Page 65 of My Secret Duke
“I am meant to be a Harlequin,” she said self-consciously. The mask was painted in a variety of colors, and matched her yellow and red gown, which was hidden beneath her cloak. “Hidden” because the bodice was cut rather low—a task Olivia had achieved with the help of a maid who had been keen to earn some shillings by staying silent about her young mistress’s plans.
“Where are you going?”
“A ball at the Longhursts’.”
“The Longhursts? That rackety pair. Did your grandmother approve of this?”
“Of course. Carey will be there.”
She was lying to him. She felt guilty, knowing he would never let her go if he knew the truth, but she couldn’t explain to Gabriel how desperately she needed to meet with Ivo. It was a dare, yes, but that was just an excuse. And she knew how inappropriate the Longhursts’ entertainments were for an unmarried young lady like herself. They were known for the sort of society parties where lovers met in secret. The company could get quite bawdy, but they were also known to be discreet.
“Will Justina be accompanying you?” Gabriel asked, and her heart sank. He was watching her closely, and if it wasn’t for the mask, he would have been able to see the truth.
“She’s with Adelina at the theater.”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “I really don’t think—”
“I’m going with her.”
They both turned, both surprised to see Roberta there. “You are going to the Longhursts’?” Gabriel made it sound improbable… because it was.
“Yes. There will be some other younger girls thereto keep Lady Longhurst’s daughter company. We will probably be playing silly games, but it’s better than staying here with Grandmama and Mama.” She rolled her eyes. “Sorry I’m not ready yet,” she added, gaze fixed on Olivia. “I’ll be quick.” But instead of rushing away, Roberta hesitated, watching her sister.
Olivia opened her mouth but changed her mind before she spoke. “Hurry up then,” she said.
Gabriel still looked uneasy about the matter, but he was a busy man, and soon, he was called away.
Olivia stood alone in her finery, wondering if she should just stay home. This was turning out to be far more complicated than it was meant to be, and now Roberta was coming with her—and wherever Roberta went, trouble followed. She was still standing there when her sister bounced down the stairs and joined her, rather breathless but looking respectable enough. She was even masked, although it appeared to be something she had dug out of the dress-up box in the nursery.
“You’re not going to turn coward, are you?” Roberta demanded. “Come on, we’ll be late.”
Olivia let herself be tugged toward the door and the waiting coach. “How did you know…?”
“You’ve been so sneaky lately, and then I saw the invitation, although you tried to hide it. I could tell something was up. Please, don’t make me stay home. I need something exciting to do, and I promise I won’t get in your way. I’ll sit in a corner.”
“How did you know all that about Lady Longhurst’s daughter?”
“I met her at one of those boring picnics for younger people, and I’ve heard gossip about the family. They are rather disreputable. Even more disreputable than us! Nowonder Gabriel was worried.”
Olivia ignored the last sentence. “I really don’t think you should come. You’ll only get into trouble, and I should be setting a better example for you.”
“Oh please,” Roberta burst out. “This is the most fun I’ve had since the horse race. Don’t spoil it now.”
“Robbie, I’m meeting Ivo.”
Her sister’s eyes widened, and she made a muffled shriek behind her mask. “Wonderful!” she breathed. “A tryst. Or is it a rendezvous? Hurry up, he’ll think you’re not coming.”
Once they were inside the coach, Olivia leaned back and took a deep breath. She was trembling with fear and excitement, and now she had Roberta to worry about. What on earth was she thinking bringing her younger sister with her? And at the same time, what other option did she have?
“Promise me you’ll sit somewhere safe and be good.”
“Of course,” her sister said airily. “I promise.”
Olivia hesitated, but she wanted to do this. It was reprehensible but also rather wonderful. And when would she have another chance to make memories that were going to have to last her for the rest of her life?
Impatiently, Ivo strode back and forth on the footpath in front of the Longhursts’ town house. The windows were ablaze with candlelight, and the music ebbed and flowed, interspersed with the hum of many voices. Several couples had entered the building behind him, one woman giggling as her partner whispered to her. Olivia should behere by now, and the more time that went by, the more he wondered if this was a terrible mistake.
His thoughts were swirling around and around.
