Page 38 of Never Dare to Masquerade with a Maiden

“Bah. Bluebloods are no different than others. Lady Charlotte helped me see that I might have been drawn to you more because you were not.”

Olivia couldn’t help but smile. “Lady Charlotte has a peculiar way of making you see things the way she wants you to, doesn’t she?”

“She does indeed.” Lady Guernsey’s gaze drifted over to Lady Anne and Warren, who were standing next to one another. “There was a time when I thought Anne might become the next Lady Guernsey, but Anne’s heart belongs to another. Have you ever wondered which was worse, never having been in love or unrequited love?”

Without hesitation, her answer rolled off her tongue, “Oh, unrequited love most definitely.”

“Hmm… I must say I thought Lady Charlotte was quick to answer that question, but you might have her beat.” The matron patted her hand and rose to her feet.

“That can’t be so. Lord Camden is utterly smitten with Lady Charlotte. What would the countess know about unrequited love?” Olivia’s question hung in the air as Warren and Lady Anne approached.

Hand cupped over her mouth, Lady Guernsey shared in a whisper, “You have much to learn about courtship and marriage.”

“Mama, you make it rather difficult to read your lips when you do that,” Warren teased as he came to a stop next to Olivia.

Lady Anne linked an arm about Lady Guernsey’s. “Madame Lennox has assured me all of our gowns shall be delivered in time for the ball.” The matron only managed a nod before Lady Anne continued, “Did you know that Madame Lennox’s brother-in-law is none other than Lord Hadfield?”

“Is that so?” Of course, Lady Guernsey’s response was framed as a question. Both son and mother answered queries with one of their own, but in this instance, Olivia suspected the matron was merely leading the conversation in the direction she intended.

“Yes, Lord Hadfield’s younger brother married Madame Lennox’s older sister.”

“So, a blueblood married a dressmaker. Sounds like an interesting couple. We shall have to make it a point to gain an introduction.” Lady Guernsey and Lady Anne didn’t so much as glance down at Olivia during the entire conversation, despite that it was clearly meant for her ears.

“Time for us to set off,” Lady Anne declared before she bent and gave Olivia a hug. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, for I’m looking forward to seeing you in your gown and on the dance floor with this one…” She stuck her thumb in the direction of Warren. “He’s come along, since he was my practice partner, haven’t you, Mr. Two Left Feet.”

Still in shock at receiving such a display of affection, Olivia nodded and watched as Lady Anne escorted Lady Guernsey to the door. The matron glanced over her shoulder and gave her a wink just before they crossed the threshold into the hall.

Warren sank down onto his knee. “I’ve been invited for supper, but first I must accompany Anne and Mama back home. Will you be fine here or shall I take you up to your rooms to rest?”

Her gaze lowered to his lips. Blimey. Best not have him carry her, or she might kiss the man. She shook her head and fibbed, “I’d prefer to rest here.”

His brows knitted for a moment before he smiled as he rose to his feet. He bent and placed a chaste kiss atop her head. “I’ll return shortly.”

Olivia nodded and admired his broad shoulders and back as he exited. The tinkling of buttons reminded her she was not alone. Madame Lennox was busily refolding material and packing her travel case. Had she seen Warren kissing her? Heat flooded her cheeks, and she pressed her palms to her face.

“I promise I won’t tell a soul.” Madame Lennox crossed the room and seated herself in the chair next to Olivia.

“Are you really related to Lord Hadfield?”

“I am.” Madame Lennox smiled. “You know both Neale brothers married commoners. Lord Hadfield married Bronwyn, a tobacco seller’s daughter. Then my sister, Emma, who happened to be Bronwyn’s best friend, married Christopher, Lord Hadfield's younger brother.”

Olivia took a moment to process all Madame Lennox had shared. “So, I wouldn’t be the first non-blueblood to marry a lord.”

“Of course not. And ye won’t be the last.”

Blurting the first question that came to mind, Olivia asked, “Did your sister fall in love first?”

Madam Lennox’s hearty laugh filled the room. “Emma wanted nothing to do with Christopher. Thankfully, he wore her down, for he is the only man alive who would find her stubborn nature charming.”

“Are you married?”

“I am.”

“To a blueblood?” Olivia asked.

“Most definitely not.” Madam Lennox shook her head vigorously. “Although, I was engaged to a third son of a baron for a short spell.”

Olivia leaned forward and placed her hand upon Madam Lennox’s arm, “What happened?”