Read Online Lady Olivia's Undoing by Anne Gallagher - Free Book Online

is up to
something, some plot, or intrigue. She cannot imagine what it is.
However, I believe you may be right. Perhaps we should be extra
vigilant in our care.” She walked over to John and wrapped her arms
around his waist. “The hell with the Duke of Hargrave. He will not
dictate where I sleep in my own house. Or with whom.” She kissed
John on the mouth. “Now come to bed. I wish to make love to you. It
will be the only chance we have until tomorrow.” She kissed him
again. “As you must train the new butler. And Summers is arrived. I
do believe he will need the first floor bedroom.” Olivia led John
to her bed and then untied his cravat. “And you are leaving in two
days. I wish to hold you as much as I can.” She kissed him once
more. “I do love you John Quiggins.”
    “I love you, Livvy,” John said.
    Olivia pulled him onto the bed.
     

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Reginald had insisted on taking the Hargrave
carriage as well as Olivia’s to the ball, although the Caymore
barouche was more than comfortable enough to hold everyone. Olivia
pursed her lips as they put on their coats in the front parlor.
    Constance pulled Olivia aside. “Reginald
keeps his carriage in case Ariana’s leg pains her she would be able
to return here quickly. He is not such a monster as you make him
out to be.”
    Arabella traveled with Olivia and Olivia
marveled at how much the girl reminded her of herself at that age.
Bella glimmered with excitement over returning to London Society.
She missed her friends and wanted to tell them of all her
adventures, especially Stephen.
    Before Olivia could ask about the mysterious
fiancé, the carriage pulled up to Brumbley Hall. They waited for
the others before exiting the carriage and they all went in
together.
    Leaving coats with a footman, Olivia and
Bella entered the grand Brumbley Hall. Jack Trent, Viscount
Winsbarren, and his father, the Earl of Brumbley met them at the
entrance to the Great Room.
    Olivia kissed Old Brumbley’s cheek and asked
after his health.
    “It is better now for seeing you, my dear.”
He patted her hand. “Go in and enjoy yourself. I shall seek you out
later for a quiet chat.”
    Olivia nodded to Winsbarren. “Where is
Rowena?”
    “Overseeing the disaster in the kitchen. She
shall be out presently. I will send her to find you.”
    As Constance introduced the girls, Olivia
looked out across the crowded room. The steps to the hall gave her
a great advantage. She spotted her cousin Mary.
    Olivia turned to Constance. “There is Mary. I
must dash and say hello as I completely ignored her at the family
dinner the other evening.” She pointed to the other side of the
hall. “There, in the corner. That is where I would like to sit.”
Overlooking the ballroom so she had the advantage of seeing before
being seen. “I shall return in a trice.”
    Olivia did not wait for Constance’s
acknowledgement and headed down the steps toward Mary. She finally
caught up to her by the third colonnade.
    “Mary, how do you do?”
    Mary narrowed her gaze. “Olivia. A little
late to be offering salutations is it not?”
    “Mary, forgive me. I did not mean to overlook
you the other night. I have not seen Bunny in several years.
Surely, you remember how close we are.”
    “Yes, but you did not leave much time for me
to spend with her. She left after only a quarter hour. How could
you, Livvy?”
    “You will be pleased to know Bunny and Rupert
are staying in Town through Christmastide and I have invited her
for luncheon Thursday next. Constance and the girls are arrived and
now as it is all of us, I will send you an invitation as well. And
you may visit as long as you like.”
    Mary smiled. “Very well, then. I forgive
you.”
    “Tell me, Mary,” Olivia asked. “Where is
Catherine? I had lunch with Joanna the other day and she related
Catherine was very ill and removed from Dunbury Manor. Is she all
right?” Olivia moved her cousin over to the dark side of the