Page 42 of Never Dare to Masquerade with a Maiden

Blast Madame Lennox! This was all the dressmaker’s fault. If Madam Lennox hadn’t planted the seed of doubt at their last fitting, nothing would have changed. Warren would visit and spend the day with her, and they would enjoy a meal or two together alongside Lady Charlotte or his mama. But oh, no, Madame Lennox had to go mumbling to herself, loud enough for all to hear, questioning if Warren was all charm and chivalry with no genuine intent.

Olivia had pushed the absurd thought from her mind, attributing Madame Lennox’s doubt to the dressmaker's previous failed engagement. Warren was no liar, nor did he act for the benefit of others. If I am so certain, why did I go and spy on the man? Weary from the torrid storm of emotions and thoughts, Olivia let her eyes close. Thankfully, sleep claimed her.

“Olivia…” Lady Charlotte’s voice sounded distant yet there was a hand upon her shoulder, shaking her. “O-liv-i-a.”

She forced her eyes open, and Lady Charlotte’s familiar features came into focus. “What time is it?”

“Time for you and I to pay Lady Guernsey and Anne a visit.” Lady Charlotte left her side and marched across the room to open her wardrobe in a flourish.

“Must I accompany you?”

“Of course you must.” The countess pulled out a day dress and held it up in the air in Olivia’s direction. “Blue. Yes, blue shall be the color for the day.”

Blue would match her mood, so she didn’t object to Lady Charlotte’s choice. She shifted and stretched out her legs. A painful tingling ran up the back of her legs as she stood. Lady Charlotte gripped Olivia by the arm. How did the woman move so fast and soundlessly?

“Tsk. Tsk.” Brows knitted together, Lady Charlotte said, “You must be more careful.” Eyes filled with concern, she raked her gaze over Olivia’s features. “I promised Ian I’d look over you. If he saw you in this state… Oh, my ears would be ringing by now.”

Surely Lady Charlotte wasn’t afraid of Ian. Ian wouldn’t hurt a fly. Well, that wasn’t quite true. He was good with his fists. Olivia let out a soft sigh. She missed her good friend, but her ears would be ringing too if Ian discovered she’d broken her word to him. Best not to think of him, or she would miss him even more.

Olivia took a tentative step forward. The prickling had subsided, and the discomfort was manageable as she crossed the room to her bed where the day gown lay in rumples. The countess must have flung it in her haste to reach Olivia. A smile tugged at her lips. Lady Charlotte was a commander at heart, but she was also very loving and tender with those she was close to.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, where did you send Ian off to?”

Lady Charlotte froze as she shook out the day dress. “He didn’t tell you?”

“No.” Olivia reached out to take the dress still grasped tightly in Lady Charlotte’s hands. “When will he return?”

The countess turned her back to Olivia and said softly, “Not anytime soon.”

That was a relief. Ian was extremely good at extracting information from her, and she wanted to keep what she’d witnessed last night a secret for as long as possible. Arms threaded through the sleeves, she pushed her head through the neckline and tugged her skirts down. “I hope he’s faring well wherever he is.”

“Lord Camden will join him as soon as the babe is born.”

“But that’s months away,” Olivia blurted. “What if he falls ill? Who will take care of him?”

Lady Charlotte studied her for a moment. “He’s posted upon an estate. The staff will tend to him if needed.”

“Ian won’t inform anyone if he’s not feeling well. He’s stubborn like that.”

“Calm down. There is no need to fret. Ian will be well cared for.”

“He’s my only family.”

Lady Charlotte’s brows snapped together. “You are not blood related.”

“No, but for the longest time it was just us. Mama, Ian’s papa, Ian, and I. Mama left first, then Ian’s papa, and now Ian’s gone.” She swiped at the tears that had escaped.

The countess wrapped her arms around her and patted her back, much like Warren had held Anne. Lady Charlotte’s affection confirmed Olivia’s fears. Warren cared for Anne, cared for her deeply.

“Perhaps I should send word to Lady Guernsey and inform her we shall not be able to call upon her after all,” Lady Charlotte said in a soothing tone that Olivia had never been privy to before.

She needed to end matters with Warren before he missed his chance with Anne. Olivia shook her head, plastered a bright smile upon her face, and said, “No, neither of us have fallen ill, so there is no good reason not to go.”

“The speed at which you change directions boggles my mind.” Lady Charlotte leaned back and stared directly into Olivia’s eyes. “I see you have decided. I’m sorry if I’ve pushed you to do things you were uncomfortable with.”

“I’m not that easily managed. A part of me had hoped all would fall into place and I’d have a happy ending like Madam Lennox’s sister. Instead, I’ll have a shared experience with Madam Lennox.” Olivia took a step back, and Lady Charlotte’s eyes lowered to the floor. She reached out for the countess’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “There is nothing for you to be sorry for.”

Escorted by the butler out onto the terrace, Olivia focused on the hem of Lady Charlotte’s skirts in front of her. The wind had blown the morning clouds away, allowing the sunbeams to fall unhindered, which was a nice change after days of light rain and being cooped up indoors.