Lady Helena. “You think he is grateful to have been toppled off a horse?”
She shrugged. “I think he is grateful to be in love. They had not formed a connection prior to the accident.”
“Did you hear any news of Mr. Bailey?” Oliver asked.
Ruth frowned. “No. Catherine mentioned he left Rocklin the same day we did. I do hope he finds love.”
“He will,” Lady Helena said. “A man that handsome with a healthy estate of that sort will not have trouble finding willing young ladies to court.”
“Yes, Mama,” Ruth said. “But he deserves love.”
