Lady Olivia's Undoing

by Anne Gallagher

  “Are we ready, Andrew?” Olivia asked.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Set that box inside the carriage on the rear facing seat. And yourself. I shall join you directly.” She looked down the hall. John was nowhere in sight. Odd. He always saw her off. She wrapped her cape around her shoulders and tied the strings.

  Outside, Olivia took the footman’s hand and climbed into the carriage. She arranged her skirts and the fur coat over her legs. She nodded to the footman to close the carriage door and they were off within seconds.

  Olivia looked at Andrew. “So Andrew, where are your people from?”

  “I do not have any, Your Grace. I am an orphan.”

  “Where did you grow up?”

  “Outside Marylebone. St. Pancras Workhouse.”

  “And did they treat you fairly?” St. Pancras was one of many charities Olivia supported.

  “Yes. I was given fair schooling. They taught me a trade. I served as footman to Viscount Throckmorton. But then he left for the Continent and I applied here.”

  Olivia nodded. “How do you like it at Caymore?”

  “Very much, Your Grace. You are a fair and generous employer.”

  Olivia smiled and glanced out the window. There, walking along Albermarle Street was that young man again, the one who reminded her of Fitzhugh. Could Fitzhugh be trying to speak to her from the grave? What could he wish to tell her? She put the thought out of her mind and turned to Andrew. “First the post office, and then the florist shop.”

  “Of course, Your Grace.”

  Olivia looked at him. “Did Quiggins tell you to do that?”

  “Your Grace?”

  “Say, of course, your grace, when I speak more to myself than to you.”

  Andrew blushed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Quiggins is a very good butler.”

  After they sorted the pennies at the post office, they drove to the florist where Olivia placed her orders for fruit and nut baskets to be delivered for Christmas, and then placed the flower order for the Boxing Day Ball. She was satisfied her morning was not ill-spent.

  The counter clerk sighed. “Your Grace, will there be anything else?”

  “I wonder if I should put up a Christmas tree.” She looked at Andrew. “I think not. It will only be in the way.”

  “Of course, Your Grace,” Andrew said.

  Olivia looked at him. “However, the girls are staying and they might like a tree considering they’re not going to be in Cornwall.”

  “That is true, Your Grace.” Andrew nodded.

  “Very well, then, let us speak with Quiggins about…” John wouldn’t be here for Christmas. Tears erupted from nowhere.

  “Your Grace? Are you well?” Andrew asked.

  Olivia took a deep breath. “Yes, very well, thank you.” She glanced at the clerk. “You may send the bill to Caymore House.” She left with Andrew trailing in her wake.

  In the carriage, Olivia sniffed and looked at her list to keep her mind off John. Speak with Robert about the little house. Yes, she must do that. She looked at Andrew. “Open the door and tell Hendricks to take us to St. Martin Street, to Cantin’s.”

  Since news of the baby, Olivia understood she would have to move out of Caymore House. However, Caymore had been her home for nearly forty years and she was unsure of whether she wished to remain in London, or find something out in the country. Until she remembered a little house on St. Anne’s Court. Small, yet charming, within the city, but on a nice, quiet, street. It would be a lovely place to stay until she found something larger, and a house would be much more comfortable and private than staying at a hotel. Olivia needn’t worry about finances with a huge hotel bill either. The duchy could easily absorb the lease with part of the household money. That small sum would never be missed She would keep a few servants, but would have to give up entertaining on a grand scale. Olivia sighed. She would miss the gardens at Caymore very much, but it was time for her to move out so that Penny and William could move in.

  The carriage pulled up to St. Martin Street. Andrew jumped out and set the step. Olivia gathered her cape and took Andrew’s hand. She descended the carriage and walked to the house. The door swung open.

  “Edwards,” she said to the butler. “Please tell His Grace that I wish to speak with him for five minutes.” She stepped over the threshold, pulled off her gloves, and handed them to Edwards.

  “Good morning, Your Grace. You are looking very well.”

  Olivia glanced at Edwards. He stoically waited for Andrew’s coat. Her life spent ignoring the hired help had turned her into such a snob. To imagine she had first seen John that way as well. As a servant, not a person. “Thank you, Edwards. How do you do?”

  Edwards quirked a brow. “Very well, Your Grace. Thank you. If you would follow me.”

  Olivia followed Edwards down the hall to the library.

  “Her Grace, the Duchess of Caymore, requests five minutes of your time,” Edwards said, and then proceeded with Andrew down the hall. Andrew would sit in the kitchen with the other servants.

  “Lady Olivia, how do you do?” Robert Carlton, Duke of Caymore, stood from behind his desk. “It has ever been an age. You are looking lovely, as always.”

  “If you do not sound like your father,” Olivia said.

  Robert came from behind the desk and kissed her on the cheek. “I shall take that as a great compliment. What can I do for you? Are you sure it is me you wish to see and not my mother?”

  “It’s you, dear boy. It’s you.” Olivia closed the door and then led Robert to the chairs by the windows on the other side of the room. Ever direct, she asked, “Do you remember the little house Fiona ran away to this summer?”

  “Yes, what of it?” Robert’s face held surprise.

  “I wish to buy it.”

  Robert’s mouth fell open. “I’m not sure it’s for purchase, Lady Olivia. Greenleigh related it was a long-term lease. I’ve been so busy I haven’t really thought about it. We may even still be in possession of the house. You wish to buy it? Why, may I ask?”

  “No, you may not ask. But if you are still in possession of the lease agreement, let me take it over for you. I will square everything away with Greenleigh.”

  Edwards brought in a small tray and set it down on the table.

  “Thank you, Edwards,” Olivia said. “That was very kind of you.”

  He nodded and left the room.

  “Shall I pour for you?” Olivia asked. She didn’t wait for his reply and dropped two sugar cubes into each cup.

  Robert turned from his pacing. “Forgive me, Lady Olivia, but I must enquire. Has something happened?”

  She looked at him. He was an attorney. He would never stop questioning her until he found the truth. “Yes and no. I’m sure you are well aware by now that William and Penny have lost the baby.” She poured the cream and added the tea. She placed a spoon on the saucer and handed it to Robert.

  “Yes, I spoke with Will.” Robert sighed as he took the tea.

  “I wish to leave Penny and Will alone at Caymore, and having no dower house, I need somewhere to live.”

  “And you want that house?” Robert asked. “Surely, we can find a bit better accommodation for you. I know of several houses to let in Town.”

  Olivia took a sip of tea and thought about it. She could never tell him the truth. “Forgive me Robert, I misspoke. As you may well imagine, I’ve amassed quite a bit during my tenure as Duchess, and I do not wish my items to be locked in a warehouse collecting wood-rot and vermin. After the holidays, I plan to travel extensively and I do not wish to incur an astronomical hotel bill just to store my things. The house is the perfect solution to my current dilemma.”

  Olivia held up her hand. “I will say no more on the subject.” She took another quick sip of tea, and then placed the cup in the saucer. She rose. “Thank you, Robert. I will speak with Greenleigh. When you find the key and the agreement, will you send them to Caymore as soon as possible? I wish to
move my things immediately.” She walked to the door and then turned back. She opened her reticule, pulled out a ten-pound note, and handed it to him.

  “What is this?” Robert asked.

  “A retainer as my attorney. Now you are in my employ and everything we have spoken of is confidential.”

  “You wound me, Lady Olivia. Surely, you must know there is no need to buy my silence.”

  “Yes, I know. I do not mean it as such. However, I may need your services in the future. Do tell your mother I will see her tomorrow. Ta.”

  Olivia strolled up the hall and met Edwards. “My coat, Edwards, if you please. My business has concluded.”

  “Of course, Your Grace.” He stepped into the anteroom and gathered her things.

  Andrew ran up the hall. “Your Grace, are we leaving?”

  “Yes, Andrew. Fetch your coat. We must go home.”

  In the carriage, Olivia mused. “It is remarkably easy to accomplish whatever you wish, Andrew. As long as you have a list.”

  If John had been helping her with the party, she would not have half so much to do. He would have taken care of everything on that list and more. But there was nothing for it. He was leaving.

  Olivia had taken John once, to see the little house. He had loved it as much as she did. “If we could no longer live at Caymore, this is where I want to live with you,” she had said. John kissed her in the carriage on the way home.

  Olivia needed that house. Just as much as William and Penny deserved Caymore without her interference. Penny was the Duchess now and should run things the way she wanted. Not the way Olivia preferred.

  That afternoon, Olivia glided through every room with a keen eye, deciding on what to take, and what to leave behind for the Caymore legacy to continue. Olivia was enormously proud she had preserved Fuzzy’s title for the next generation.

  She stepped into the morning room and found John and Manning discussing the silver.

  “Your Grace, would you care for luncheon?” Manning asked.

  John’s lip twitched.

  “Yes, that would be very welcome, Mr. Manning. Thank you.”

  Manning slipped through the butler’s pantry to the kitchen. Olivia walked across the hall to the yellow salon. John followed.

  “How was the morning?” John asked. “Did you finish everything you set out to?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. However, I need to send someone over to Greenleigh’s. If you could find a footman who is not engaged to Constance…”

  “Her Grace is not here. She and the duke left this morning. However, the young ladies remain. The duchess left you a note.” John walked to the credenza in the hall and picked up the folded note.

  Reginald and I have taken a room at the Bainbridge. He feels he is in the way with so many women. Forgive me, Olivia. I will speak with you about it tomorrow. Constance

  “I suppose I must be grateful to Reginald he did not deny all my visitors,” Olivia mumbled. Depriving her of Constance’s company was a slight she would forgive, but never forget.

  “You mentioned a boy for Greenleigh?” John asked.

  “Oh, yes, give me a moment. I need to write a note.” Olivia untied her cape as she walked and threw it over the sofa in the yellow salon. John walked behind her and picked it up. She sat at the table, picked up her pen, and dipped it in ink. She quickly wrote, and then sanded the note, folded it, and sealed it with wax. “Tell him to wait for a reply. I need to speak with Greenleigh post-haste.”

  John cocked his head but said nothing.

  She would tell John about the little house when they had a quiet moment. “Who is tonight? Do you know?”

  “Tonight is the Marquess of Emmons, Earl of Endicott, and Duke of Straford.”

  “Straford is giving a ball? How unusual. Do you know why?”

  “His brother’s engagement to Lady Dorcas Cadoret. The girl who fainted at your birthday dinner.”

  “Oh, yes.” Olivia had known nothing of the event that night. John informed her two days later of what had happened. “And Straford is giving him a ball. How lovely.”

  Olivia looked at her tray of correspondence on the table. How she wished it had nothing on it but dinner. “Thank you, John. Shall I see you before I go out? Late afternoon perhaps. You may wake me from my nap.” Olivia deliberately made her voice come hither.

  “There are many things I must attend before I depart, Olivia. I want to make sure everything is running smoothly while I’m away.”

  “Five o’clock,” she said.

  John smiled. “Very well, Your Grace.”

  Chapter Nine

  Olivia snapped the jewelry case closed and turned to John. “Do be a dear and fasten these.” She handed him a double strand of pearls.

  John draped them over her throat, fastened the clasp, and laid his hands along her waist. His lips grazed her shoulder. “You are like no other woman I have ever known, Olivia. I do think you are a mighty good chum.” He stared at her reflection in the glass. “I’m going to miss you.”

  Olivia turned and melted into his embrace. “I’m going to miss you.” She kissed his cheek. “I will be home at the earliest convenience. I promise.” She twirled in front of him. “How do I look?”

  “Lovelier than I have ever seen you. Have a wonderful time.” John kissed her once more.

  Olivia opened the door and stepped out into the hall. She heard the small snick, as John locked it behind her. He was barely half-dressed and if Jennings walked in…well, there would be talk aplenty below stairs.

  Manning stood in the hall as Olivia descended the stairs. “Shall I call for the carriage, Your Grace?”

  “Yes, thank you, Mr. Manning. Have you seen the girls?”

  “Waiting for you in the salon, Your Grace.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Manning.” Olivia entered the yellow room. Ariana and Bella looked lovely in their white velvet gowns. “Are we all together?”

  “Yes, Olivia,” Ariana said. “We are at your disposal.”

  “Well, then, come along. Come along.” Olivia had to make an appearance at the Emmons’ ball. Her cousin Hettie had married the Marquess. Olivia wanted to take the time to stop with Ariana and Bella. There was a handsome Viscount said to be attached to Emmons. Perhaps he would do well for Ariana.

  At Emmons Hall, all had gone well, save the Viscount, who turned out to be a rather plump, stupid man.

  In the carriage, on the way to Straford’s, Olivia said, “Forgive me, Ariana. I had no idea Emmon’s boy was so remarkably dull. I am sure we will find far better to suit you at Straford’s. He is said to be friend to many young men of good fortune and fine family. Your father could have no objection there.”

  “I do not know if Father is acquainted with the Duke of Straford to receive an invitation,” Ariana said.

  Bella said, “Unless he is currently pursuing a career on the high seas, I do not think Father wishes to know him.”

  “What do you mean, dearest?” Olivia asked. Could this be Reginald’s intrigue that Constance mentioned? Perhaps Reginald was looking into a contract for the Navy, which would secure him a seat on the Board of Admiralty.

  “Ever since Father met Stephen, he is like a bear with a cub. He is grooming him for something, although what I simply cannot imagine. Stephen is a self-made man and has no wish other than to build his ships. And Father is deeply interested in this endeavor. I declare it is almost as if Father wishes me to marry Stephen so he may have the son he always longed for.”

  Reginald and an American millionaire shipbuilder for his daughter. “Tell me, Bella, when do I get to finally meet your dashing young man?” Olivia asked.

  “Tonight I believe. Mother and Father are bringing him to the ball.”

  “Do you love him?” Olivia asked.

  “I believe so. He is ever so handsome, and rich, polite, and even-tempered. He tells me I’m beautiful every time he sees me. And he is occasionally funny.”

  “Yes, but do you love him, dearest?” Olivia asked. />
  “I want to say yes with all my heart, but I cannot. He is perfect in every way, yet there is something wanting.” Bella looked at her older sister. “I know how much you think of him, Ana. I am only being truthful where my heart is concerned. You do not wish me to marry where I do not truly love, do you?”

  Ariana picked up Bella’s gloved hand. “He is the very best of men, but if you cannot see your way to marrying him, then who am I to convince you otherwise. You must do what is best for you.” She patted Bella’s hand twice and returned it to her lap.

  Olivia watched the two girls. Something was not being said. “Ariana, do you like Stephen?”

  “He is as fine a friend as any I have met thus. I had looked forward to him being my brother, but if Bella cannot reconcile her heart, then I cannot wish her ill.” She shot Olivia a tight smile and looked out the window.

  Olivia glanced at Bella, who pouted. Oh, yes, there was something that was not being said between the two girls. Naturally, Ariana must be a little jealous of her sister’s good fortune, but there was more to it than that. Olivia would have to figure it out.

  The horses stopped outside Straford House. Several footmen ran to the carriage holding lanterns. It was as dark as a cave without the hum of London’s gaslights.

  “Come along, girls,” Olivia called. She walked up the long path and into the house.

  “Your Grace,” Olivia said to Edward Perrington, Duke of Straford. “How do you do?”

  “Lady Olivia, always a pleasure to see you again.” Perrington leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

  Bella giggled.

  Olivia smiled at Edward. “Your Grace, do allow me to present Lady Ariana, and Lady Arabella Leighton. The Duke of Hargrave’s daughters.” Olivia stepped aside as the girls made their curtsies.

  “Lady Ariana,” he said. “Lady Arabella, charmed, I’m sure.” He looked at Ariana. “Perhaps you would favor me with a dance?”

  “Oh, Your Grace.” Ariana blushed the color of raspberries. “Forgive me, I cannot dance. I have a bad leg.”

  Edward smiled. “Perhaps a turn about the room then?”