by Cecilia Rene
Livie clutched her chest, the motion drawing his gaze. “Goodness.”
“Are you well, darling?” Taking her hand, he escorted her over to the settee, where he sat beside her.
“I am quite well. I have never experienced anything like this in all my life. I am a little out of sorts.”
He lifted her from the settee and onto his lap. “I will be the only.” He looked deep into her eyes before he pressed a tender kiss to her swollen lips.
When the kiss ended, he pressed his head against hers. “I must go if I am to leave first thing in the morning.”
Livie stared sadly at him. “If you must. I shall miss you,” she whispered, running her fingers through his hair.
“And I, you.” He gave her one last kiss, before she rose from his lap.
Once they were at the parlor door, he pulled her to him, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m leaving my heart and soul with you, look after them,” he whispered before he released her and left the room.
As he walked towards his waiting carriage, he felt no truer words existed.
Livie, and Julia sat across from each other in the carriage as it stopped in front of Madam Beaumont’s modiste in preparation for their trip to Essex. Julia had received a note from Madam Beaumont asking her to come for additional measurements. Livie accompanied her since both Helena, Julia’s maid, and Abigail were busy packing.
She tried to focus on Julia’s voice as she read from the gossips, but all she could think of was Remington leaving. It was the first time they had been apart since they began courting, and she found she missed him desperately. Him and his kisses.
“Should I ask Henry about it? The gossip says they believe she had a child! Can you believe that, Livie? A child, and she’s been a widow for nearly three years!” Julia made a high pitch sound that made Livie focus on her.
“What?” she asked a perturbed looking Julia.
“Livie! I said Lady Evers has a child!” Julia yelled at her, crossing her arms over her small chest.
Livie took a much-needed breath, trying to calm herself down and resist the urge to throttle Julia. “We mustn’t believe everything we read in the gossips, especially after what was said about me.” Livie glared at her cousin, who seemingly ignored her, the paper practically touching her nose.
“I suppose you’re right, but really, Livie, this could make my wedding a scandal!” Julia said in horror.
“It will not, and besides, she is to be your sister, too. You must show her kindness as if she were me,” Livie insisted as the carriage came to a halt.
“Really, you would never do such a thing!” Julia shook her head as the footman opened the door.
Livie was quiet as they exited the carriage, thinking about the last time she saw Remington and all she allowed him to do to her. Perhaps, she was a ruined woman after all.
Julia pressed forward, always in a hurry. Livie followed her cousin at a more leisurely pace but stopped at the sound of a crying baby. She turned to see a maid rocking a beautiful little girl in front of a fine carriage. The baby had white-blonde hair and crisp green eyes. She was a stunning child that reminded Livie of someone.
“Come on, Livie. Auntie and Lady Diana want to leave first thing in the morning, and I have a hundred things to do.” Julia urged her cousin forward and into the shop.
Madam Beaumont was in a heated discussion with none other than Lady Evers.
Livie couldn’t contain the loud gasp that escaped her, at the likeness between Lady Evers and the small baby outside the shop. Her mind quickly went to the gossip sheet that Julia had read in the carriage.
It was true, she did have a child, and she was not married.
Madam Beaumont looked up, a forced smile on her thin face. “Lady Julia, please go to the back. My assistant will help you.”
“Lovely! Lady Evers, how very nice to see you again,” Julia said nervously.
“Lady Julia, Lady Olivia, what a pleasant surprise. I trust the wedding plans are going well?” Lady Evers had dark circles under her eyes indicating that she had gotten very little sleep.
“Very well, indeed. I trust you’ve received your invitation?” Julia shifted from foot to foot, a sure sign of her nerves.
“I did. Henry delivered it personally.”
“Oh, he did not mention it, but I suppose we don’t tell each other everything. He did forget to mention he had a half-sister.” She rambled, not noticing Lady Evers slight glare.
Livie noticed the lady’s reaction to her cousin and decided to intervene. “You should hurry.”
“Oh, dear! You’re right, Livie.” Julia turned to Lady Evers. “We should have tea before the wedding, shouldn’t we, Livie?” Julia gave her cousin a tight smile, tilting her head toward Lady Evers.
“Yes, of course. I shall send you a card upon our return from Essex,” Livie replied before she walked around the small shop.
She knew Julia was judging Lady Evers for what was printed in the gossips, but Livie would not judge her harshly. How could she judge her when she did not know the lady’s circumstances or the situation?
“Excellent,” Julia said, causing Livie to turn around and watch their interaction. “It’s all settled, Livie will plan everything.” Julia left them alone as she rushed to the back in search of Madam Beaumont’s assistant.
“Lady Olivia, if you would give me just a moment.” The modiste gave her a motherly smile before turning a hard glare back to Lady Evers.
Livie began perusing, taking note of material she may want to purchase in the future.
“As I informed you, my lady, I think it’s best if you found another modiste. I cannot take the risk of losing customers and the rumors …” Madam Beaumont trailed off.
Livie tried desperately not to overhear their conversation, but she could not help it. Both women glared at each other, shoulders wire straight.
“I do not see how rumors have anything to do with my account. I am a paying customer, after all. I can assure you my coffers are in much better standing than most of your other clients.” Lady Evers’s voice was full of barely controlled anger.
“I understand that, of course. But please, Lady Evers, you must see the implications serving you will have on my establishment.” Madam Beaumont wrung her hands together, becoming more agitated.
Livie felt it necessary to help both ladies. She walked toward them. “May I be of any assistance?”
“What could you possibly do?” Lady Evers turned to her with a look of annoyance on her too-pretty face. Her green eyes penetrated Livie’s, holding her in place. She began second-guessing her decision to interfere.
“Lady Olivia, I’m sure the duke would not want you to concern yourself with such matters.” Madame Beaumont shook her head emphatically.
Lady Evers rolled her eyes at the woman’s comment. “No, of course, we wouldn’t want to upset the duke’s rules of propriety,” she said in a sneering tone.
Livie reared back, aghast at her words and the sound of her voice, not comprehending what she meant by that statement. “The duke has nothing to do with my offer of assistance, my lady. However, if you prefer I not interfere, then I will not.” She met the other woman’s stare, not willing to allow her attitude to affect her.
Lady Evers softened, her face instantly relaxing. “No, please excuse my behavior. I am just frustrated with society at the moment.”
Livie let out an unladylike laugh. “That makes two of us. I was ruined one day and then the next I wasn’t.”
Lady Evers laughed, her head falling back. “Being nearly ruined is exceptionally better than being ruined since birth.”
Shocked by her comment, Livie placed her hand on top of Lady Evers’s hand. “You are not ruined; you’re simply different.”
Lady Evers blotted at her eyes, stopping the few tears that had fallen. “Thank you, Lady Olivia. You truly are good and kind. You will make the duke a wonderful wife.”
Livie flushed, embarrassed at her comment. “We’re not engag
ed, my lady.” The words felt heavy against her tongue, but she did not dwell on it. Turning to Madam Beaumont, she gave her a wide smile. “Perhaps you can put the lady’s purchases on my account, and no one would be the wiser?”
Beautiful fabric of pink, yellow, and white lace, along with different bright-colored ribbons, were stacked in the middle of the worktable. The items confirmed what Livie had perceived for herself, that the child was indeed Lady Evers.
“I could not allow you to do that. I have money … I can pay.” She opened her reticule, pulling out some banknotes, but Livie shook her head.
“It’s really not necessary. Besides, we will be family soon, will we not? My cousin is marrying your brother, after all.” Livie placed her hands on top of the bundle and pushed it towards Lady Evers.
“I’m sure our paths won’t cross in society for some time with the rumors about me—” Lady Evers began, but Livie cut her off.
“Nonsense. You will, of course, attend the wedding, and we are having tea when we return from Essex. Rumors do not concern me. After all, I’m courting the Bachelor Duke, and they said he will never marry.” Livie laughed at the now silly title, remembering the words Remington spoke to her the last time they were together.
“I shall kiss you every day for the rest of our lives.”
“Yes, they did say that, didn’t they? It seems they may have been very wrong, indeed.” Lady Evers took hold of the small bundle of fabric and ribbons in front of her. She clutched them to her chest, her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you again for your kindness.”
Lady Evers left the shop, a sad smile on her face. Livie couldn’t help but to dislike society for their treatment of Lady Evers, for any lady that does not behave as the ton expects.
“Lady Olivia, that was very kind, but truly, you should not concern yourself with such a woman.” Madam Beaumont shook her head disapprovingly.
“Why ever not? We really shouldn’t be unkind to someone based on gossips.” Livie looked her in the eye, daring the modiste to contradict her.
“It’s not just gossips. You saw the fabric with your own eyes, and I know you saw the babe outside as well.”
“I did,” Livie said simply. “But I still will not shun her for it, and neither should you.”
“Perhaps you’re right, but I can’t afford to lose customers. I’m sure loyal ones like yourself and your mother would not fault me for it, but there are others who are not so kind.”
Madam Beaumont clapped her hands together. She walked behind a screen and pulled out an unfinished dress. The blue material was silky, shimmering in the light of the shop. “I still have much to do, but I believe it will be completed when you return. I think it is turning out fine, don’t you?”
Livie stared at the dress hoping that both Mother Di and her mother’s over eagerness was correct.
“It’s perfect,” Livie whispered, unable to find words to express how much she loved it, even unfinished.
She was ready to become his—forever.
While I’m sure we’re all desperate to know what is going on with the Bachelor Duke and Lady O, the real question is who is the father of Lady E’s daughter? The list, surprisingly isn’t very long.
Remington arrived at Hemsworth Place four days after he left London. He was greeted by his head housekeeper and butler, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. The elderly couple had worked at the estate since they were in their youth.
The large, old house was hell on earth when his father was alive, but slowly he made it his own. It was now a place where he wasn’t a scared little boy or the Bachelor Duke. Here, surrounded by decades of memories, he was just Remington.
“You’ve returned early, sir.” Mr. Taylor took Remington’s hat and gloves.
“We didn’t expect you until the end of the season.” Mrs. Taylor gave him a motherly smile.
Remington turned to face the two employees he’d known since he was a boy. “Yes, I have some news. I’ll only stay for a day before I return to London. If you two could follow me to my study.”
“Surely you would like to rest or wash the road off?” Mrs. Taylor reproached.
“I’m afraid it can’t wait. There needs to be preparations. After all, you only have a short time to prepare.” He walked past them, leaving the couple to stare at each other quizzically before they rushed to keep up with his long strides.
Passing century-old paintings of ancestors, antiques, gifts from kings, and family heirlooms, Remington imagined what the house would be like filled with the sounds of children. It would happen, his father be damned, society be damned. Livie was going to be his wife.
He hurried into his office to the large cabinet that stored his safe and used the key from inside his jacket to open the cabinet. He turned at the sound of the elderly couple coming into the room.
Remington turned back to the safe and entered the combination. It opened easily, his eyes searching the space for the small box. He found it in the back and pulled it out, his heart beating wildly in his chest, knowing this would be one of the most important decisions in his life.
“Your Grace, is everything alright?” Mr. Taylor asked, bewildered.
Remington faced them holding the box in the palm of his hand. Mrs. Taylor let out a loud heave, her hand covering her mouth and tears pooling in her eyes.
Remington lifted the box to reveal a delicate gold band intertwined with vines and five diamonds across the top. It was his mother’s most beloved possession. She had worn it all her life in remembrance of her own mother.
His mind went to a long-buried memory of his mother on her death bed. He was just a young boy, and all he knew was that his mother was having a baby.
The room had been dark when he entered, his small hand clutched in Mother Di’s. With a sad smile, she pushed him toward the bed where his mother lay dying. Remington recalled the feel of her cool hand on his cheek. His mother removed the ring she wore from her hand and pressed it into his. He clutched it as if his very life depended on it as tears fell down his face.
“One day you will marry for love. Promise me that you will cherish her.” He remembered how strong her voice was in that moment.
He wanted to give her any and everything, because she was his mother and he loved her. “I promise, Mama.”
The diamonds caught the sun streaming through the window, bringing him back to the present. He would do it. He would keep his promise to his mother and cherish Livie with every part of his being.
He wasn’t a monster like his father or Bromswell, and he would prove it. Livie would never have to worry about a cruel, loveless marriage. He would make sure of it.
“Sir?” Taylor asked again.
“Everything is perfect. I’m getting married.”
Talbert Abbey was a lovely home in the small village of Frinton-on-Sea in Essex. It sat three stories high and overlooked the North Sea. It was by far the most beautiful place Livie had ever been. She could imagine herself spending days there wrapped in Remington’s arms, the fresh smell of the sea wafting through the window. Their children would play on the beach behind the home, and they would all be so happy.
It had a comfortable feel that she enjoyed immensely, each room full of warmth. Mother Di had said that it was Remington’s mother’s preferred home. Eliza had found the quaint place one day by chance when leaving the more popular sea town of Clacton-on-Sea. It was obvious by the way each room was cared for and decorated that Talbert Abbey held a special place in her heart.
According to Mother Di, Eliza Warren would spend months here without her husband—just her, Remington, and her friend. Livie sighed, understanding how she must have felt. Needing an escape, and Talbert Abbey being the perfect place for her.
Since they had arrived at the country home, Livie could finally breathe again. Society could no longer bother her with their whispers and constant stares. Daily walks on the estate seemed to lessen the ache she had in her chest for Remington. Not seeing him for almost an entire fortnight filled her with a lonelin
ess she had never before felt. It was a good thing her mother and Mother Di kept them busy with different activities.
Livie walked through the bright and airy home. She was being treated like the duchess, and they weren’t even married—not even engaged. Mother Di even insisted she took the duchess’s chambers. The entire ordeal overwhelmed her.
Her mother and Mother Di sat in the breakfast room, conspiratorially whispering as if they were girls sharing a secret.
“Good morning, Mother, Mother Di,” Livie greeted as she sat at the small, round table.
The room was cheery and bright with light green drapes and sixteenth-century French furniture.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” Mother Di had a huge smile on her face.
“Very well, although I really wish you hadn’t insisted I take the duchess’s chambers. It is your room, after all,” Livie said.
“I’ve never slept in that room, it always belonged to Eliza, and now it belongs to you.” Mother Di took a bite of her ham.
Livie shook her head, trying not to become cross with the older woman, but it was daunting how she acted as if Livie and Remington were already married. Although she had to admit, in their last meeting, it was abundantly clear that he would propose soon.
“May I remind you that we are not yet engaged—”
“That’s just a matter of time. Besides, the other rooms weren’t ready.” Mother Di took a sip of her tea.
“I can’t believe the day may soon come where my daughter will be a duchess.” Her mother’s voice was whimsical and full of awe.
Julia entered the breakfast parlor and sat, a despondent look on her face.
“Good morning. Is anything the matter?” Livie asked.
“I just miss Henry. I’ve never gone so long without seeing him. Don’t you miss Remington?” Julia’s shoulders hunched.
“Really, Julia, can you try to remember yourself,” Lady Hempstead demanded as she looked up at her niece. “You’re going to be a married marchioness soon.”