The Forsaken Love of a Lord (6 page)

“I told you! I talk too much, and I never say the right thing! Not everyone is as forgiving as you, Olivia! I want to be married! But that will
never
happen if I keep opening up my mouth! My mother is right, so I’m putting into action my new plan. Silence.” She nodded for emphasis.

“Silence?” Olivia asked dubiously. “I thought you were joking when you said that earlier.”

“No, I was quite serious.” Maria’s eyes widened slightly.

“Apparently… but consider this, how will you reply if a gentleman asks a question? Will you ignore him? Isn’t that far more rude that possibly saying too much?”

“No, I’ll simply nod or shake my head.”

“That won’t always work.”

“I’ll figure it out as I go along.”

“This is a disaster.” Olivia glanced heavenward. “I saw your face when you spoke about the duke and duchess. You want to be loved like that too. Completely. How will that happen if you insist on pretending on being something you are not?”

“I — I’m not sure. But I’d rather someone at least love me a little, than for me to go through life not being loved at all.” Maria shrugged.

“Oh, Maria.” Olivia spoke kindly. “That’s not love. That’s someone liking what they think they know about you. Love, real love, is made of something far stronger.”

“How do you know?” Maria asked quietly.

“I—“She paused. “Look. Over there. You see the duke and duchess? That is how you know it exists. And why settle for something less when
that
…” She gestured with her chin. “…is a possibility?”

“Well, what of you, though? You’re after Langley, and I’m quite certain he’s off the market for any kind of love, even
like
,” Maria questioned, her brow furrowed.

“I’m… not sure. But you’re forgetting one thing. I knew the man that Lord Langley
was.
And I’m quite certain that as much as my sister tried to destroy it, that man is still alive in him somewhere. And that, dear friend, is worth fighting for.”

“I see.” Maria bit her lip and opened her mouth as if to say something else when her gaze shifted to slightly behind Olivia.

“I believe it is time for my dance,” Mr. Sheppard’s voice spoke.

“Ah, indeed.” Olivia turned and graced her partner with a smile.

He led her onto the dance floor as the honeyed tones of the waltz began to play. Quickly, she glanced over her shoulder and winked at Maria as her friend watched her walk away.

Now, if only she could think of a way to be subtle about asking after Lord Langley. It was sheer luck, as far as she was concerned, that he’d even asked her to dance a second time. She wasn’t going to waste it, yet she also wasn’t going to throw the opportunity away because she was overzealous.

“How are you fairing this evening?” Mr. Sheppard asked, his eyes kind and his tone warm as he wrapped his hand around her waist and led her into the throng of dancers.

“Very well! As you can see I’ve made a new friend,” Olivia replied, following his lead.

“A quiet one,” Mr. Sheppard remarked.

Olivia tried to cover her laugh but failed.

“Er, not quiet, I’m assuming?” Mr. Sheppard asked with a grin.

“She is a great many things, all of them lovely and good. But
quiet
is not an adjective I’d use to describe her.”

“Odd, she didn’t seem inclined to speak before.” His brow furrowed.

Olivia shrugged — a difficult feat to accomplish during a waltz — but there was no other response she could think of!

“Since we’re discussing friends, I must congratulate you on your self-control in waiting to ask after mine.” Mr. Sheppard leaned in slightly, his tone quieter but his gaze sharp.

“I’m sure I have no idea to whom you are referring.” Olivia glanced away, pretending to be interested in the other dancers.

“This from the woman that once told me she was exceedingly frank.” He tsked his tongue in a scolding manner.

“Very well.” Olivia sighed, a rueful grin tugging her lips. “You called my bluff, Mr. Sheppard. I was simply wanting to use more tact than I did last time we spoke, lest you flee once more.”

“Flee? I did no such thing!” He appeared taken aback though severely amused.

“Indeed you did. Immediately after our waltz you made a direct route for the door,” Olivia replied dryly.

“Hmm, I don’t know whether to be flattered that you were paying so much attention to my whereabouts, or to be offended that you think one daring question from a lady would send me into seclusion.” He winked.

“It’s best that you always consider yourself complimented,” she replied cheekily.

“My, my, you’re a minx, aren’t you?” He chuckled, his eyes dancing with a mischievous charm.

“I prefer charismatic,” she said with a slightly dramatic flair.

“Ah, then charismatic it is!” He laughed, appearing to be thoroughly enjoying himself. “I’ll tell you what. Since you’ve already admitted to having a question about one of our mutual acquaintances, I’ll make you a deal.” He grinned, his lips spreading over straight white teeth.

Olivia glanced down. He was startlingly attractive, yet she didn’t have the pull, the desire to run her gloves over the edge of his jaw, or the intense response of a fluttering heart when he laughed.

“Oh, and just what is your idea?” she asked, curious.

“I shall answer two questions in return for one dance.”

“And?” Olivia felt her brow furrow in skepticism.

“And, that’s all. You see, such an arrangement is beneficial for both of us. I get the wonderful opportunity of dancing with a beautiful woman, and you get the benefit of relieving your curiosity.”

“No, there must be more,” Olivia replied directly, watching his reaction.

“No, no more.”

“But… though I shall certainly berate myself later for asking such a question.” She closed her eyes and then opened them again. “Why? If you are Lord Langley’s friend, why disclose any information to me… especially given our past? And…” She tilted her head, as if warning him to not interrupt. “…before you ask, let me answer your question. How hypocritical of me to say such a thing when I initially asked you.” She shook her head slightly. “And the answer is, I asked because, behind every rumor is a touch of truth. And the rumor is that Lord Langley has shut himself off from society. Which is, in my opinion, a great disservice to society, based on my knowledge of the man he was. Upon seeing your interaction with him, I hoped to find out his true state. It is not my intention to malign his name further, or create speculation.” She ended in a whisper.

“I see.”

Olivia stepped away as the music ended, watching Mr. Sheppard’s reaction.

“Would you care to take a turn about the room, Miss Olivia?” he asked, the devil-may-care grin gone and replaced with an expression of pleased surprise.

Olivia nodded and placed her hand on his forearm as he led her to the edge of the ballroom.

“I must say I’m quite impressed with your little speech,” he said.

“I must say my reason for stating it was not to impress you, however,” Olivia replied.

Mr. Sheppard laughed, his face lightening up with humor. “You are utterly refreshing, the utter opposite of your sister.”

Olivia stopped dead in her tracks. Turning to face him, she quickly asked, “I should hope so!” She reacted instinctively then paused. “You knew my sister?”

“Er, yes?” Mr. Sheppard replied, though he appeared to grow ill-at-ease immediately after answering.

“What—“

“No.”

“But you—“

“Don’t know what you were going to say? Yes. I do. And no,” he answered, all traces of humor vanishing.

Olivia heaved a disappointed sigh and glanced back at the dancers all performing the steps of the cotillion.

“But…” he continued, pulling her attention back to him.

“But?”

“I do believe that I’m in your debt. After all, you did dance with me. You’re entitled to two questions.” He held up a white-gloved finger. “But I must add a stipulation. The questions may
not
be about your sister.”

“That’s what they all say,” she mumbled.

“Pardon?”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say!” she replied brightly. After all, it was a far more cheerful… and intriguing prospect to learn about Lord Langley. That was her primary goal, was it not? Squaring her shoulders slightly, she pressed forward with her questions. “How is Lord Langley? Not the gossip, but the truth. Of course I’d ask him myself, if I were able, but we
both
know that is utterly impossible.” She lowered her gaze. Breathing in a silent sigh, she returned to gaze to his. “Please tell me how you know this type of information as well. I’m only interested in firsthand knowledge, not tattle.”

“A woman not interested in gossip? Hades might freeze over,” Mr. Sheppard teased.

“Amusing,” Olivia replied with a cheeky tone.

“Very well. I’m one of the only friends who can tolerate the sour disposition of our mutual acquaintance, and so all of my information comes firsthand.” He bowed slightly.

“Apparently you seek recognition for being a stalwart friend,” Olivia replied, clapping.

“I do. Thank you, thank you.” He bowed again. “And though I believe I answered your first question with that one brilliant sentence, I shall elaborate. After all, I am the giving sort.”

“How noble of you.”

“Indeed! This is what I’m always telling people… a shame they don’t believe me.”

“Rotten shame,” Olivia replied with emphasis, giggling.

“Lord Langley has some misconceived notion that he is doing the world a favor by remaining in but not of it, if you gather my meaning. He has closed himself off, thus the rumors are true in that aspect, but he is not the ogre most make him out to be, nor…” He paused, regarding her carefully. “…I shall only say this once, so pay attention. Nor is he lamenting. Anything or
anyone
.”

“He always was a smart one,” Olivia replied.

“Indeed! Indeed. Though I’d never tell him to his face…”

Olivia shook her head.

“I dare say you have other questions?” Mr. Sheppard asked as he led her toward her parents.

“Indeed.”

“Then I shall look forward to another dance with you in the future,” he replied softly as he lifted her wrist and kissed the air above it. With a sly wink, he turned and left.

“Olivia? Dear?” her mother’s voice called, her tone curious.

“Yes?” Olivia turned to face her mother.

“Who was that?”

“Mr. Sheppard,” she answered.

“Ah, I’ll have to inquire about him and his prospects. He seemed quite taken with you,” she added as her gaze lingered on Mr. Sheppard’s departing figure.

Olivia shivered as she recognized her mother’s predatory expression. “Perhaps,” she replied. “I see my friend. I’ll return shortly.” With that, she left.

Edward paced his study, agitated. Where the devil was Curtis? It was nearly four p.m., and the man still hadn’t darkened the door to tell him about the previous evening with Miss Olivia! At first, Edward had thought the idea utter folly, yet as he regarded the situation, he saw the idea’s merit. And slowly, as the night progressed, his cautious intrigue grew to an insatiable curiosity. Was she the wolf-in-lamb’s clothing, like her sister? What had possessed her to risk such an ill-conceived notion and ask Curtis about him?

As the clock chimed a quarter after, he prepared to go and collect his friend himself.

“Ah, a lovely day, is it not?” The man in question spoke in a carefree tone as he sauntered into the library.

“You’re late.”

Curtis paused. “I’m sorry, Mother. Did I offend your delicate sensibilities for taking tea so late? A thousand apologies.” He bowed.

“Ass.”

“I’ve been called worse.” Curtis shrugged. “But, I’ve also been called better… especially last night.”

“Bloo— Curtis, tell me you didn’t seduce the innocent—“

“Gad, no! What do you take me for?” Curtis appeared sincerely hurt.

“My apologies,” Edward amended.

“She’s nothing like her sister, you know,” Curtis replied, taking off his hat and smoothing the dark brim with his fingers.

Edward snorted. “And how can you be so sure?”

“Believe me, if you were privy to my conversation with her last night, you’d harbor no doubt. There was no flirting, no batting of the eyelashes— Did you know the chit didn’t even want to hear the gossip about you? I mean, what kind of saint is she trying to be?” Curtis shook his head, baffled. “She honestly wanted to know how you were doing and how I knew such information. Demanding little thing,” he mumbled, though a smile broke through.

“Met your match, did you?” Edward replied, though the words tasted bitter in this mouth.

“No, but I might have met yours.” Curtis winked. “Of course, I’m reserving the right to change my opinion.”

“Always. You’re practically a woman in that department.”

“And you’re practically an ogre, without the warts, yet I don’t insult you,” Curtis replied.

“Your benevolence is astounding. They should saint you.”

“And yet they haven’t.” Curtis shook his head.

“What else?” Edward asked, moving to sit in the chair beside the warm glow of the fire.