Free Lady Olivia's Undoing by Anne Gallagher Page A

such thing.”
    Olivia reached over and patted Ariana’s knee.
“Oh yes I did, darling. A spectacle for all of Society to see.”
    “What good is that going to do?” Constance
asked. “Henry is leaving the day after next with John. You cannot
play both sides of the coin, Olivia. Someone will get hurt and I do
not wish it to be you.” She shook her head. “Olivia, I know you
love John. He is a good man, and will be heartbroken over this. You
cannot cavort with Henry just because it suits your fancy.”
    Olivia sighed. She would never intentionally
break John’s heart. “I have loved Henry Wade since I was twenty.
And now, by the Grace of God, we have found a small window in time
to be together. Constance, can you not understand?” Of course not.
Constance was married to Reginald. “I will not miss this
opportunity.”
    “And what will you do when they come back
from Spain? Proclaim your affection to the man who returns first?
What if neither of them return, Livvy? What will you do then?”
    “Throw myself off the Bridge.” Olivia stared
out the window. “John thinks we shall be made a laughingstock if I
marry him. Therefore, I win Henry by default do I not? He is better
suited to my station. He is a Marquess after all. I’m sure Uncle
Marlborough will approve the match. Finally.”
    “Olivia,” Constance said. “Come now, I know
your heart cannot be that callous.”
    Olivia stifled a sob. “No, you are right. In
the end I will get who I ultimately deserve. And if God wishes to
be cruel, I could very well lose both of them.”

Chapter Eight
     
     
    The next morning, Olivia sat at the long
table sorting through invitations. The fire burned in the grate
behind her.
    A knock on the door and then John stepped
into the room followed by another man.
    “Your Grace,” John said. “May I introduce
Rodney Manning, the new butler.”
    “Come in, Mr. Manning. How do you do?” She
picked up her spectacles, put them over her nose, and took him in.
He seemed very stolid.
    “Very well, Your Grace.” Manning nodded and
smiled, then clasped his hands behind his back.
    “How long have you been in the employ of the
Marquess?” Olivia asked.
    “Since before his lordship and the late Lady
Anne were married. Nearly fifteen years.”
    “Dear Anne,” Olivia mused. “She was such a
lovely woman.”
    “Yes, Your Grace.” Manning nodded.
    “Although, I do think Violet is just the
thing for Haverlane and dear Jane. Do you not agree?” Olivia took
off her glasses and placed them on the table. She rose, picked up a
piece of paper from the long table, glanced at it, and then handed
it to him. “There are some things Quiggins knows that are my
peculiar habits he might forget to mention to you. Of particular
importance is that I like to keep the morning room heated during
the day. I use that room for many things. And we only burn wood in
this house. No coal. My at-homes are held in the formal front
parlour. The yellow salon is reserved for family.” She pointed to
the list. “Please take some time to look it over and if you have
any questions, I’m sure Quiggins will be able to help you.” Olivia
held out her hand. “Thank you very much for your assistance to me
during my time of need.” She winked at John.
    Manning shook her hand. “My pleasure, Your
Grace.” He turned and walked toward Quiggins, who waited for him by
the door.
    Olivia called to him, “Mr. Manning, where
does your mother live?”
    “Lambeth, Your Grace.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Manning.” He would do very
well.
    Olivia turned back to the table. There were
two hundred invitations to be sent for her Boxing Day Ball. She had
not had so many people at Caymore since Fuzzy had been alive and
still dancing, and that had been nearly twenty years before. It was
a shame John would not be there. She would love to be able to dance
with him.
    Olivia settled herself behind the table once
more. She checked her list of errands and glanced at the
invitations. She