Only Olivia

Chapter Twenty-Four

"I have never been to one of her infamous parties. I hope it to be Indian themed for I have purchased the most divine length of a ruby red sari!"

"I will be sure make sure you receive an invitation." Olivia immediately regretted saying the words. Her companion's blue eyes narrowed at the implication.

"So, it is like that," said Cecily. "You are quite close with a woman whose son you have no plans on marrying."

"Ellis has been a friend of mine from the very beginning. He may be interested in marrying me, but I am not so sure."

"He is handsome, intelligent, progressive and wealthy," she listed, counting off her fingers. "Not to mention he has a delectable physique and there are countless rumours of his prowess in other arenas."

Olivia did not have the energy to look shocked. Any fool knew of Ellis' penchant for mistresses and women did like to gossip especially about such tawdry matters as a young earl's bedroom skills.

"Indeed, he is all those and more. But, well, you were the one who said I don't know men well yet."

"You must be a little more familiar since you are declining the proposal of a delicious specimen of a man who has no wife or some conniving Austrian woman to ruin anything."

"I am worried of women of Italian extraction," admitted Olivia. She may feign indifference to Dryden and Miss Leitner, but his betrayal cut her deep. She enjoyed Ellis' company far too much to allow him to even the opportunity to do as much damage. She knew, deep in her heart, even the hint of infidelity from him...well, it was certain to hurt far more than Dryden's.

Cecily blinked. "I had almost forgotten about all those women. The gossips say he has thrown them over and is eager to wed."

"It is true."

The doubt hung between them. Cecily stroked her chin, observing her friend. "There is no certainty in life. But Linville has always spoken highly of you and not because he had desire to bed you. I cannot imagine he would hurt you." She admitted great curiosity at the man's transformation over the past year. Truly, she had not spoken to him in ages.

Olivia replied in a small voice, "That is what you all said of Dryden and look what happened there."

"T-that was unexpected by all of us, Olivia. That woman is--well, I suppose it takes them both to cause such a ruckus. Where are they anyway?"

"Vienna, I imagine."

"Naturally. Married yet?"

She shook her head. "Not that I have heard."

"Good. Perhaps he came to his senses."

"It is getting late," she said in lieu of reply. "I am attending the opera tonight."

"With the Baynes?"

"Yes."

"Sitting in the Linville box?"

Olivia coughed to clear her throat. "It is a distinct possibility. "

"I shall not keep you. Do keep me abreast of the news with our new endeavour. Oh, and your dear mother-in-law's dinner party plans."

Pursing her lips, she answered, "Always a pleasure, Cecily."

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Ellis Nicholson, earl of Linville, was a man who listened to his mother, obeying even her most ridiculous soiree plans. She planned and executed lavish, exotic affairs that titillated the ton. They left feeling as if they had escaped their jaded London lifestyle for one evening. Some chased that emotion all the way to Egypt, to India, to China. The rest returned to their homes and continued living their stilted lives.