Page 34 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
Nigel met Olivia’s gaze briefly, mischief in his eyes.
“Well, next time, I will take my sweet time penning you a reply.” Olivia laughed. “Or I shall simply not reply at all.”
“Lady Olivia, it is clear my cousin does not understand that women, like most good things in life, are worth waiting for.” Lord Briston smiled at her. “After all, one should not rush perfection.”
“Thank you, Lord Briston,” Olivia replied. “Though, I would hardly call my hasty scrawl anything close to perfect.”
“I am sure most anything you do is close to, if not actually perfect,” Lord Briston answered.
“You are too kind.” Olivia hoped that she looked touched rather than disquieted by his words.I am sure I should be flattered by such a compliment — why then do I feel so uncomfortable with his words?
As they continued their walk, an odd, unsettled feeling swept over her. Frowning, she realised with a start that try as she might to engage Lord Briston, she found it far easier to talk to his cousin.Even more enjoyable.
The thought pulled her up short. She knew there was no future for her with Nigel. Not after what he had said to her. She would not want to be with a man who did not think she was good enough for him. The idea would be utterly ridiculous.
But that did not change the nagging feeling growing in the back of Olivia’s mind.What if Lady Cotswalts was wrong?
Chapter Twelve
Best Intentions
What was wrong with him? Nigel had arranged this whole promenade so that Olivia and Lord Briston might get to know each other better. He had invited Jane so that he would not be tempted to talk to Olivia, and yet… it seemed he could not help himself.
“This lemonade is fantastically mixed.” Lord Briston nodded towards the glass Nigel had just poured him.
“I thought you did not care for lemonade?” Jane asked, looking quizzically at Nigel.
Nigel shook his head and tried to affect a nonchalant expression. “I am rather particular about my mix, that is all. I found that the stuff at the garden party was not quite to my taste, too sour, notenough sugar or honey to break the tartness. Though I admit, I was rather ungracious about it.”
“Ungracious? It was most improper and highly embarrassing.” Lord Briston shot a look at Nigel that showed just how upsetting he had found the display.
Nigel was just about to give his cousin an angry response when Olivia interjected.
“I am sure your cousin did not mean to cause offence. I imagine it is rather hard to manage his high expectations.” Olivia’s voice did not hold its usual note of hurt and anger, and it took him by surprise.
Even more surprising that it is Olivia who has come to my defence.Before Nigel could thank her, his cousin said, “Whether or not he meant to, it was disgusting behaviour.”
“Perhaps the Duke was simply taken by surprise. I, myself, have rather a sensitive palette.” Jane smiled kindly at Nigel. “And only fear of my mother would have kept me from acting as your cousin did.”
“If I am honest, I thought it was rather entertaining,” Olivia said.
“Well, then I shall be glad of my little display,” Nigel responded without thinking. “After all, I do live to entertain.”
“Perhaps you should have been a jester.” Olivia brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “I think it would have rather suited you.”
Nigel laughed. “I think you would just like the opportunity to throw fruit at me.”
“Perhaps.” Olivia grinned wickedly. “Though you would look most excellent in that kind of hat.”
“Well, perhaps you shall have to buy me one,” Nigel suggested.
“Perhaps I shall. Though it would be a waste if you did not wear it.” Olivia ran a finger along the rim of her glass, her eyes twinkling in the sunlight.
“Do not worry, dear lady, if you bought my cousin such a hat, I would insist that he wear it as often as possible.” Lord Briston glanced between Nigel and Olivia.
“How kind you are, dear cousin, to ensure this hypothetical gift does not go to waste.” Nigel raised his glass to his cousin and took a sip of the lemonade.
As he sipped the lemonade, he felt his shoulders relax. It tasted exactly as he expected.Perhaps the curse has not taken hold as fully as I fear.Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Jane with a far away look in her eyes.
