Page 31 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
Sincerely,
Lady Olivia Rokesby
P.S. One could perhaps argue that an air of mystery is harder to achieve if one states that this could in fact be one’s intent.
She folded the note and handed it to Mr. Stapes. “Please send this to His Grace, the Duke of Glassley.”
“Of course. The boy who brought it is waiting in the foyer for the reply,” Mr. Stapes noted.
“Mr. Stapes, before you leave, do you know where Jane is? I have not seen her this morning?” Olivia glanced at the clock.
It was nearly ten, and usually, Jane would have joined her in the drawing room by now.
“I believe Miss Jane is still in her chambers. Her maid brought her breakfast there this morning.” Mr. Stapes bowed. “If that is all, My Lady?”
“Yes Mr. Stapes, thank you.” Olivia frowned and made her way to Jane’s bed chamber.I hope she is not unwell.
She knocked on the door, and after being bade to enter, Olivia walked into her friend’s bedroom. The curtains were open, and the bed was made. Jane was sitting in a chair, staring out of the window.
Her eyes seemed puffy, and there was a definite slump to her shoulders. When she saw Olivia, she gave her a smile though it seemed rather unconvincing.
“Jane, are you quite well?” Olivia rushed to her friend’s side. “Whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” Jane shook her head, but her voice was shaky.
“Well clearly it is something. You look as though you have been crying.” Olivia let her concern show in her voice. “Please, you know you can tell me most anything.”
“It is nothing. I expect I am tired, that is all.” Jane smiled wryly. “I did not sleep very well last night I am afraid, and it has thrown me rather out of sorts.”
Olivia sensed that her friend did not want to discuss the subject further and decided not to push.I have learned too often that people will tell you something only when they wish to do so.“We have received an invitation.”
“Really?” Jane brightened. “To what? And with whom?”
“Oddly enough, the invitation came from Duke Glassley.” Olivia frowned. “I suppose this is his attempt at mending things between us.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “Mending things?”
“Last night, when your mother held me back, she told me I needed to let this animosity between the Duke and me go.” Olivia shrugged. “So, when we were dancing, I told him that we could not keep on as we have, and we agreed to be more civil to each other.”
Jane said nothing. Olivia swallowed. “I mean, if I am to court his cousin, I can hardly be feuding with the Duke the entire time.”
“No, that is true.” Jane looked thoughtful. “So, the Duke has invited us to go somewhere?”
“On a promenade in Hyde Park. With him and his cousin.” Olivia bit her lip. “I have already accepted the invitation, but if you are not feeling well enough, I am sure we could cancel the engagement.”
Jane shook her head. “No, no. I am sure a promenade will be just what I need. What time are we meeting them?”
“Two o’clock. So, we have some time yet to prepare, and we will not need so much time to dress for a promenade.” Olivia was thinking of the many hours of preparation they had taken for the ball yesterday. “Though perhaps I underestimate your mother and her perfectionism.”
Jane laughed, and Olivia felt some of the tension in her chest ease at the sound. “Mother would probably say that we need to look good but not as though we were trying to. Even if we use two or so hours, we still have some time free this morning.”
Olivia knew what Jane was about to say and was glad she had brought her hobby booklet with her from the drawing room. “I have decided that needlework is another activity that is not for me.”
Jane canted her head, and Olivia showed her several tiny pricks on her thumb. “You know, you are supposed to put your needle through the fabric, not your own skin.”
“I know that.” Olivia scowled. “I tried using the thimble, but I found it nearly impossible. I think my hands are just not delicate enough.”
“Ah, well. There are plenty more hobbies we can try.” Jane took the booklet from Olivia and began thumbing through it. “We have tried music, well the piano forte and the harp.”
