Lady Olivia's Undoing (14 page)

“I have asked you to help me today because I
have some news I’d like to share with you.” She looked at her
servants. “I’m leaving Caymore House to Lord William and Lady Penny
as they wait for a new heir. I am going to live here for the time
being…until I find larger accommodation…and I would like all of you
to stay here with me.”

Olivia smiled at their horrified expressions.
“Hendricks and Andrew may share the attic, and Jennings and Nella
the bedrooms. I realize it is not what we are used to, but it will
only be of short duration.” Olivia hated to lie, she had no idea
how long she would live there.

“Your Grace?” Andrew asked.

Olivia looked at him.

“What is my situation? I cannot be the
under-butler as there is no butler over me, or shall I return to
footman?”

“You shall become the butler, Andrew.” Olivia
smiled. “With a few footman duties to keep you humble.”

Andrew smiled. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Olivia looked at Hendricks. “I believe you
will find the stables to your satisfaction. I thought to take the
grays and the carriage we are in today. And perhaps a saddle horse
if you like. I’m sure William will do what he wishes with the rest
of the animals.”

Hendricks nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“Now, I must ask you to keep this news to
yourself. I am waiting to make the announcement at the ball and I
do not wish for anyone to know what I am about. I am going to tell
people I am traveling, that way they will not miss me when I am
gone from Society. And the gossipmongers will have no story to
tell.” Especially the one about her and Henry’s betrothal.

Her servants nodded.

“Very well, let us return to Caymore for a
late luncheon. I should like to finish up the packing and have it
all done by tonight if I could.”

In planning the ball, Olivia had decided to
give the staff Christmas Day off, instead of Boxing Day, which they
would normally have. Back then, Olivia had been assured of
Christmas dinner with her family. The staff were leaving at ten on
Christmas morning, and wouldn’t return until six that night. She
would be alone. Somehow, it seemed a fitting end to her life at
Caymore.

On Christmas morning, Jennings woke Olivia
with a present.

“Jennings, this is glorious,” Olivia said,
cradling a lovely lap blanket the color of ripe plums. She rose
from the bed and walked to her now empty dresser. She opened a
drawer and pulled out a small box. She turned to Jennings. “Happy
Christmas, darling.”

“Oh, Your Grace, thank you. You shouldn’t
have.”

“Oh, yes, I should. You have been as dear to
me as my own mother. I hope you like it.”

Jennings opened the box and gasped.
Wide-eyed, she looked at Olivia. “Your Grace. Is this what I think
it is?”

“Yes. First class accommodation to the
British Isles.” Olivia was pleased Jennings couldn’t speak. It was
a wonderful surprise.

“Your Grace, truly. I do not know what to
say.” Jennings looked at the tickets, and then at Olivia. “When do
we leave?”

“Not we, dearest, you. I have another ticket
for your sister. I thought, now you and she could take that much
deserved holiday you always dreamed. I would have taken you years
ago, but I cannot abide insects. Heaven knows what kind of
creatures they have down there. Big as mice I would think.” Olivia
walked over to the armoire and took out a plain day gown of blue
silk. “And the climate would be horrible for my complexion. There
is not enough lemon in the world to keep my skin from browning.”
She reached for her stockings on the dresser. “I have made all the
arrangements, and Quiggins made you a kit before he left, of all
the essential items you will need while you’re there.” She stepped
into the water closet and deposited her clothing, then returned to
the bedroom where Jennings still gaped with tears in her eyes.

“Your Grace, this is too much.”

Olivia walked over to her maid and hugged
her. “Jennings, you deserve this respite. I know you did not want
to move to St. Anne’s Court. By the time you return from your trip,
I will have finally moved into another, larger home, and all will
be as it should be. Unless of course, you find another adventure
you would rather have.”

“Oh, no, Your Grace. I will always come home
to you.”

“Thank you, dearest. That is very kind. Now,
go. Have your breakfast, and go to your Christmas.”

“But Your Grace.” Jennings looked at her
tickets again. “These say we are to depart from the London docks
tomorrow. Tomorrow? I shall miss your ball.”

“How many have we shared, dearest? One is
very much the same as any other. You have a grand adventure waiting
for you. Go and enjoy it.” Olivia hugged her, and kissed her on the
cheek. “I do not want anymore sad good-byes. I have had far too
many of them this last week.” She squeezed Jennings fingers. “Go to
your sister’s house and celebrate. Then have fun on your journey. I
will be fine.”

Jennings looked at Olivia, resigned she would
not have the last word. “Thank you, Your Grace. I will see you upon
my return.” Jennings left the room.

Olivia hated to lose Jennings now, but Olivia
reasoned, if the fates had taken every other person Olivia loved
away from her, then she should add Jennings to the list. Now she
was truly alone. Besides, Jennings knew her better than anyone, and
for all her affection, Olivia didn’t want to disappoint her dearest
companion. Societal mores dictated there was something sordid, and
unseemly about her situation with John, though in her heart, Olivia
cared very little what Society thought. Jennings, on the other
hand, Olivia cared very much what she thought. Olivia did not want
Jennings to see her falling apart.

Olivia walked into the water closet, washed
and dressed herself and then asked Manning to fetch a hackney cab.
In the kitchen, she asked Cook to make her a small picnic luncheon,
and then found her coat and hat.

At St. Anne’s Court, Olivia let herself into
the house and moved from room to room, deciding where to begin
unpacking her new life. With the decision to move so quickly,
Olivia couldn’t think about what was happening. Within a week, her
once exceptional life had turned into a half-penny horror story.
From the moment John said he was leaving, Olivia knew that one
thread would undo the whole of her life’s tapestry. This little
house would give her a place to stitch it back together.

By the end of the morning, Olivia had the
kitchen and butler’s pantry well-stocked. She ate her lunch and
then moved upstairs to her bedroom. Olivia gathered a few boxes and
placed them on bed that was to be used for Jennings. Now that
Jennings would not be staying, Olivia would turn that room into her
closet.

The sun had moved into the back garden by the
time Olivia stopped and looked at her handiwork. Jennings would be
proud of her organizational skills. She wouldn’t need any new gowns
for some time. At least until she rejoined Society. But how long
would that take? Until after Henry and Catherine married? Until
John returned? Until Penny spoke to her again?

Olivia sank down on the chair in her bedroom.
What was to become of her?

Upon her return to Caymore House, Manning met
her at the door.

“Your Grace, my mother and I wish to thank
you for the fruit basket. That was very thoughtful of you.”

“It was the least I could do Mr. Manning.”
Olivia handed him her coat and gloves. “Have there been any notes
today?”

“Just one, Your Grace. From Lord Westerly.”
Manning walked to the hall table, picked it up, and handed it to
her.

Olivia ripped it open.

Please join us for Christmas dinner. Six
o’clock.

“Oh, dear,” Olivia said. “What time is
it?”

“Nearly six, Your Grace.”

Olivia looked down at her wrinkled gown and
dirty slippers. She would have to change. Quickly.

“Has Jennings…” Olivia asked, then
remembered, she had sent Jennings on a trip. “Tell me, has Nella
returned? If so, please send her up to my bedchamber.”

Olivia ran into the yellow salon to the long
table. Luckily, she had not removed her quill and ink. She grabbed
a slip of paper and wrote –
Do not wait dinner for me. I will
join you for dessert.

She ran into the hall. “Mr. Manning,” she
said to his retreating back, “Please have someone bring this to St.
James Place directly.”

Manning took the missive from her and Olivia
flew up the stairs.

In her bedroom, there were only two gowns
left hanging in her closet. Black or white. Olivia chose the
black.

Nella arrived and helped Olivia with her
toilette and gown, then her hair. By seven, Olivia was downstairs
waiting for the carriage. Her nerves jangled like horses in their
traces. Had Penny finally forgiven her for whatever slights she had
caused? Would they finally be able to become as loving as they once
were? Olivia tapped her toe as she waited.

The carriage arrived and Olivia stepped in.
Within minutes, they stopped at St. James Place. The front door
opened and Olivia rushed past the footman.

“May I take your coat, Your Grace?” he
asked.

Olivia shrugged out of it.

William walked toward her. “Lady O, glad you
could come.”

Olivia kissed his proffered cheek. “I was
glad to receive your invitation, William. I’m sorry I’m so late. I
was away from home all day and did not receive your note until
nearly six.”

“Well, I’m happy you’re here. Come in and say
hello. We are still in the dining room.”

Olivia walked with William down the short
hall, and stepped into the small, but luxurious dining room. Its
grey walls and white casings made for a luxurious feel.

Charles Leighton, Penny’s father, rose from
his chair. “Olivia, how do you do?”

“Charles, Happy Christmas,” Olivia said.

Olivia leaned down and kissed Honoria,
Penny’s mother. “Happy Christmas, darling.”

“Happy Christmas, Olivia,” Honoria
replied.

Olivia looked at Penny. “Happy Christmas,
Penny.”

“Where were you?” Penny asked. “Attending
Christmas at Dunbury Manor? We heard all about your engagement to
the Marquess. I’m sure you will take great pleasure in finding
titles for the remainder of the Dunbury girls.” Penny stood. Her
tone was positively scathing and Olivia took a step back. Had Penny
been drinking?

Olivia glanced at Honoria and then Charles.
They both looked as baffled as she felt.

“Penny,” William said.

“No!” Penny shouted. “I have waited long
enough. I will not be silenced.”

“What is the matter, dearest? Why are you
angry with me?” Olivia dare not move.

“Angry?” Penny scoffed. “Angry does not even
begin to coat the surface. I despise you, Aunt. I never wish to see
you again.”

“Penelope,” Charles stood.

“No, Father, I wish for her to hear it. I
wish for her to know what pain she has caused due to all her
machinations, and plots, and intrigues.”

“Penny, I do not understand…” Olivia began to
tremble. “What have I done to deserve such censure, such hatred?”
What had she done?

“
You killed my baby!
” Penny screamed.
“You, with all your devotion to the Caymore title, to the wealth
that goes with it. You drove me to near madness with the weight of
it bearing down on my unborn son. And that weight crushed him.”
Penny picked up a small bowl of carrots and threw it across the
room. It smashed into the wall.

“
Penny! Enough!”
William shouted. He
strode to his wife who stood weeping.

Olivia felt all the breath leave her body.
She grabbed the end of a chair to steady herself. Had she done what
Penny accused her of? Had she killed baby Fitzhugh trying to secure
the title?

“Penny, my dearest, I am so sorry. I had no
idea that…”

“Please, Aunt,” Penny said. “Do not say
another word. I do not wish to hear your apology or excuses. I
never want to see you again.” Penny broke away from William and
fled the room.

Charles handed Olivia a small glass. “Here,
drink this.”

Olivia gulped it down and shuddered.

“Come now.” Charles led her into the small
front parlour. Honoria and William followed.

Olivia sank into the threadbare sofa. “I
never meant for this to happen. I had no idea she was under such
anxiety over the title.” She looked at William. “Can you ever
forgive me? I never meant to hurt you. I only thought to help.”

William sat beside Olivia and picked up her
hand. “Lady O, I never wanted to be the duke. Penny fell in love
with who she thought was a lowly steward. She was prepared to give
up everything she had in order to marry me. When you thrust Caymore
upon us, Penny could not reconcile it. She did not want the
responsibility of Caymore. She wished to make her own place, as my
wife, the Countess of Westerly. She did not want to be you.”

“Oh, William. I am so very, very sorry.”
Olivia buried her face in her hands.

William rose. “Excuse me.” He left the
room.

“Oh, no.” Olivia cried. “The ball.”

“The ball?” Charles asked. “Is that all you
can think of, Olivia? Your damned ball? You broke my daughter’s
heart.”

“No, Charles. Tomorrow night, I was going to
announce that William and Penny would be moving into Caymore as I
have moved out.”

“Moved out?” Honoria asked.

“Yes, to allow William and Penny to do as
they wish as the new duke and duchess. In the beginning, I
explained to Penny all the charities Caymore supports, and I knew
it would be a burden for one so young, but I thought she understood
it came with the duchy. When they left for Westerly Manor for
Penny’s confinement, I thought she would reconcile herself to it. I
thought after she brought the baby home, she would feel less
insecure.” Olivia sobbed into a napkin.