Page 35 of The Runner
She longed to see him again and the double life she led was like balancing on a cliff edge where any second, she was in danger of saying or doing something inappropriate and revealing her feelings for George either in her words or by the expressions on her face.
One day they were taking lessons in the blue room, which more recently had become one of Olivia’s favourite spots in the house to pass the mornings. The room was exquisitely decorated, and the overall blue theme complemented Olivia’s fine blue gown.
‘If I didn’t know better, I might imagine you dressed to suit the drawing room today,’ said Caroline.
‘And you would imagine correctly, my dearest Caroline. I confess I itch with the desire to get out into the world and am driven to frivolous pursuits such as matching my gowns to the rooms in the house. If there is not a clearer sign, I am in need of stimulation, then I do not know what is,’ said Olivia, rising from her chair and pacing around the beautiful room like a swirling blue cloud.
Caroline contemplated her charge, not knowing what to suggest. She too was restless, but if George were to return home, she suspected that restlessness would diminish, and the joy would be restored to her aching heart.
‘Where is it you would have us go, my dear Olivia?’ Caroline asked, tilting her head to one side as she tried to assess Olivia, who was still flitting around the room and was now passing by the window looking out.
‘I am so restless, I could scream. Whilst I adore your company and that of Mother, I long for horizons new. With my brother away for such a time, I find myself yearning to join him at court.’
Caroline was taken aback. If Olivia were to attend court, her position as governess would naturally become obsolete. It perturbed her to learn of the girl’s discontentment and she worried it must be her fault and she was lacking in the abilities to entertain and engage her sufficiently.
Caroline knew little of court life, other than what she’d read in the occasional society pamphlet and what she’d gleaned from smatterings of conversation. The countess had served at court when she was younger, and it seemed a probability Olivia would do the same.
‘Are you not still too young in years to attend court, my dear, hence my position as your governess and companion? Perhaps, I misunderstood as I confess, I know nothing of court.’
Olivia let out a dramatic sigh and sat down heavily on a chair next to the window. One might think she bore the weight of the world on her petite shoulders, judging by her gloomy expression and distraught tone. ‘No, I am sorry to say, you have not misunderstood. I am still too young to attend court. Well, as far as my brother is concerned. Of course, there are many young women my age already serving at court, but he will not allow me to do so. We have talked of this much in the past, but I mean to address the matter again upon his return.’
Caroline rose and crossed the room to Olivia and lay her hand on her shoulder. ‘Never fear, your life lays before you like a rose about to bloom. You cannot hurry a rose to bloom, for it requires its budding phase. I am certain, knowing how Lord Cavendish cherishes you, all will unfold just as it should and you shall attend court in due course when the time is right,’ said Caroline.
But vague promises and distant prophecies would not rally Olivia, who was in unusually low spirits today.
‘Come along. Let us take the horses out and blow the cobwebs away. We both need some fresh air,’ said Caroline.
Olivia jumped up immediately, her eyes glowing. ‘Please say we may ride into Willow Wick. We haven’t done so in such a long time. I feel that will be just the tonic I need.’
Caroline’s stomach tightened as she considered the prospect of riding into the village. What would happen if Ralph came upon them again? She shook her head and reminded herself she must not live her life dictated by her fear of him.
‘Very well, but we must do as your brother bade us, and have one of the grooms accompany us. The earl warned us to heed Ralph Knight, and I fear he is not mistaken in his concern.’
By the time Caroline had finished her sentence, Olivia had already flown out of the drawing room up to her rooms to shed her blue gown and change into her riding habit. Caroline closed the door behind her and went to change into the countess’s old habit, which she had kindly given to her.
Caroline was grateful for their generosity, but occasionally the unexpected thought flitted into her mind:What would it be like to receive new gowns made especially for me, like a noblewoman such as Olivia? Or as George’s wife, Lady Cavendish?
She bit her lip. The servants would call such lofty ideas getting above her station.
No one must know I think such fanciful things, or I would be forever ostracised and banished from the estate.
CHAPTER16
Willow Manor, York - Present Day
Cara,George and Kate paced around the display cabinet, appraising theTudor Kings’ Manuscriptfrom all angles. The builders had done an incredible job, and it was hard to believe the centre had been a neglected old barn.
‘It’s the pièce de résistance!’ said Kate. ‘It lends such credibility to the centre. Shows you’re not just interested in Tudor history but have real background and familial ties to it.’
The manuscript had been the pride of the Cavendish family for centuries, ever since George Oliver Cavendish had commissioned it for Henry VIII in 1536.
‘Indeed,’ said George, as he studied the display, to spot any minor changes it might need.
‘The centre is taking shape,’ said Cara, beaming at George. ‘I’m so excited it’s coming together. It seems an age since we first presented the plans and got started.’
George reached for Cara’s hand and squeezed it, while Kate went to check out the various exhibits in more detail.
He said, ‘It’s not been long, but in some ways, it does seem like we’ve been waiting for it to be ready forever…’
