Page 35 of A Lady Most Wayward
It was Olivia’s turn to blush. ‘Even if she would sit long enough to listen, I doubt she would believe me.’
‘Give her the opportunity to try. She might surprise you.’ Mrs Hughes glanced again at her son, though her expression softened. ‘Judging someone too quickly steals from us the joy of discovery. Sometimes, realising you are wrong about a person can be the most liberating experience.’
The woman’s words hit too close to home. Philippa wiped her mouth. ‘I believe I shall follow Hyacinth’s example and also seek my bed.’
Olivia nodded. ‘Yes. We have much to do on the morrow if we hope to secure passage for Hyacinth to the Americas.’
Callum turned his head sharply, directing his words to Olivia. ‘You are taking her to the Americas?’
‘I amsendingher to the Americas. Unfortunately, I will not be able to join her on her journey.’ Though Philippa watched her closely, Olivia kept her gaze on Callum. ‘I have other duties to fulfil here.’
A tight sensation wrapped around Philippa’s chest as her ribs refused to expand.
What is wrong with me?
‘She can’t travel so far alone.’ Callum’s voice grew hoarse. ‘Mam just said she is barely grown. Certainly not ready to go on such a journey by herself. Vulnerable to all manner of rogues who might take advantage. You can’t be serious.’
Olivia looked at her plate and pushed peas around with her fork. ‘I intended to go with her, but circumstances changed. I have no other choice. It is not safe for her to remain here, nor is it possible for me to accompany her.’
‘Nothing is impossible,’ Philippa spoke quietly, carefully placing her cutlery onto her plate. ‘Perhaps a bargain can be struck with whoever is keeping you here.’ While she didn’t look at Olivia, she could feel the woman’s gaze drilling into her.
‘The person to whom I made my promise is known to be stubborn. Once a deal has been made, they never falter from their course.’
Philippa shrugged. ‘Then you shall have to convince them to make an exception.’
Olivia shifted in her seat to face Philippa. ‘And how, pray tell, do you recommend I do that?’
Philippa couldn’t stop the rush of heat pulsing through her. ‘Use your skills at negotiation. I’m sure you have something they want. Offer that in return for your freedom.’
‘Something they want?’ Olivia arched her brow, her tongue darting out to test the corner of her mouth.
Philippa met Olivia’s gaze and leaned infinitesimally closer. ‘Discover what they truly desire, and you will have a powerful bargaining tool.’
‘What if they only desire revenge?’
Slowly shaking her head, Philippa slid her foot silently across the floor until it bumped into Olivia’s. She was making a choice. One her body committed to before her mind could catch up, but it was too late to withdraw.
And I don’t want to. If I am going to let a guilty woman walk free, and sell my soul to the Devil to indulge my own needs, then I will at least enjoy my damnation. One night. Surely Liza can forgive me for one indiscretion after all these years. And then Olivia will be gone forever. It is a worthy bargain.
A pang of something sharp and painful cut through her desire. But if Philippa was not going to deliver her usual brand of justice to the marchioness, then she needed Olivia to leave England. Banishment, while not as fitting a punishment as originally planned, would still be acceptable to the Queen as justice for Olivia’s crimes.
‘You are a convincing woman, Lady Smithwick. I’m sure you can sway them to want more than mere revenge.’
‘Look at the time.’ Mrs Hughes broke into their discussion, reminding Philippa she wasn’t alone at the table with Olivia. ‘We must be off to bed, Callum. There are cows to milk in the morning.’
Philippa ripped her attention from Olivia to refocus on the two others at the table. Callum’s eyes were wide as he bounced from Philippa to Olivia, then back again. ‘R-right you are, Mam.’ He stood abruptly, clearing plates from the table that were still full. ‘I’ll just pop into the kitchen and do the washing up.’
Mrs Hughes rose a little more slowly, her hand pushing into her lower back as she arched. ‘I’ll help you, love. You two must be exhausted. Go on to bed. I’m sure a path forward will be much clearer in the morning. It’s always a wonder to me what a good night of sleep will do for a body.’ She glanced at Olivia, then Philippa. ‘I hope you’re comfortable tonight.’
Philippa lowered her chin in a nod she’d perfected during her visits with the Queen, the only person to whom she showed deference. Until now. ‘I’m sure we will be more than content. You have been most kind.’ Standing, she looked at Callum. ‘Thank you for a delicious meal. Your mother is blessed to have such a talented man in her house.’
Once more, Callum’s face burned crimson. ‘It weren’t nothing.’
Philippa smiled. ‘No, it was not. It was quite something. Shall we retire?’ She stepped back, giving Olivia space to rise. The fair beauty’s cheeks were also suspiciously pink.
‘Thank you, Mrs Hughes. For everything.’ Olivia held her nursemaid’s gaze for a beat, then turned to Callum. ‘And to you, Callum. Goodnight.’ Brushing past Philippa, the duchess felt the feather-soft whisper of Olivia’s fingers as they trailed over her hand.
Let the negotiations begin.
