A Wallflower's Folly

by Amanda Mariel

  A rapping sounded at her door, and she moved to stand in front of her desk. It would not do to have her note discovered before she was gone. “Come in.”

  A footman carrying a silver tray entered then bowed. Holding the tray out, he said, “My lady, you have a reply.”

  Olivia plucked the letter from its silver nest and grinned. “Very good. Should I receive another one, you know what to do.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  Olivia gave a nod, and the footman backed from the room. Her pulse raced as she opened the letter and began to read.

  Dearest O,

  As it happens, J and I are together. If you can manage to be at the road near the edge of your estate after supper, J can pick you up. She is joining us for the meal but will make an excuse to depart directly after. I have a place for you and J will show you where.

  I would be remiss if I did not ask you to reconsider. Once you leave, there may well be no chance of returning. Is that truly what you want? Please take the time to fully consider your actions before departing. Nothing will be harmed if you change your mind.

  All our love,

  E and J

  Olivia released a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. It was as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from her, and she instantly knew that all would be well. Emma may not agree with her actions, but in the end, Olivia would be glad for them.

  She’d be free to live as she pleased, to love if she wished, and to be herself.

  Chapter 11

  Everything in William wanted to go to Olivia. It had been far too long since she’d left him by the stable. He could not help but worry about her and their future. His notes and invitations went ignored. A fact that not only hurt his pride, but also his heart. With great regret, William had decided to let her go.

  He swirled the whisky in his tumbler then looked across the large mahogany desk separating him from Pemberton. The man would not be happy with what he was about to say. William downed the liquor then cleared his throat. “I regret to say that I have not come with good news.”

  “I could tell as much when you entered and went directly to the decanter.” The older man took a drink from his tumbler, then set it aside and leaned in. “Why have you come?”

  William poured another splash of whisky before meeting the mans gaze. “I will not be marring your daughter.” Before Pemberton could speak, William downed the contents of his tumbler.

  The marquess’s eyes widened, narrowed, and widened again. “There is a contract.”

  “And I am here to break it.” William ran his finger along the rim of his tumbler. “I will compensate accordingly.”

  Pembroke rubbed his jaw between his thumb and middle finger as he stared past William in speculation.

  A million things tumbled through Williams’ head, things he should say or do, but in the end, all he managed to accomplish was refilling his glass. His chest squeezed despite the liquid courage for the last thing he wanted was to walk away from Olivia.

  He’d come here intent on wedding her because doing so was convenient. Any lady with a good reputation and solid social standing would have suited him fine, but that was no longer the case. He’d developed real feelings for Olivia. He now wished to marry her because he could not imagine any other woman at his side.

  But his wishes did not matter in the face of her happiness. William had to set her free. A pity he did not realize how serious she was before. The blasted fool he was actually believed he could change her mind. Now here he sat with his siblings due to arrive at any moment and a wedding ceremony less than a day away.

  What a colossal mess he’d made by attempting to woo Olivia rather than respecting her wishes and leaving at once. Now he would depart with a broken heart and no wife to speak of.

  “What has changed your opinion of my daughter?” Pembroke reached for the decanter.

  William released a deep breath. He would conclude this meeting and return to London first thing tomorrow. He cleared his throat, meeting Pembroke’s gaze. “The fault is mine.”

  “Speak plainly, Your Grace.” Pembroke narrowed his eyes.

  William sat his tumbler down with a bit too much force, causing the glass to clank against the desk. “I am speaking plainly. We do not suit, and it is no fault of hers.”

  Pembroke stood and went to the door. He pushed it open and bellowed. “Bring Lady Olivia at once.”

  William thought there must have been a servant nearby, for the marquess quickly closed the door, then strolled back to his desk. With a satisfied smirk, he retook his chair. “Let us see if we can sort this out.”

  Williams’ stomach soured. The last thing he had intended to do was drag Olivia into this. He’d expected Pembroke to put up a bit of resistance, but never imagine he’d call his daughter into the meeting. Nonetheless, he knew that Olivia would be pleased with his decision.

  The minutes seemed to drag endlessly as William did his best to avoid the Marquess’s gaze while awaiting Olivia’s entrance. He stared at the hearth, swirled the whisky remaining in his glass, brushed imaginary lint from his trousers—anything to avoid further conversation.

  At last, the door opened, and a footman stepped into the office.

  “Where is she?” Pemberton narrowed his gaze on the servant.

  “Nobody seems to know, sir.” The footman took several cautious steps, then extended his hand. A piece of parchment rested in his palm. “Her maid found this.”

  Lady Pemberton bustled into the office. “What is going on, Philip? I’m told Olivia is missing.” She raced to the marquess’s side.

  “I don’t yet know, but fear not, we shall get to the bottom of it.” Pemberton opened the letter. His face flamed anew as he read the note.

  “What does it say?” Lady Pemberton sidled closer to him, her gaze going to the parchment. “Dear God.” Her hand went to her mouth just before she collapsed.

  William jumped from his chair and rushed to her side, but he arrived too late. Pemberton already cradled his wife. Without looking at William, he said, “she’s fainted,” then carried her to a nearby sofa and laid her down. He looked back at the footman. “Smelling salts at once.”

  William moved closer to the sofa. “How can I help?”

  “I believe you have done quite enough.” Pemberton shoved the parchment at him.

  William read the scrolling handwriting, his mind seizing on one phrase, ‘could not sentence myself to a life without love.’ Anger and pain battled within him. She did not think he loved her, and he had waited far too long to act. Now she was heavens knew where and quite possibly in danger because of him. He reread her words before crumbling the note in his fist. If anything happened to her, it would be his fault. He’d bare the burden, and he’d never forgive himself.

  He dropped the letter as he turned for the door. With a quick glance back at Pemberton, he said, “I will find her.”

  William’s heart raced as he made his way through the house traversing endless hallways and staircases that seemed to never end, before at last, reaching the entrance. He paused for a moment at the sight of his three sisters and two brothers bustling through the door. Bloody hell! Could nothing go his way?

  Elizabeth noticed him first, a bright smile lighting her angelic face. “William,” she cried as she ran to hug him. “How I’ve missed you, dear brother.”

  He returned her embrace then tucked her against his side as he turned to greet his other siblings. “I had not expected you until supper.”

  “The roads were kind.” Triston clapped him on the shoulder. “When do we meet your bride to be?”

  “Do say it will be soon.” Louisa glanced around the entrance. “We are close to perishing from curiosity.”

  Aaron elbowed her playfully. “Slow down, Louisa. We don’t want to scare the lady.”

  “Indeed not,” Catherine said. She drew close and hugged William, then stepped back to study him. Awareness entered her sharp gaze, and she frowned. “What’s happened?”
/>   William adored each and every one of his siblings, but he detested Catherine’s ability to read him with no effort at all. He most especially despised it when he had no time to waste. He exhaled as he considered lying, but cast the idea aside. It would be a pointless endeavor for Cat would see right through him and press him further as a result.

  “Is there some way we can help?” Aaron asked.

  William shook his head. “I fear not.”

  “Well at least tell us what is amiss.” Louisa all but ordered.

  William released his hold on Elizabeth and turned to the butler. “Please have my horse saddled and brought rounds at once.”

  “Right away, Your Grace.” The butler bowed.

  William turned his attention back to his sisters and brothers. “Lady Olivia has gone missing.”

  Catherine gasped.

  “How terrible,” Louisa exclaimed.

  Elizabeth stared at him through wide-eyes. “You must find her.”

  “I intend to poppet.”

  “And we shall assist you,” Triston said as he glanced between Aaron and William.

  William forced a smile. “I appreciate your concern and willingness to help. However, you would be wasting your time.” His jaw ticked as he glanced at the door. Why was it taking so bloody long to have his horse brought round?

  “Surely not,” Aaron said, squaring his shoulders. “Just tell us where to start searching.”

  William rubbed a hand through his hair, pressing his eyes closed. “Therein lies the problem. I have no idea where to look. Where does one find somebody who does not wish to be found?” He opened his eyes and met his sibling’s curious stares. “You see, she ran away.”

  Catherine came up beside him and rested her hand on his arm. “When did she go missing?”

  “I do not know for certain. She was here this morning, but when Pembroke sent for her a short time ago, she was gone.”

  Catherine’s blue eyes narrowed in thought. “What does Lady Olivia look like?”

  “How is that relevant?” William asked more than a little annoyed with Catherine’s interrogation.

  “I’m more interested in knowing why she ran away. Were you beastly to her?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Do hush.” Louisa swatted at Elizabeth.

  “Stop it this instant.” Catherine shot them a heated glance. Once her sisters stilled, she returned her attention to William. “I saw a lady climb into the Earl of Ashford’s carriage. I found it odd as the carriage collected her from the side of the road rather than the drive. Now tell me what your Lady Olivia looks like?”

  “There is no need for surely it was she. Lady Olivia is close to the earls’ daughter.” William bolted for the door, pausing only long enough to say, “Thank you,” before charging across the porch and down the steps.

  Chapter 12

  William fought the urge to shake Lady Juliet while she stared at him with feigned innocence. He drew in a calming breath and asked again, “Where is Lady Olivia?”

  “I’ve already told you that I don’t know.” She looked to her father, pleading.

  The Earl of Ashford shot her a reassuring grin before turning his attention to William. “I believe we are done here, Your Grace.”

  “Not even close.” Dispensing with pleasantries, William glared at Lady Juliet. “My sister, Lady Catherine, saw Lady Olivia get into a carriage bearing the Ashford crest.”

  Lady Juliet’s eyes rounded.

  “She thought it odd that your family carriage picked the lady up from the side of the road rather than coming into the drive.” He pinned the earl beneath a hard stare. “I will depart when your daughter decides to tell the truth, and not a moment sooner.”

  The earls face flushed. He steepled his fingers and leaned his lips against them as he studied his daughter for a long moment. Lady Juliet squirmed beneath his attention, but she did not speak.

  A clock on the mantle chimed the hour. Nine o’clock. Olivia had been missing for hours. For all William knew she did not have food, or warmth, or protection, and the stubborn chit across from him refused to help him find Olivia. What the hell was wrong with her? Did she not understand the repercussions for Olivia? Even if she was physically safe and cared for, her reputation was in grave danger.

  The earl came around his desk to lean against the front of it, directly across from Lady Juliet. “I believe His Grace’s sister did indeed witness such a scene.”

  Lady Juliet pressed her lips together.

  “You will explain yourself,” the earl commanded.

  “I cannot.” Lady Juliet sighed, then peered at William.

  The earl’s voice boomed, “You can, and you will.”

  “She doesn’t wish to be found. Least of all by him.” Juliet sprang from her chair and started toward the door.

  The earl reached her in three long strides. He took her by the elbow, then brought his face close to hers. “Do you value her wishes above your own?”

  “Yes. No.” Juliet shook her head vertically, then horizontally. “Olivia is my friend. I can’t betray her confidence.”

  William moved to stand in front of the library door. “Lady Juliet, I commend you for being a loyal friend.” He paused, waiting for her to react. When she turned her speculative gaze on him, he continued. “However, your loyalty in this instance is misplaced.”

  William stalked toward her. “You must tell me where to find Lady Olivia before something terrible happens.”

  Lady Juliet looked at her father. The earl gave a firm nod of his head. Juliet turned back to William, a combination of stubborn defiance and indecision, showing in her posture.

  “Lady Olivia’s parents are beside themselves. I too am worried about her. We all want to see her safe and happy.” William held her gaze, pleading. “Tell me where she is.”

  Lady Juliet searched his gaze. “Do you love her?” She asked.

  “So much that I have decided to free her from our contract, but I must see her home first.”

  Lady Juliet relaxed, her shoulder’s losing their rigidity, and a smile curving her lips. “Then I will oblige your request.”

  William blew out the breath he’d been holding. “You are making the right decision.”

  “I will know in time, and I pray that I am. All the same, I cannot keep Olivia’s secret now that I know love is involved.” Lady Juliet pulled her elbow free from her father’s grasp and strolled closer to William. She angled her head, studying him for long heartbeats. “You do love her.”

  “Very much,” William said. “Where is she?”

  Lady Juliet’s smile widened, her eyes taking on a dreamy haze. “You will find her at Lady Emma’s. I delivered her to the old gardener’s cottage. Enter the estate through the servant’s drive at the back. The cottage is the first building you will come across.”

  “Thank you.” William grasped Lady Juliet’s hand and gave a slight squeeze. “You’ve done the right thing.”

  “I hope so.” She angled her head toward the library door. “Now go.”

  William needed no further encouragement. He pivoted and marched from the room. His feet eating up the distance with long strides as his heart pounded. William reached the cottage without realizing what had happened in between. His only thoughts, his only care remained on Olivia.

  She dominated his mind as he jumped from his mount and raced to the door, then flung it open. Olivia stood near a tattered sofa, her back to him as he strode into the room. “Olivia. Thank God you are safe.”

  She spun around, her gaze lit with anger as she glared at him, her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came for you. To return you to the safety of your parents home.”

  “I did not ask to be rescued, and I have no wish to return home.” She stepped further away from him, coming to a stop when her back pressed to a wall. “Leave at once, and forget that you have seen me.”

  “I cannot.” He took a step, and she started shaking her head. He stilled but held her gaze. �
��Olivia, hear me out.”

  “There is nothing you can say. My mind is set. I am not marrying you, nor am I returning home.”

  “You do not have to marry me. I will do as you wish and cancel the contract, but first, you must hear me out.” William drew in a breath. “Your happiness is my main concern.”

  She stood tall, her shoulder’s squared and gaze burning into his. “Then you will leave at once.”

  “Not before you know that I love you.”

  Disbelief filled her gaze as she brought her fingers to her lips. “No,” she whispered, the word floating through the space between them.

  “Yes,” William said as he strolled toward her with slow, cautious steps. “I have loved you for some time now. I thought you knew. Believed I could win your heart as well. When I realized that all I was doing was making you miserable, I decided to set you free.”

  Her chin quivered as though she were fighting tears. “How am I to know if you are being truthful?”

  He closed the distance between them, his chest mere inches from hers. “Look at me, Olivia. I’m a mess. I have not been right since the kiss we shared. You are all I think about…all I want. I love you.”

  A tear broke free and rolled down her cheek.

  William took her hands in his and hoped that she could see the sincerity and love in his eyes as he stared deep into her gaze. “I want to marry you, Olivia. Not because my sister’s need a mother figure. Not because you are convenient. But because you are the keeper of my heart.” He brushed a tear from her rosy cheek. “Forget about the betrothal. Let us start anew…right here, right now.”

  Her eyes drifted closed, and his heart nearly ceased to beat before she gave a small nod. Encouraged, he continued. “Lady Olivia Montague, make me the luckiest man in the world by doing me the honor of becoming my wife.”

  “I…” her voice trailed off.

  William gave her hands an encouraging squeeze. “You don’t have to answer right now.” Crestfallen, he exhaled. “Let me take you home.”