Page 8 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
Olivia kicked at a clump of dirt, picturing Nigel’s face. “Oh yes, silly little Olivia. She needs pity to even get asked to dance. Why would anyone want to marry her.”
Olivia felt her chest tighten.He is just one man. And not even a man you are interested in. He’s just your older brother’s friend. A man who you thought was kind.“It’s not as though I would evenwantto marry Duke Glassley. Who would want to marry a man who thinks so much of himself? Worldly? Pfft.”
She scowled. “Just because men go on some grand tour of the continent, he thinks that makes him better than me? He is no better than me. No, in fact, he is less than me.”
As she rounded the edge of the lake, Olivia’s stomach gurgled. She glanced up at the sun, guessing that it would be around noon. She had been walking for hours, absorbed in her fury and embarrassment. And though her mind had forgotten this fact, it was clear her stomach had not.
Sighing, she turned on her heel and decided to walk back to the castle. She wasn’t sure if she was dreading seeing the Duke or if she wanted to see him and give him a piece of her mind.Perhaps now that Alexander is more social, he will get some better friends.
She decided to take one of the lesser-known entrances into the castle which would take her by the outside of the dining room so that she might see if the dratted man was in there.I am not someone to be pitied.
To her relief, the dining room was devoid of the Duke of Glassley. Her spirits buoyed, Olivia made her way to the nearest entrance, fully intending to find a servant and request lunch. However, as she passed the drawing room on the way to the dining room, she was pulled up short.
“I simply cannot keep up. I am at my wits end, dearest Charlotte. What with the twins so ill and with Olivia’s rather unpromising first season…” Olivia’s mother was saying.
Olivia hesitated, glancing up and down the corridor.I should not listen. That would not be proper.But she found herself moving closer to the door anyway.
“I understand completely, Christine. A season is hard work, and with two sick children to balance as well… why, anyone would be at the end of their rope!” Lady Cotswalts sounded sympathetic.
“It is utterly exhausting. I have not even managed to arrange the dresses for the season, let alone help Olivia prepare.” Olivia’smother sighed. “There is so much to do, and after the troubles she had last season…”
“You poor thing. I am sure Olivia understands that you are doing your best. And you have two very sick children,” Lady Cotswalts said consolingly.
“Even without the twins… I… Olivia needs support, more support than I can give her. I want this season to be different from her first, I wish for her to have every success.” Olivia’s mother’s voice was growing quieter, forcing Olivia to move closer to hear her next words. “Would you… Would you — No, I cannot. It is too much to ask.”
“Christine, come, we are old friends. You know I would do most anything to help you and your family, and I am rather fond of your daughter,” Lady Cotswalts replied.
Olivia smiled, finding it oddly comforting that the woman cared for her. Her heartbeat quickened, and she wondered what favour her mother would possibly ask.
“I wondered if perhaps, well if you would be willing to host Olivia for the season.” Olivia had to stifle a gasp at her mother’s words.
A tingle of excitement rose in her.Lady Cotswalts is a matchmaking savant. Could she give me the season I so desperately want?In her excitement, Olivia almost missed Lady Cotswalts’ reply.
“Of course. I would be happy to have Olivia stay with us at Pembleton for the season. I am sure Jane would be most appreciative of a companion for her season.” Lady Cotswalts sounded excited. “Often, two girls can be such a support to each other, and Jane… Well, Jane can be rather shy, so perhaps Olivia will draw her out of her shell.”
“Oh, Charlotte! I cannot thank you enough! In truth, I had rather hoped you could use some of your matchmaking prowess to help secure her the perfect match.” Olivia’s mother’s voice was barely above a whisper. “If anyone could, it would be you.”
“Of course.” Lady Cotswalt’s voice was also soft with an edge of excitement and mingled smugness. “In fact, I think I have already found the perfect gentleman.”
“Already?” Olivia’s mother asked. “Who?”
“Aren’t you a little old to be listening at doors?” a voice behind Olivia murmured.
She jumped, her heart racing as she whirled around and found herself staring into the face of Nigel Maxton. Her cheeks reddened, and fury overcame her.
“And what business is it of yours?” Olivia knew she sounded petulant but could not help it. The memory of his over enthusiastic denials and now this inadvertent thwarting of her eavesdropping was the last straw.
“You have made it abundantly clear that you want nothing to do with me. And I have no desire to be around anyone who finds my company quite so tiresome.” Olivia tried to keep the hurt from her voice. “Good day, Duke Glassley.”
She swept away from him with as much dignity as someone who has been caught eavesdropping could muster. She slammed the door into the dining room, making her sister jump as she entered.
“Goodness, what has put you in such a mood?” Marie asked.
“Nothing.” Olivia began to stab violently at the sausage one of the servants had just put on their plate. “Nothing at all.”
“If you insist,” Marie sounded unconvinced.
“If I never see Duke Nigel Glassley again, it will be too soon!” Olivia exclaimed.
