Page 61 of Legacy of Glass
“Oh, that’s kind of you,” she said. “They actually go by Nell and Hattie. No one ever calls them by their full names.”
“Excellent information,” Cade said. “Any other gems to impart?”
Olivia laughed. “I’m sure they’ll be utterly swept away by you both.” She considered. “Perhaps you could introduce them to some of the younger girls at court? The ones who’ve only just started attending grown-up functions? Both Nell and Hattie are a bit younger than me.”
Cade looked to Ashton. “There you go, youngster. It’s your moment to shine.”
“One year,” Ashton grumbled. “I’m one year younger.” He gave an elaborate shudder. “The girls you’re describing are my younger sister’s friends, and I normally avoid them like the plague.”
Cade raised his eyebrows, and Ashton turned quickly to Olivia.
“But of course I would be more than happy to assist you in this matter, my lady! Your cousins are safe in my hands.”
Olivia thanked him gravely while privately worrying that neither of the girls would be safe at all. She would be much surprised if they didn’t both fancy themselves in love with the young lord by the end of the soiree.
But she wasn’t going to interfere. Now that Nell and Hattie were to gain royal approval and entrée into court circles, she didn’t think a court match was out of the question for either girl—not given their father’s wealth. She had no interest in taking advantage of the queen’s matchmaking offer on her own behalf, but when the time came, she would gladly request that her cousins receive the honor in her stead—if either girl was interested.
All of that would have to wait until they were a little older, though, and for the moment, Lord Ashton seemed a safe option for their girlish flights of fancy.
Julius won his bout and strode over to her, wiping his brow with his forearm. She waited until he reached her side before speaking.
“Thank you, Julius,” she said softly. “I appreciate your consideration for my family.”
Julius shifted uncomfortably. “It was nothing, just a word with my friends.”
Olivia shook her head. “It was thoughtful, and I appreciate it.”
Kasper and Zane strolled over to join them, and the conversation shifted. All five young men would be at the soiree that evening, and they joked with each other about people she’d never met—although she recognized many of the names from her lessons.
A flutter of nerves erupted in her belly, but Julius sent her a reassuring look that steadied her. He wouldn’t abandon her that evening, and she would have her cousins and aunt as well.
“If there was to be dancing, I would ask you to save me a dance,” Zane drawled. “But since there will only be music and conversation, I will instead ask you to stand ready to rescue me. If the inane chatter becomes too much to bear, I will escape to your side and demand at least ten minutes of sensible conversation.”
Olivia laughed and agreed. She didn’t feel as comfortable with Zane as she did with his brother, but she was determined to make an effort for Cade’s sake. And she liked the idea that at least one person at the ball would view her as an oasis and not like a bug under glass.
But even that thought wasn’t enough to steady her as she waited to enter the soiree, her arm gripping Julius’s far too tightly. Since the soiree was in honor of their betrothal, their entry had been carefully managed by his mother, meaning they were left to wait, the buzz of voices reaching them through the closed door.
A voice called, “His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Julius and Lady Olivia,” and the doors swung open.
Julius stepped forward, and Olivia managed to keep pace despite her shaking knees. The initial hush gave way to a rush of murmurs, but to Olivia’s relief, the majority of the staring eyes soon turned away, the normal ebb and flow of conversation resuming. She released a breath and looked around properly.
She had discussed the queen’s plans for the event extensively, but it was different to see the results of Queen Elsinore’s efforts in person.
The receiving room was smaller than the full ballroom, but like the ballroom, it also contained a wall lined with double glass doors. Unlike at the Midsummer Ball, however, they were all thrown open, giving free access to the broad stone terrace beyond. Only a few steps led down from the terrace into the gardens, and the event flowed freely between indoors and out. The small orchestra had even been set up on the balcony outside so the volume wouldn’t overwhelm conversation inside.
To enhance the integration of the two spaces, vines had been twined around the balcony railing and throughout the ballroom, along with a plethora of vibrant blooms.
“How lovely,” Olivia breathed.
Julius smiled down at her. “Mother’s aim is to host all three of the summer’s best events—every year.”
Olivia laughed. “How exhausting. But I’m sure she always succeeds if she puts on events such as this.”
She continued to look around the room, wide-eyed, until she caught Julius’s gaze. He was watching her with a smile that made her duck her eyes and will herself not to flush.
“Since the soiree is in your honor, I’m glad you approve,” he said.
Olivia smiled back and tightened her grip on the small bag that dangled from one wrist. She had slipped a certain mirror inside, feeling that its presence might give her a last-minute confidence boost. She was certainly in need of any insight it could give her.
