Page 57 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Well, you shall have to.” Jane laughed. “The modiste still has some adjustments to make, the waist needs cinching, and we need to hem everything properly.”
Olivia sighed dramatically but grinned at her friend. “And of course, there is the risk that being seen by Nigel in my gown could bring us ill fortune.”
“Indeed. And we would not want anything to get in the way of our happy couple.” Lady Cotswalts took the dress from Olivia and returned to the modiste, calling over her shoulder as shedid, “I have an errand to run in town. I shall see you at Pembleton Manor later.”
“Of course, mother. I expect we shall head straight home,” Jane called after her as she helped Olivia back into her clothes.
As the two women linked arms and began to leave the shop, Olivia said, “You know, I am rather surprised by your mother.”
“Oh?” Jane tilted her head at Olivia curiously. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Well, your mother has been remarkably agreeable about my marrying Nigel, despite the fact that she had plans for my courtship of another.” Olivia frowned. “And while I am very grateful she has been so agreeable, I confess I had rather expected… well I am not sure what I had expected but certainly not this.”
Jane opened her mouth to reply, but before she could do so, a shadow fell over them. Olivia turned to see Lord Briston step in front of them. Although he was smiling, Olivia felt a peculiar unease.It is not a pleasant sort of smile; it is the kind of smile made of knives.
“Ah. Lord Briston. We had not expected to run into anyone.” Jane smiled brightly at the man, ever the picture of politeness. “We were just shopping for Olivia’s wedding dress.”
Olivia noticed an odd look in Lord Briston’s eyes at Jane’s words and was puzzled.I suppose it must be hard to be reminded that I did not choose him — though he barely made an effort to court me.“It is good to see you, Lord Briston.”
“Miss Jane. Lady Olivia.” Lord Briston inclined his head towards them, the same ugly smile on his face. “Might I accompany you for a moment?”
Olivia glanced at Jane but could see no reason to deny the man his request. “Of course, though the carriage is only a little way from here.”
“Oh, this will only take a moment.” Lord Briston gestured to the carriage. “After all, I just wanted to offer you my congratulations. I hope you and my cousin are very happy.”
“Thank you.” Olivia smiled.
“Truly, it is a noble thing you are doing,” Lord Briston said, giving Olivia a serious look.
“I hardly think marrying the man I love is noble.” Olivia canted her head towards Lord Briston.
“You are being modest.” Lord Briston waved away her words. “Few women would want to choose a few months of happiness for a lifetime of loneliness. My cousin is lucky to have earned the love of someone like you. Although, perhaps it is not nobility that has made you agree to this.”
“What are you implying?” A jolt of anger sparked in Olivia.You think I only want his title.
“Oh nothing, just… well, perhaps it is less for love and more his title that you would choose to put yourself through such pain.” Lord Briston flashed her that same unpleasant smile. “Though I confess, that would be rather surprising; I did not think you were that kind of woman.”
“Sir, I assure you my friend cares not for the Duke’s title. She loves him most earnestly.” Jane put a hand gently on Olivia’s arm.
“My apologies, I meant no offence.” Lord Briston shrugged. “Only that I suppose a title would make widowhood rather more easy to bear.”
Something in Olivia’s chest tightened.Is he threatening Nigel?“Widowhood? What exactly are you saying?”
“Come, do not be coy with me, Lady Olivia. As my cousin’s betrothed, I am sure he has made you only too aware of his curse?” Lord Briston’s eyes narrowed as though he did not quite believe what he was hearing. “After all, it shall affect you most tragically.”
“What curse?” Jane asked before Olivia could say anything.
Lord Briston looked from Jane to Olivia, an expression that looked as though it was trying to be apologetic formed on his face. To Olivia, it seemed like poorly disguised glee.
“Oh. Oh dear. I thought you knew.” Lord Briston ran a hand through his hair, his tone not quite hiding his happiness. “After all, you arranged everything with such speed. Marrying with a special license. I assumed you knew that he was not long for this world.”
“Get to the point.” Olivia’s patience snapped as blood roared in her ears.He is just jealous. That is all.
“He is dying. Like his father before him and his father before him and so on. All of them, dead at 27.” Lord Briston held Olivia’s gaze, taking a moment before he asked, “Truly, he did not tell you?”
“Perhaps the Duke did not know. Sometimes families shelter people from such secrets.” Jane looked desperately between Lord Briston and Olivia.
Lord Briston shook his head, looking away from them but not before Olivia saw the traces of a smile on his face. “The Duke knows. Why, that is the whole reason he has been so desperate for a wife this season!”
