Read Online Lady Olivia To The Rescue by Julia Parks - Free Book Online Page B

However, one must pay one’s dues in order to win the prize.”
    Drew frowned. “The prize being?”
    “Lady Olivia’s virtue, of course. I cannot be certain that it is, uh, intact, but if rumour is correct…” said Richard with a leer.
    “So this is not a private party.”
    “Certainly it is, but Lady Olivia assured me that I would be more than welcome.”
    “When did she say this?” asked Sheridan.
    “Yesterday, when I was calling on her and her aunt. She also told me to bring along any friends I might wish to include. I had thought to invite you and Maddie, but she is busy and you…I assumed you would not wish to go.”
    Sheridan could not guess what vagary of thought prompted him to say, “On the contrary, I would like nothing better. Shall we?”
    Once spoken, he could not take it back without appearing a complete jingle brains. Kicking himself mentally, Sheridan held open the door and waited for his friend to pass through.
    He glanced down at his riding gear. “Will you ride or join the ladies in the carriage?”
    “It’s the carriage for me. My man thinks it looks like rain, and I would hate to ruin my new coat.”
    “Dandy,” said Sheridan.
    “Curmudgeon,” replied Richard cheerfully.

    Olivia donned her new bonnet with the blue ribbons that perfectly matched her riding habit and her eyes. She studied her reflection a moment and then smiled.
    Seeing her maid in the mirror, she said, “Pansy, you should be in bed. You are not strong enough to resume your duties.”
    “I am much better, m’lady,” said the maid, picking up a pair of kid gloves.
    Olivia took the gloves from her. “Better, but not well. Mr. Jenson is coming to see you again this morning. He will kick up a dust if he finds you working already. Now, go back to bed, do.”
    “Very well, m’lady. If you insist.”
    “I do. He should be here any moment, and I want him to find you tucked up in your bed, a fire in the grate, and some warm broth by your side.” Olivia tempered this lecture with a smile and shooed the little maid out the door.
    A few minutes later, her aunt’s maid entered and announced the good doctor’s arrival.
    “Take him up to see Pansy. I will be there in a few minutes. Is my aunt ready for the picnic?”
    “Yes, my lady.”
    A few moments later, Olivia hurried out the door and up the back stairs. She found Mr. Jenson just leaving Pansy’s room.
    “Good morning, Mr. Jenson.”
    “Good morning, Lady Olivia. I am astounded at your maid’s recovery. If I didn’t know better, I would accuse her of having feigned her illness. She did not, of course.”
    “I am surprised, too. Only three days ago, she was practically at death ’s door. She is begging to return to her duties, but I told her to wait two more days and then, to be cautious. If she tires, she is to stop and rest.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Jenson. I hope I can convince her to follow your advice. Won’t you come down to the drawing room for a cup of tea?”
    “That would be very nice. Will your aunt be joining us?”
    “I don’t know. We are going on a picnic in a little while. I…I don’t suppose you would like to join us, would you?”
    “A picnic? I don’t know. I have two or three patients to see today.” The tall, distinguished-looking man frowned and finally nodded. “I suppose I have the time. Thank you, I will gladly accept your invitation.”
    “Excellent, and here is Aunt Amy, ready to go. The good doctor has agreed to lend us his company for the picnic, aunt. Why don’t the two of you go into the drawing room and have some tea while I take care of a few last-minute details with the luncheon?”
    Olivia stopped around the corner and listened.
    “I hope you don’t mind, Amy,” he said.
    “No, why should I mind? Come in. Witchell has already placed the tray in the drawing room.”
    Olivia smiled and turned toward the kitchens for a last-minute consultation with Cook over the quantity of food she was sending along. A knock sounded