A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 6. 1813

Two weeks later, towards the beginning of May, a  garden party was held at the home of Lord and Lady Bradford. It was known throughout London that the Earl and Countess of Manchester had quite the elaborate garden party during the season. It was always a highlight that every member of the ton attended.

And Olivia was no exception. She adored gatherings such as dinners afternoon tea and balls, and was wanting every opportunity to attend them. Partly because it was her duty to do so as a debutante, and partly so that she could have the opportunity to spend more time with a certain duke. She was hoping that James was going to be attending the garden party, and if so, was hoping she would be sitting beside him at their assigned table. She leaned back against the tufted seat of the carriage as it drove towards the home of Lord and Lady Bradford. She smiled to herself as she watched the sprawling green hills and countryside as it glided past her. The day was clear and warm, sunlight sparkling brilliantly in the sky and bathing every blossom with brilliant beams of light.

For the event, Olivia was wearing a longsleeved gown of pale pink silk with a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were a little off the shoulder, which exposed her creamy skin perfectly. Her hair was fixed into an elegant chignon with braids cascading across the crown of her head. Pink teardrop earrings and a matching necklace that had belonged to her mother Margaret completed her ensemble, as well as a pair of matching pale pink slippers with ribbons around the ankle. She felt her heart flutter as the carriage stopped in front of a very well trimmed garden, which was connected to an elaborate home. She watched as the footman jumped off the carriage and walked around to her door to help her out.

William, who was wearing a three-piece suit of deep blue with a white button up shirt and cravat with boots, stepped out first. Then he turned and helped his sister out of the carriage, smiling softly at her. "You look lovely."

Olivia smiled back at her brother. "Thank you, and so do you. Are you wanting to impress a certain young lady this afternoon?"

William became bright pink as he looped her arm through his. "Whatever do you mean sister? I don't believe I understand."

Olivia giggled as they walked through the gates of Bradford Manor and into the beautiful garden. "Oh yes you do. You're in the process of asking Miss Eliza Tiffany if you can court her. Don't be embarrassed brother, I've seen the way the two of you look at each other."

William smiled. Eliza Tiffany was the daughter of Viscount Archibald Tiffany, and was very beautiful. The two of them had struck up a conversation at Olivia's debut ball, and had been corresponding quite frequently over the last several days. His sister was right, he was wanting to ask Miss Tiffany if he could court her. He squeezed her hand. "You could very well be right my dear sister. And what about you? Are you expecting a certain gentleman to be here?"

It was Olivia's turn to blush. "I don't know what you're talking about."

William chuckled. "I believe you do. Does this gentleman happen to be the one who sent to you that be beautiful pink rose? A certain Duke perhaps?"

Olivia playfully elbowed him in the ribs. "Possibly, but I don't know if he is going to be here or not."

The conversation was put on hold as they  said hello to Lord and Lady Bradford, who assigned them to their table. The garden was decorated with several tables, vases of roses and other flowers resting in the center of each. Several couples and groups of guests mingled as they enjoyed drinks and small hors d'oeuvres.  After conversing with several people that they knew, they moved towards their table.

Olivia felt her heart give a jolt as she saw that James had the seat right next to her, and William on her other side. She smiled as she noticed William glancing at the place setting beside his own, which clearly read Eliza Tiffany's name on the nameplate. It seemed both brother and sister had their desired company seated right beside them. Once they arrived, everything would be perfect.

William. "Oh, I do believe I see Abernathy now."

Olivia snapped her head around, and nearly toppled over as she saw James walking through the garden gates. Her heart began dancing as she noticed how handsome he was. He was wearing a cream silk jacket with black trousers black boots and a matching cream button up shirt and cravat. Is Chestnut curls and dark green eyes sparkled beneath the sunlight, and his smile was dazzling.

William nudged her gently. "Go on, you can go be with him. I trust that man with my life, and I know he wouldn't do anything untoard."

Smiling at her brother, Olivia squared her shoulders and moved towards James. She gave him a soft smile and a curtsy. "Good afternoon you're grace."

James returned her smile, taking her hand and bringing her knuckles up to his lips. "Good afternoon Lady Olivia. You look absolutely ravishing."

Olivia smiled. "Thank you very much, as do you."

James. "Thank you. Are you hungry? I do believe we should get some of the hors d'oeuvres before they disappear and we are left with nothing."

Olivia giggled. "I certainly agree."

They moved through the crowd to get to the table for the hors d'oeuvres, and after filling their plates with small sandwiches meat and cheese, they grabbed a glass of wine each and made their way towards their table. It was quite clear to everyone who saw them that there was quite the connection between the two of them.