Chapter 22

Chapter 22

"Marcus, where are you? You seem in a world of your own," said Colin.

"Sorry Colin. Did you say something?" came Marcus' reply.

"You've been distracted all day. It's most unlike you. Could it be the lovely Lady Olivia causing you to show this Friday face to the world?"

Marcus turned to stare at Colin. "No, well maybe, all right yes, it's Olivia."

"But you're engaged to her. You just need to set a date," said Colin.

"Oh, if only…" replied Marcus.

"Cousin, you are one of the most straight-talking men I know. This is unusual because I'm totally confused about what you're saying."

"I don't think she wants me to marry her," confided Marcus.

"That surprises me. Are you sure?" replied Colin.

"No, I'm not sure," Marcus stood up and began pacing around the room.

"Well, she has certainly made you seem like a bear with a sore tooth. I don't know if you've noticed, but the household staff are giving you a wide berth today."

"Really? I had no idea," Marcus responded.

"Believe me, everyone is walking on eggshells around you cousin," confirmed Colin. "Now tell me why you think she doesn't want you."

"Well, she's rich now. Look at all those men who have suddenly begun to call at Swanbourne Place, including that odious Jonathan Ellington. It seems it is different if you are ruined but rich. That house is full to the brim of fortune hunting suitors. She could have her pick of them." Marcus said with sudden passion.

"That doesn't mean…" Colin started to say.

"But Colin, I only offered marriage because she faced ruin. That's no longer the case," added Marcus.

"Your emotions are clouding your thinking. I've seen nothing to suggest that she is encouraging any of those suitors. She can't turn them away, society is built on the politeness of afternoon calls. Let's think about this logically. Has she ended your engagement?" Colin asked.

"Not exactly," said Marcus.

"Right. So, what did you say to her?"

"I told her that if she no longer wished to continue with our engagement, and would like to find another man, then I would understand."

"You did?" said Colin bemused.

"I thought it best to let her know that I wouldn't press her into maintaining our arrangement," Marcus clarified.

"So, Marcus. Did you tell her that you would be, erm, sad, maybe heartbroken, if she decided to do that?" asked Colin.

"No, why would I?"

"Well, so that she knew you cared and would be sad to lose her," elucidated Colin.

"Ah I see," replied Marcus the penny dropping.

"I have never used this word to describe you before cousin, mainly because you are far more intelligent than me, and you are better at fencing. However, I have to say you are behaving like a nincompoop," said Colin with feeling.

Marcus almost roared. "A nincompoop?"

"Absolutely. You love her. It's obvious. Does she know that? Well, we're not quite sure. You've given her the impression that you would be happy for her to find another man." He looked at his cousin with an exasperated expression. "Has it occurred to you that she might not realize that you actually care for her?"

"When you put it like that…"

"You need to tell her that you care about her and want to marry her," Colin spelt it out. "This is most unlike you, and I suspect it's all part of coming to terms with loving Olivia. You can be very restrained, maybe a little proud sometimes, and it's important to keep saying you care."

"It's all such a mess. I started to think there was something between us, right from the first moment I saw her. Then, just as I was beginning to court her, the gossipmonger began to spread scurrilous rumors. I agreed to marry her to save her from ruin. It's what her uncle asked me to do," explained Marcus. "The trouble is that as I proposed I suddenly knew that I loved her."

"Yes, if the gossip mill hadn't struck, you would have still wooed her anyway. However, I'm not sure, from what you say, that you've ever told her how much she means to you," said Colin.

Marcus put his head in his hands. "Maybe. I think she knew I loved her on the day I asked her to marry me, but I don't remember if I actually said that. Since then, maybe I have been a little pre-occupied. Oh Colin, what have I done? How can I make it right?"

"I would suggest that you already know what to do, and that is why you have been in high dudgeons all day. Now, I suggest we go for a ride and get rid of some energy."

"That is something that I can do," agreed Marcus.

"And then I suggest you go and call on your betrothed and tell her how you feel," added Colin.

"I never took you for an expert on romance, given your lack of insight with Jocelyn, Colin," Marcus teased him.

"A man on the verge of a proposal of marriage is an expert in terms of romance. I plan on offering for Jocelyn any day now," replied Colin.

"I'm sure she will accept. You look made for each other," Marcus reassured his friend.

When they returned from their ride, James came to show them another gossip sheet.

"I thought you would want to be aware of this My Lord," he said, and handed him a sheet of crumpled paper. "These are all over town."

Marcus read the words and as he read them, they began to merge and blend together. He collapsed into an armchair and Colin took the sheet from him.

"Lady Olivia Sherwyn, who recently caused a stir in society by her shenanigans with the Earl of Hatfield. You may recall, dear reader, how this lady was recently observed emerging from a room with the earl in a state of undress. I can report that she has now transferred her affections to another gentleman in the ton. An engagement between Lady Olivia Sherwyn and Sir Jonathan Ellington is to be announced imminently.

They were, of course, engaged before, and Sir Jonathan left the country in disappointment. It seems this fickle lady has changed her mind again.

This writer wishes them happiness in their future life together."

"I saw him visiting there. Sir Jonathan has returned. That much is true," confirmed Marcus.

"But Marcus, we know this gossipmonger is vindictive. There is an intent to hurt Lady Olivia in everything written so far. This is more derogatory defamation of her character."

"I must go and speak to her," declared Marcus.

"You should go now. I am going to tell you cousin, that I do not believe a word of this scandal sheet," affirmed Colin. "James, fetch His Lordship's coat and ask for the carriage to be brought around."

As Marcus stared to protest and suggest he walk, Colin continued. "No cousin, you were already distracted before this happens. If you walk there, you will probably step in front of a carriage or something. Listen to what she has to say. Remember you can't believe what you read in these gossip sheets."

***

Mrs. Jennings showed Marcus into the drawing room, and he breathed a sigh of relief that Olivia was alone.

She stood to greet him and offered him a chair. "Will you take tea, My Lord?" she asked. "I didn't expect to see you today and it's late. Is something wrong?"

He noticed the concerned expression in her lovely eyes. He usually had no problem knowing what to say, but he found himself tongue tied.

"I wondered if you were engaged?" he finally said.

"Yes, My Lord."

He stood up. "Then I shall trouble you no longer and take my leave."

He saw the look of total confusion on her face. She stood to face him and placed her hand on his arm.

"I am engaged to you, My Lord. It seems you may have forgotten," she said quietly.

"I meant are you engaged to someone else?"

"I don't think it is possible to be engaged to two gentlemen at the same time. However, if it was possible, then please believe that I would be polite enough to end one engagement before embarking on a second."

She looked at him and he noticed a slight flush to her cheeks. "I am very confused and not sure I like this conversation," she added.

"Yesterday you told me that if I no longer wished to continue with our engagement that you would understand and release me." She took a sharp breath. "I had planned to tell you, when we next met, that I do not plan to marry anyone other than you."

"But?"

"Please listen My Lord. This is very difficult for me to say. I have indeed received a proposal of marriage from another gentleman and turned him down. I could not, of course, divulge that I was already betrothed, as it is a secret. I can tell you that I had no desire to accept this proposal, even though I am sure it caused the gentleman pain," explained Olivia.

"Would this be Sir Jonathan Ellington?" Marcus asked.

She looked surprised and nodded. "I am going to speak candidly. When he proposed I realized that I had never, in fact, loved this gentleman. I had been engaged to him, as you know, and he broke this off on the day of my brother and sister-in-law's funeral. Whether due to my disfigurement, or lack of fortune I have never been sure."

She put her hand to her face, and he saw her touching her hairline and the scars.

"I never loved him. I know this because now I do love someone. It is a very different feeling. I may never marry this man, but I could not marry another."

"You mean there is a third man?" he asked in further confusion.

"No, My Lord, and I've said this is difficult to say. I only want to marry you," Olivia said.

He saw her sit down, paleand clutching at the sides of the chair.

Had she just told him that she loved him?

He kneeled down beside the chair. "I don't want to marry anyone else either. I planned on coming here tonight to tell you I didn't want you to end our engagement. What I said the other day … I was trying to be noble and release you, if you wanted it. You're rich now, and don't need my protection. But Olivia, I would be devastated if you ended our betrothal."

He looked at her intently. Her green eyes shone up at his. He stood and helped her to her feet. He felt her trembling as he took her into his arms.

"I love you," he confirmed.

His lips reached hers, a tender gentle connection, which sparked a trail of fire through his body. He knew that however long he lived, that he always wanted to be with Lady Olivia Sherwyn.

He moved away and held her chin gently in his hands, kissing her forehead gently. "I only want to marry you too. It seems we are still betrothed."

He held her hand gently and helped her sit on the settee. He went to the door and opening it called to a footman to bring tea for her ladyship.

He returned to sit beside her and take her hand in his. "I think you should begin wearing my ring and we should announce our engagement," he suggested.

Olivia nodded her agreement.

"I need you to know, dearest, loveliest, Olivia that I was propelled into this engagement earlier than expected due to the gossipmongering. But I know I would have asked you to marry me in the course of time, please believe that."

Olivia smiled at him, and he felt that tug at his heart, that connection between them, pulling them together, growing stronger and giving strength.

"I've been desperate all day, because I didn't tell you this yesterday," he confessed.

"It's hard talking about these things," said Olivia earnestly. "I found it hard just now to tell you that I loved you."

"I know. I love you too. It seemed so hard to say those words and now I want to say them over and over. When I found out about your engagement to Sir Jonathan, I came over straight away."

"I'm sorry," she said in surprise "My engagement to Sir Jonathan?"

"I thought you wanted to marry Sir Jonathan. I came straight here when I read about it," he explained. "Ah, you don't know. I am sorry, this isn't easy, but I need to tell you that I read this in yet another gossip sheet."

She paled, and he was sad that the happiness of a few seconds ago was stripped away but knew he could not hide the truth.

"Are your family here? Your uncle and the Viscountess?"

"Yes," she answered, and he sensed the fear in her voice.

"Let's bring them in here and I'll explain to you all together. I don't think it changes anything. Truly Olivia. We carry on as we planned. We just all need to be aware that the gossip mill is still grinding away in the background."

Soon they were all gathered together in the drawing room; the Earl of Riversmead, the Viscount and Viscountess Leighton and Jocelyn. The Viscount and Viscountess had been staying to supper.

Mrs. Jennings brought in glasses and Madeira wine, and Olivia asked her to stay and join them. "You're a friend Mrs. Jennings, please stay." Uncle Harold nodded his agreement.

When everyone had settled, Marcus began to tell them about the latest development with the gossipmonger.

"I'd hoped this had ended. We found the original publisher of the scandal sheets, but it seems the person behind this has persisted, and found alternative ways of distributing their vile gossip."

"There has been another gossip sheet about Olivia?" asked Uncle Harold, with tired frustration evident in his voice.

"Yes sir," said Marcus and handed him the sheet of paper. Uncle Harold frowned and then handed the paper to Lord and Lady Leighton, and then to Jocelyn, and Mrs. Jennings.

"This is a never-ending nightmare," said Lady Leighton.

"Surely no one could believe this," added Jocelyn.

"Erm. I did, for a while," said Marcus. "I should have realized it was more lies, but it brought me here to ask Olivia if she had decided to marry Sir Jonathan."

"It's true. I think it has had the effect of bringing us closer together," said Olivia and she smiled at Marcus.

"We will ignore this gossip, and instead make the formal announcement of our engagement. As soon as that happens then Olivia will have greater protection with the association with my family name. My father is a peer of the realm and that adds weight in terms of law and society," explained Marcus.

"We are sure who is behind this campaign to discredit Olivia and besmirch my family name too," he added.

"I'm going to ask your opinion on something which has occurred to me," Marcus then told them.

He paused and looked at the group, all listening intently.

"How does Lady Cressida know about Sir Jonathan's proposal to Olivia?" he asked. "Who knew about the proposal?"

"Well, I didn't," said the earl. "Olivia, I know you wish to be independent, and I respect that, but it would have been helpful for me to know you had turned down Sir Jonathan."

"I'm sorry Uncle. I meant to. I planned to," Olivia apologized.

"Well, I can only say that I applaud your decision. He treated you despicably after the fire. I wouldn't have wanted to give you away in marriage to that man," added the earl.

"I knew," said Lady Leighton, "and Jocelyn. I didn't tell Charles though."

"Anyone else?" asked Marcus.

"I don't believe any of the household staff were aware," said Mrs. Jennings. "I certainly wasn't. However, there is a general suspicion that there will be an engagement between you and her ladyship," she added.

"Very well. That leaves those in my household. My parents are not in town. Colin knew of the engagement, and my valet. I cannot see that any of these people would share their knowledge."

"I agree," said Lady Leighton. "Even for an offer of money." She turned to Mrs. Jennings. "Could someone have overhead anything?"

"I can't rule it out, but I believe it to be highly unlikely. All our staff have been here for many years, many used to work at Silverton Hall and are devoted to My Lady and Lady Jocelyn."

"That leaves one possibility," said Lord Leighton. "It occurred to me a few minutes ago and the more I mull it over, the more I think it very likely."

Marcus nodded in his direction. "I think we may have come to the same conclusion."

"I think it was Sir Jonathan himself, and what's more I think he must have worked out the identity of the scandalmonger and made contact with her." said Lord Leighton.

"Of course," said Lady Leighton. "It must be Sir Jonathan."

"But why?" asked Olivia. "Why would he do that?"

"Oh, many reasons," said Jocelyn. "But I'd put envy high on that list."

"He never expected you to turn him down my dear," said the earl. "He's always had an over inflated sense of his own importance. Despicable man."

There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Jennings went to open it. She had a brief conversation with a footman who had handed her a letter. She brought it into the room with a look of concern on her face.

"I'm not usually fanciful, but something concerns me about how this letter arrived. Jason, the junior footman, tells me it was found on the doorstep, tied to a bouquet of dead roses and addressed to Lady Olivia. The flowers are saved in the kitchen if anyone wishes to examine them."

"Can I see the letter?" asked Marcus. He turned to Olivia "I know it is addressed to you, but I cannot believe it contains anything pleasant. Let me open it and tell you the message it contains."

The room fell silent as he cut open the letter and unfolded the foolscap paper.

His expression turned grim.

"As we thought, it is not a pleasant letter. How predictable and boring our gossipmonger is." He turned to Olivia. "It seems you must not marry me. You should immediately return to a life of seclusion, which is where this poisonous writer believes you should stay. If you marry me then there will be dire consequences for members of your family."

He moved across to his fiancée and took her hand. "I gather this is the first time that she has addressed you directly?"

"Yes, it's always been via the scandal sheets. We know that Lady Cressida also spins lies and spreads gossip as she did it here at the ball."

‘Someone may have seen this being delivered. I'll set the investigators I have working on this to look into that too. It seems clear the letter is designed to make Olivia fearful of marrying me."

"She doesn't know me very well," said Olivia with gritty determination.

"So, you still wish to marry me?" he asked with a wry smile.

"I'm more determined than ever," she asserted. "We can start planning the wedding tomorrow."

The earl stood, and clapped Marcus on the back in thanks. "We're all grateful for your efforts my boy. I'll be glad to welcome you into the family. Stay to supper."

Later Marcus went to examine the letter and felt sure it was written by a woman. The message it contained was blunt. There would be dire consequences if Olivia became engaged to him.

Your plan has backfired Lady Cressida, he thought. You have made us all more determined to press forward and announce the engagement.