Page 63 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“It is rather hard to see the truth of a situation, particularly one you are directly involved in,” Jane said, consolingly.
“But then why did she direct me at Lord Briston? I do not understand.”
“To make the Duke jealous,” Jane said as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. “To make him jealous and to ensure that in his jealousy, you would have to spend time together.”
“Remind me to never play a game of strategy with your mother,” Olivia murmured. “It is a shame that all her plans have come to this.”
Jane’s face fell. “I know.”
“What am I to do, Jane? I feel as though my heart has been torn from my body. That all happiness is gone from the world.” Olivia clutched her knees to her chest.
“I do not know. But whatever happens, you will not have to face it alone.” Jane squeezed Olivia’s hand. “I will be by your side.”
“Thank you.”
“And there is always hope when it comes to love.” Jane’s voice was full of quiet encouragement.
Olivia could not find it in her heart to disabuse her friend of this notion. She glanced at the window, listening to the bird song, and thinking of all she had learned.
Her heart sank in her chest. But even as the numbness stole over her once more, Jane’s words played in her head.There is always hope when it comes to love.
Perhaps Jane was right. More likely she was wrong.Hope is a fool’s game. And I am no fool.
Yet her treacherous heart would not let hope die, not entirely.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Glassley Curse
Nigel could not remember if the bottle in his hand was his second or his third. All he knew was that it was empty, and that if the room would stop spinning long enough, he would be able to crawl to the door and ask for more.
Something wet touched his hand, and he glanced down to see Dandelion nuzzling him affectionately. She had scarcely left his side since Olivia had ended their engagement.No, I will not think of that. Wine. More wine.
“Who needsa life — no — wife anyway, eh?” Nigel buried his face in Dandelion’s thick fur. “And I won’t have either.”
Dandelion whimpered softly and clambered into Nigel’s lap. He pulled her close and enjoyed the comfort of her against him.
A moment later, the door to his study slammed open, making Dandelion jump and stand in front of Nigel, growling at the man before them.
Nigel blinked hard. “Rokesby? Issssat you? Why are there three of you?”
“Good God man, how drunk are you?” The three swirling Alexander’s frowned down at him, anger clear on his face.
“Clearly not drunk enough.” Nigel pulled himself to his feet, almost losing his balance and tumbling to the ground before he grabbed his desk for support. “Dandelion, stop it. You know Rokesby.”
Dandelion had stopped growling even before Nigel had said anything and had padded over to Alexander. She gave a short sharp bark, clearly demanding a pat for her trouble.
“Some guard dog you would be.” Nigel shook his head and instantly regretted it.Oh God, I think I may be sick.
Thankfully, he managed to hold onto the contents of his stomach. Dandelion had returned to his side and was gently snuffling at him for attention. He wanted to pat her but was certain that if he bent to do so, he would topple over and possibly crush her.
“Olivia told me everything.” Alexander’s voice was soft, but Nigel could not recognise the emotion in his drunken stupor.
“Everything?” Nigel asked and then added before he could stop himself, “Wow is she?”
“Heartbroken.” Alexander sighed and moved further into the room, giving Nigel a hurt look. “Why did you not tell me that you were dying?”
Nigel shrugged. “How do you tell those you love most… that you’re - hic - a dead man? That your family - hic - is cursed?”
