Lady Olivia's Undoing Read Online Free PDF Page A

informed us that Cousin Constance and her family
will be staying over the holiday and we do not wish to intrude.”
Penny tilted her head, jutting her nose in the air.
    Olivia stared at her niece. “ What ? No.
I shall not hear of it. Who will take care of you?”
    “We have Jenks, and Tribbs is excellent at
making potions for whatever ails us.” She smiled at William. “My
mother will come by for tea I’m sure. And you are welcome.” Penny
nodded to William. “I believe it is for the best, Aunt.” Penny
pressed a brief kiss to Olivia’s cheek, then walked to William at
the door.
    Before Olivia could utter a word of protest,
they were gone. What had just happened? She replayed the short
conversation in her head. They were moving to St. James? That place
was dreadful. And even though Penny had redecorated, William’s town
home remained a bachelor quarters. Perhaps Penny had already
thought of the nursery at Caymore House. There was no baby’s room
at the house on St. James.
    Oh, yes, she would come for tea. Tomorrow if
need be. Olivia ran to the door and pulled it open. Up the hall,
Quiggins clicked the latch on the front door.
    “Did you speak to them again? Did they tell
you?” Olivia called as she raced up the hall. “How does she think
she’s going to manage in that ramshackle old house for the duration
of the winter. I do not believe one fireplace works properly in
there. They will freeze to death.”
    John raised his brow. “You are not her
mother. You are her aunt. And she is a grown woman who wants to
live with her husband in relative peace as she finds her way back
into Society. Once her friends realize Penny is in town,
invitations will arrive. She will have to face them sooner or
later.”
    Olivia hadn’t thought. Of course, all Penny’s
friends were in a state of motherhood these days. Penny’s baby was
to be number four in her circle. Olivia looked at John. “How do you
manage to know so much about the fragile human condition?” She
heaved a heavy sigh as tears threatened to fall. “Whatever shall I
do without you?”
    John reached out to touch her hand and then
let it fall to his side. “You will be relieved to know that I hired
a butler. He will arrive on Friday.”
    John nodded down the hall and Olivia walked
beside him.
    “Who is he?” She stepped into the yellow
salon and motioned for him to close the door. When he did, she
stepped over to him, her wrists held out. “Would you mind? I cannot
unbutton them.”
    John unfastened the last two buttons. “His
name is Manning. He is on loan to you from Lord Haverlane and Lady
Violet with their compliments.”
    Olivia glanced at John. “Surely, they will
have some company over Christmastide.”
    “They are leaving for Fairhaven on Thursday.
Manning’s only request was that he be allowed to see his mother on
Christmas morning. He would be back by twelve.”
    “Yes, of course. I’ll be glad to have him at
any price. How unusual though. I thought Violet of all people would
want to see Penny.”
    “Perhaps Lady Violet thinks her appearance
would overset Penny.”
    Olivia nodded. Violet’s loose clothing left
no doubt about her state of gravidation. “Yes, perhaps you are
right. I hope Penny does not think ill of her.”
    John shook his head. “I’m sure not. Lady
Violet is only thinking of Penny’s feelings. Penny will see that.
She only needs a little time.”
    Olivia touched John’s cheek. “What shall I do
without you?”
    He winked at her. “I’m sure you will find
something to keep you occupied.” He stepped back. “I have many
things to attend today and Andrew on my heel. I shall take my leave
of you now.” He bowed and exited the room.
    Olivia turned to the windows that overlooked
the small side garden. Penny needed time alone, and if she wanted
to be with William in that decrepit old building, then so be it.
Olivia would stop by Olmstead House and speak to Honoria, Penny’s
mother. Honoria would know the real reason