Page 32 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Yes — though given how talented your sister Emily is, that was rather a damper on the experience.” Olivia liked music, but it was hard to enjoy playing either piano or harp when Emily played both so beautifully that it could make the hardest heart weep.
“She is sickeningly good.” Jane nodded in agreement. “Although, she does also play them practically every waking hour of the day.”
“That is true.” Olivia smiled. “I rather like it. It was one of the nicest things when you all came to stay with us at Emberly — to hear the castle so full of music and sound.”
“It was rather a lovely time, wasn’t it?” Jane said fondly.
“It was.” Olivia couldn’t help but think how much simpler everything had seemed a year ago.I thought I would end the season with at least a suitor, if not a husband.
“We have tried painting which you did seem to care for, and we do not have time to try again before a promenade. Archery, but mother has now forbidden us from trying that again after the incident with the shepherd,” Jane whispered.
“We promised never to speak of that.” Olivia glanced around the room.
“And we never shall.” Jane made a shushing symbol across her lips. “Hmm… Well, we could try fencing, but I would need father’s assistance for that, and I am not sure where he is.”
“Would your mother approve of that?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “It is hardly ladylike.”
“Probably not, but it is rather a useful skill in my opinion. And very enjoyable.” Jane brightened. “We could visit the stables!”
“The stables? Do we have enough time to change for a ride?” Olivia canted her head.
“No, not for riding. One of the dogs has had puppies, and they are in the stables!” Jane’s eyes were brimming with excitement.
“Oh, I love puppies. I love dogs in general. But puppies are just so very sweet. I could play with them all day.” Olivia bit her lip thoughtfully. “Does playing with puppies count as a hobby?”
“I don’t see why not. Besides, there is rather a lot to learn about dogs. Different breeds, different temperaments. You could even show if you had a good enough sire and dam, and the dog was of a good enough standard.” Jane began rattling off several facts about puppies and the appropriate way to choose the best one.
Olivia did not interrupt her, seeing that her friend was visibly brightening with every step they took towards the stable. The next few hours were spent playing with the several beagle puppies. Jane’s melancholy had all but vanished, and as theymade their way to Hyde Park, Olivia found herself quite looking forward to the afternoon.
When they arrived at Hyde Park, she spotted Nigel and Lord Briston standing by the Eastern Entrance. Lord Briston was dressed in a dark grey coat and britches, his hair immaculately combed beneath his top hat. Nigel was wearing an emerald green coat and dark britches. His hair was characteristically messy although his hat hid some of it.
Nigel raised a hand in greeting, and both men doffed their hats and bowed to Jane and Olivia as they approached.
“Lady Olivia, Miss Jane, I am so glad you accepted our invitation,” Lord Briston said. “And it seems as though fate has also favoured us, for the weather is utterly perfect for such an adventure.”
“Indeed, it is.” Olivia agreed. “The sun is shining, and there is a pleasant breeze. Who could ask for more?”
“Indeed.” Lord Briston nodded enthusiastically.
“Well, one could ask for a picnic.” Nigel grinned at Jane and Olivia. “And if it is not presumptuous, I have in fact arranged for one.”
“Oh, that is very thoughtful!” Jane beamed. “There is nothing quite like a picnic and a promenade.”
“Wonderful.” Nigel fell into step between Jane and Olivia. “I have had my man set it up a little further into the park. I thought we could walk a little to whet our appetites.”
“An excellent plan.” Olivia smiled at Nigel and turned to Lord Briston. “And I assume you also had some part to play in this?”
Lord Briston flushed lightly. “No, I confess, I had not thought about food.”
“My cousin rarely thinks with his stomach,” Nigel teased as he looked at his cousin.
“I find that a stomach is not necessarily the best mechanism with which to make decisions.” An odd tension played across Lord Briston’s smile. “You will forgive my inadvertent thoughtlessness.”
“Oh, think nothing of it. A promenade with or without food is lovely. A picnic is just an added bonus,” Olivia said, attempting to cover up her inadvertent blunder.Who does not think that a walk might merit food?
“And what have you young ladies been doing this fine morning?” Lord Briston asked.
“Oh, um. Well, we visited the stables —” Olivia began, but in his enthusiasm, Lord Briston cut her off.
