Lady Olivia's Undoing Read Free

covers.
Leaning against her pillows, she asked, “Will you not join me?”
    “I cannot, dearest. I must start the day.
There is much to prepare before I leave.”
    “Oh, John, you cannot possibly go now. What
shall I do without you? What will Penny do? You know how much she
cares for you. She will take comfort knowing you are here for her.
And William will need a strong shoulder as well. He looks upon you
as a father.”
    “I will speak with William in all due course.
And Penny has her family.” He brushed his hand over her cheek. “You
must get some sleep. Promise me you will try.”
    He walked to the secret panel and disappeared
behind the wall.
    Once the door closed, Olivia lay on her
pillows and tried to control the swirling thoughts clouding her
usual clear thinking. John was leaving. Penny was suffering. The
baby was dead. The Prince would have to be told about the heir.
What would happen to her now?
    Ten years had passed since Fitzhugh’s death.
For ten years Olivia had stalled the proceedings for the Caymore
title to be returned to the Crown. For ten years she had lied about
the solicitors searching for another heir. Convincing Prince George
to give the title to William had bought her a little more time.
That William would hold it in name only, in reserve for his heir, would allow her to live the life Fuzzy had wanted for
her.
    But now the baby was dead. There was no heir.
How long would it be before someone else came calling for the
title? She would have to convince Penny to try to become pregnant
again soon. The sooner the better. But how could she? Penny must be
inconsolable. Olivia choked back a sob. John was right. The only
thing she could do was love Penny as she always had done. The same
way Penny helped her over Fitzhugh’s death. When Penny was ready,
she and William would conceive another child, and the title would
be secured.
    Olivia felt a cold chill slide over her. When
Olivia had turned thirty, Fuzzy had a tryst with one of the
upstairs maids. After she had the child, Fuzzy sent her off to
America where the child would never know his father. The woman died
shortly after arriving in Boston, and the boy was sent to boarding
school. Fuzzy had always been generous and sent a monthly sum. When
he graduated from university, he lived in a fine house, and had all
the trappings of a well-lived life.
    As their childless marriage wore on, Fuzzy
asked Olivia if she would raise him as her own. He would adopt the
lad and make a provision in his estate. Olivia told him no. How
would that make her look to the rest of Society – having his
by-blow in the house? Fitzhugh never mentioned it again. And after
all these years, she had worked too hard to let anyone take
Caymore, and all that entailed, away from her. She would have to
speak to the Prince.
    Olivia finally slept, just as the sun came
up. Jennings, Olivia’s maid, did not come at her usual time of
eight, and when Olivia woke at almost ten o’clock she pulled the
bell ferociously.
    “Where have you been?” Olivia demanded when
Jennings entered the room. “Why did you let me oversleep? I have
many things to attend today, Jennings. What were you thinking?”
Olivia opened various dresser drawers and pulled out stockings and
undergarments.
    “Mr. Quiggins asked that you be allowed to
rest as long as possible,” Olivia’s personal maid said quietly.
Jennings opened the armoire and took out a pale blue morning gown.
“Now, your tea and cake will be up directly. Should you like a
bath? I think that would soothe your already overset nerves.”
    Olivia sat in her chair by the window, calmed
by her faithful servant. Of course, John had already informed
Jennings of the baby. However, Jennings would never let on. “Yes,
Jennings. A bath would be most welcome.” She made a mental list of
the cards she must send and appointments to make.
    “Very good, Your Grace.” Jennings walked into
the water closet. Spigots turned and water splashed into the huge
tub.