Page 40 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
Olivia was frustrated by his pride and decided to use her boldness once more. In a hushed, but harsh voice, she told him what she truly wanted.
“Yes, Father. We do. I know we are capable of doing plenty for ourselves, but your daughters are starved. Gemma is smaller than she ought to be for her age and I know well the it has not escaped your notice. Your wife passed away because her body was not strong enough to fight off an illness. Now please, let Louise and Gemma have this,” she urged with anger underneath.
Her father’s eyes softened. She saw in them that he viewed himself a failure for not providing better. She did not wish this for him, she had not meant to hurt his pride. But it was true. Her sisters needed to eat something more than soup. To take all of this away for no other reason than pride would have been cruel.
“You are right. Tell your sisters that dinner is ready. But we shall have nothing to do with that man,” he insisted.
“Of course, Father. Thank you,” she replied to him.
The family sat down to the feast and enjoyed every bit of it. Gemma was especially overcome, not stopping even when it was clear that she was already too full. Olivia worried she might make herself sick from eating so much and finally told her she could have no more.
There was more than enough food to last them the following day for luncheon and dinner. When Olivia tried to sort what was still in the kitchen, she saw there was also a plate filled with eggs and another with ham for their breakfast. She was overwhelmed by the kindness.
“Does he really think we need all of this?” her father asked, coming in through the door of the kitchen.
“He is wealthy, Father. He has no idea what a normal family eats. I am sure he thought he was sending only a simple dinner,” she lied.
Mr. Digby showed disappointment on his face and, once more, Olivia felt sorry that his pride had been wounded. He had done all her could for his daughters, but it didn’t compare to the meal provided by the wealth of this man who had sought to court Olivia.
She finished cleaning and went to bed, where Louise and Gemma were already sound asleep. Their bellies were full, and they were peaceful.
The lies were worth it, Olivia told herself. She could lie to her father if it meant that her sisters were cared for. She had to. Someone had to. Without a good meal now and then, there was little else for them.
Not only did they have enough food to last them another day, but it was another day without having to use the precious vegetables from their small plot of a garden. They had also saved money on bread.
Perhaps if she was able to convince her father to accept these gifts every so often, they might be able to save money to cook good meals for themselves now and then. They could buy meat once a month, even.
But all of this would depend on her father. And for now, it seemed he would accept no more.
The following day, when her sisters went to one of the small parks nearby, Olivia made her way to the earl’s home. She reported to him what had occurred. They ate a fine meal in his garden where he had arranged for a table and chairs.
Olivia thought that perhaps if she ate enough at his home, she would not be overly hungry at dinnertime. That would leave more food for the rest of the family as well. She was truly making an effort to help them.
The earl made jokes and they laughed and enjoyed their time together. Things were changing, and she was glad for it. They were beginning to understand one another.
“We ought to go to my grandmother’s now,” he announced after the meal.
Making their way to the dowager’s estate, riding in the coach together, Olivia felt that she truly was becoming a princess. She knew she had enjoyed writing again in the past couple of days. She would have to add more, make the adventure more thrilling.
Lady Kirby greeted them heartily. “And how is your family?” she asked.
“They are very well, Lady Kirby. My sisters were delighted to have such a grand meal last evening,” she replied.
“I am glad to hear it. How did your father respond?” she asked.
Olivia paused before answering. “I think it was difficult for him to accept it, but he was grateful in the end. He is not quite ready to allow for a union between myself and the earl,” she said, glancing at him quickly. “But I think that the day will come when he shall approve.”
“Do not expect it too quickly,” she laughed. “You have no idea what it is to be a parent and to love your child, to want what is best for them. You might find that your father, good man though he is, will not be willing to part with his beloved daughter to a man that he does not yet approve of.”
“Of course, my lady,” she whispered.
“However, if I should think of any way that I might assist you, please know that I shall. The happiness of my grandson rests on it,” she remarked.
Olivia nodded, thinking about her words. Was it true that his happiness rested on their match? Or was the dowager simply trying to push the matter forward? Olivia wondered, hoping that it was true, hoping that the Earl of Glauston truly wished to be with her.
If he did, she would ensure that her father consented.
Chapter 21
