Page 39 of Never Dare to Masquerade with a Maiden

“I discovered him with another woman.”

She stared at the woman next to her, who held not a single trace of anger in her features nor her voice.

“Now that is a face I won’t forget anytime soon.” The dressmaker’s laughter was infectious, and Olivia found herself grinning.

“Were you not hurt by his actions?”

Instantly sobering, Madam Lennox calmly answered, “Not really. He never displayed his affection for me like Christopher did with Emma. Christopher would go to the end of the world to find Emma if she ran away like I had. No. I learned that not all men of the ton are worthy of the title gentleman.” Her lips curved into a smile. “Warren, I mean Lord Guernsey, now he is a gentleman.”

“Do you know Warren well?” Olivia gave herself a mental shake. She was mimicking Warren’s perpetual habit of asking question after question.

“I do.” Shifting forward, Madam Lennox perched on the edge of her seat and leaned in closer. “His tiresome search for you was what led me to meet my husband. At first, it was amusing to watch him hunt you down, knowing full well you were never far. However, as the years passed, I found his determination to find you both sad and inspiring. I tried to intervene, even though I had been forbidden by my elders, and that is when Bruce, my husband, came into my life.”

“Just so I understand… You know Warren well, but does he know you?” Egad! Again with the questions. She really must break the irritating habit, although Madame Lennox did not appear annoyed in the least.

“You are as smart as Ian claims. Which means I best leave before I say something I shouldn’t.” The dressmaker stood and shook out her skirts. “Don’t worry, I know you too, and your gown shall be designed for you and not according to those meddling ladies’ wishes.”

Ever since joining Ian at Lord Camden’s estate, she’d often heard whispers of spies and a secret network. Unable to manage her own simple life, she had ignored the intriguing tales. If Lady Charlotte was involved in matters of the Crown or espionage, that would explain a number of her rather peculiar habits, like frequenting the Velvet Hell. Olivia would imagine tongues wagged at such places and would be an excellent source of information.

Arms full with material and her valise, Madame Lennox asked, “When Emma returns from the Americas, shall I have her pay you a visit?”

“I don’t expect that will be necessary,” Olivia answered but regretted her reply at the disappearance of Madame Lennox’s smile.

“Then I shall look forward to working on your wedding trousseau.” The dressmaker bobbed a quick curtsy and left.

Knowing Olivia was no more than a maid, then why in heaven had Madame Lennox curtsied as if in the presence of a lady? If she were to become the next Lady Guernsey, she’d have to become accustomed to such treatment. There were worse fates than that.

Olivia let her head fall back to rest upon the back of the settee. Eyes closed, she began to recount her conversation with Madame Lennox. Minutes or hours later, she was left with more questions than answers, yet, somehow, the knowledge that others had faced the same challenges put her heart at ease.

Chapter Fourteen

Lord Camden’s butler stood next to the front door, with Warren’s coat draped over his arm, hat and gloves at the ready. The butler’s steady gaze followed Warren as he continued to pace the width of the foyer. He wasn’t ready to leave. Over the past three days, Lady Charlotte had seen to it that he was not to be left alone with Olivia for any reason. His days were numbered, and while he was winning Olivia’s favor, she still had not agreed to marry him.

“Lord Guernsey!” Lady Charlotte marched down the hall and stopped directly in his path. “What are you still doing here?”

The countess was one of the few who understood his humor. Meeting her gaze directly, he answered, “Deciding whether or not to kidnap Olivia.”

“I see.” The corners of Lady Charlotte’s mouth twitched as she continued to stare back at him.

“How am I to win over Olivia when you are always about?”

“From my observations, you are making progress, albeit slow.” The countess made a motion behind her back, and the butler left them alone. “Might I make some suggestions?”

After spending nearly a week in close proximity with the woman, Warren surmised Lady Charlotte wasn’t posing a question. No, it was a direct order for him to remain silent while she lectured him. With a nod, he said, “Of course.”

“What qualities do you believe Olivia is seeking in a husband?”

Her question took him aback for a moment. “Qualities?”

“Do you think she seeks to spend the rest of her life with a man who is merely going through the motions or perhaps one who takes action?”

“Takes action?”

“You don’t sound certain.” Lady Charlotte’s brow arched. “If you are not sure of her preferences, how do you expect Olivia to be able to agree to marriage?”

“I know Olivia well enough we have a lifetime to…”

The countess’s brows snapped together, and she raised her hand for him to stop. “You know her, but does she really know you?” She lowered her hand and crossed her arms over her chest. With a determined set of her jaw, Lady Charlotte continued, “Lord Guernsey, over the past few days, you have proven to us all that you are a gentleman with a kind heart and good intentions. You have exhibited the characteristics of a Lord who is honorable and trustworthy, but with such a short window of opportunity, you must reveal your true self, or else Olivia might as well be marrying any Lord who has a seat in the House.”