Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Olivia woke with a start as the maid opened the drapes in her bedchamber the following morning.

“Good morning, miss.” Susan smiled as she breezed about the room, putting away items from the previous evening. Olivia was glad she’d told her not to stay up to help her undress. “I trust you had a wonderful time at the ball?”

“I certainly did.” Warmth filled her as memories flitted through her mind. Dancing with Hugh was one of the highlights, but their time alone together had been truly special.

She’d decided against returning to the ball afterward and returned to her bedchamber. However, he intended to do so in case someone noticed they were both missing.

Another sweet gesture on his part.

Of course, it had taken some time for her to fall asleep. She had wanted to relive every moment in his arms.

She sat up against the pillows, hardly able to believe the turn of events. While she had no idea what the future would bring, she had no regrets. They might not have made love, but she was fairly certain that was as close as one could come to doing so without engaging in the actual act.

Hugh had made her feel so desired. Did she hope that somehow their futures might intertwine? Absolutely, but she kept a tight rein on that fragile optimism. While he’d made no promises, and she didn’t see how she could leave her parents, after what had occurred between them, she was more than hopeful.

For now, knowing he cared for her was enough. She touched a finger to her chest where her heart pounded frantically— so this was love . How blessed she was to have had the chance to experience it.

“Shall I return with some warm chocolate and toast?” the maid asked.

“That would be lovely. Thank you.” Having a few more minutes to herself to treasure her memories with Hugh was welcome.

They had one more day together. Anticipation had her sitting up straighter. Surely they could manage more time together before she and Aunt Ester left the following day.

It was impossible to believe that when she had arrived, she could only think about returning to her parents, and now she very much wanted to stay if it meant being with Hugh.

The maid quickly returned, and Olivia enjoyed the treat as she relaxed in bed, an unusual experience, while Susan laid out her clothes for the day.

The chatter of voices in the corridor caught their attention when Olivia rose to dress.

“It sounds as if something of note is occurring,” Olivia remarked.

The maid grinned, a sparkle in her brown eyes as she tightened Olivia’s stays. “The staff is excited by the rumor of wedding bells in the near future.”

Olivia’s heart leapt to her throat. “Oh?”

She couldn’t believe Hugh would’ve made an announcement without consulting her. Yet her entire body trembled with delight at the unexpected news. Did he mean to propose? What should she say if he did?

Susan lowered the gown over her head before continuing, “I shouldn’t share gossip, but it is such wonderful news. According to Lady Ellen’s maid, the lady and Lord Darnworth are to be betrothed.”

Olivia’s breath caught, her vision narrowing as she tried to grasp the news. She reached out to steady herself with a nearby table, thoughts reeling.

Betrothed? Lady Ellen and Hugh?

How was that possible? Her stomach dropped to her knees as she tried to comprehend it.

That meant that after she had retired for the evening, he’d returned to the ballroom and made his intentions toward Lady Ellen clear. She sucked in a breath at the pain the thought brought. His time with Olivia, the intimacy they’d shared, meant nothing to him when it had been everything to her.

There was no other explanation.

Her heart withered, leaving a terrible ache in her chest. How could the news be true after the tender moments they’d shared in one another’s arms?

How stupid of her to have such hope when she’d known from the start that she had nothing to offer him.

The maid babbled on as she arranged Olivia’s hair, seemingly unaware of her upset.

“Is there anything else?” Susan asked, only to pause to watch Olivia with concern. “Is something amiss?”

“No, thank you. You may go.” She needed to be alone to gather her thoughts and the pieces of her shattered heart.

Susan bobbed a curtsy and left, pausing in the doorway to greet someone. Olivia forced herself to look, taken aback to see Aunt Ester bustle into the room.

Her aunt’s brow furrowed as she strode forward with a message in hand. “I’m terribly sorry, dear, but your father has sent word.” She looked at Olivia, eyes darkened with worry. “Your mother has fallen ill. Rather, more ill.”

“Oh, no.” Olivia pressed a hand to her chest, wondering how much more bad news she could manage. Already her head spun, and she could hardly breathe.

Aunt Ester handed her the message to read.

“We must go home as soon as possible,” Olivia said, hands trembling. The brief message said only that her mother had a fever, and the doctor had been called.

“Yes,” Aunt Ester agreed. “I will order the coach then help to pack our things.”

Susan had waited by the door and now hurried back in to take the gowns from the wardrobe to place in Olivia’s trunk. “Do you wish to wear something warmer for the journey, miss?”

Within the hour, they were apologizing to Lord and Lady Ballard for leaving so abruptly and saying goodbye. The house was still quiet as the other guests slept in, unaware of the turmoil rampaging through Olivia. She was alone in her heartache and worry. Alone, the way she seemed destined to remain.

“Shouldn’t you explain the situation to Lord Darnworth?” Aunt Ester asked.

“No need.” Olivia wouldn’t know what to say. The idea of offering congratulations was enough to bring bile to the back of her throat.

“But—” Her aunt appeared shocked.

“He won’t miss me.” But she would certainly miss him.

They rushed out the door and settled into the coach.

“All will be well.” Aunt Ester reached to squeeze Olivia’s hand as they pulled away. “You mustn’t worry.”

Would it? Would any part of her life be the same after this day and the previous night? She glanced out the window as Ballard House faded from view. Somehow, she didn’t think so.

“She’s gone?” Hugh stared at Lord Ballard, certain he hadn’t heard correctly. “What do you mean?”

“Miss Downing and Mrs. Stamper departed earlier this morning after receiving a message from home. Apparently Mrs. Downing fell ill.” The lord studied Hugh. “Why are you so concerned? You surely have more important things on your mind.”

Hugh felt as if his world was tumbling down around him, his thoughts in disarray. “I am surprised is all.”

Ballard looked around to make certain the hallway was empty before stepping closer. “Get a hold of yourself, Darnworth. Did you have too much to drink last evening?” He clapped him on the shoulder. “Never mind. I did as well. But this is the perfect day to speak with Lord Stratton. From what he told me during the ball, both he and Lady Ellen would welcome your suit.”

“Oh?” Hugh hesitated, yearning to chase after Olivia. Hurt speared through him. How could she have left without saying goodbye?

Yet a voice inside his head insisted he find Lord Stratton.

“This is your chance,” Ballard urged. “Granted, you were off to a poor start with the earl, but the last few days he’s been quite impressed. Then again, I think it has more to do with Lady Ellen finding you appealing. You must’ve done something right.”

He was no longer sure what was right. For whom? Himself? Olivia? Lady Ellen? Or the future he had been so concerned about? How would marrying someone he could barely abide make the coming years better? Did the connections he felt he needed truly matter, or was he allowing worry over his reputation to overshadow his chance at real happiness?

“With Stratton’s help, your future will be bright,” the lord continued. “I couldn’t be prouder of you, son.”

Hugh stiffened in response. Hearing those words, the ones he longed to hear the most, even if they weren’t from his own father, meant more than he could say. At the same time, they added another layer of misery to his heart.

“Thank you.”

Every step he took toward the study where Lord Stafford waited felt like the path to doom.

With a heavy heart, he followed Ballard down the corridor.