A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 7. 1813

Over the next several weeks, James and Olivia became closer. They shared many afternoon teas together and romantic strolls through the gardens. They shared smiles and stories of their childhood, their favorite books and musicians. There was indeed chemistry between them, but neither was wanting to act on it just yet. The social season had just begun, and wouldn't finish until September.

Olivia continued receiving pale pink roses from James after each encounter they had at a ball. So far, the two of them had attended three balls together, and therefore, she had a bundle of three roses. It was the beginning of July, and she realized that James Abernathy's intentions towards her were quite honorable. She was relieved that her other suitors had gone away, none of them wanting to complete with the Duke of Norfolk.

Three days after receiving her third beautiful blossom, Olivia was in the process of reading one of her favorite books, a riveting romance with a dashing hero and exquisite heroine. She was just finishing a chapter when the Tristan Butler, Matthew, poked his head into the drawing room. Glancing up, she smiled and put her book down. "Good morning Matthew."

Matthew smiled and gave her a bow. "Good morning my lady, I do hope I wasn't disturbing you."

Olivia shook her head. "Not at all, did you need something?"

Matthew stepped into the room, handing her an envelope. "This has just arrived for you. His grace has received a separate invitation as well, but I was instructed to give this one to you."

Olivia reached out and took the envelope from him. "Thank you Matthew."

Matthew smiled softly and turned to leave the room, his footsteps fading  down the hallway.

Leaning back against the plush deep red velvet chaise by the window, Olivia carefully opened the envelope, noticing that the penmanship for the invitation was quite masculine but lovely. Her heart started pounding as she recognized the hand writing to belong to none other than James. Her eyes began wandering the page of beautiful words that the Duke of Norfolk had written.

My dearest Olivia,

I am hosting a ball this coming weekend and would love to have you and your brother attend. I have already sent an invitation to William stating that he could bring Miss Eliza  Tiffany as well. But this invitation is strictly for you and you alone.

I've not been able to stop thinking of you, dreaming of you really. I would love nothing more than for the two of us to have every dance together, not just for my ball, but for every ball there after. Because of that, you'll find a dance card in the envelope under this invitation that's only for you.

I cannot wait to see you in three days time.

Yours,
James

Olivia was smiling from ear to ear as she carefully put the invitation aside. Reaching into the envelope, her fingers encountered the dance card James had told her about. Removing it carefully from the envelope, she saw that all five slots of the dance card had been filled with the initials James Abernathy. Her heart was hammering in her chest. James had filled every slot with his initials, which meant that he was wanting every dance with her and no one else. She moved her fingertips over the beautiful bright blue silk ribbon that was attached to the dance card, still beaming like a child. She knew that night at the Duke of Norfolk's ball was going to be nothing short of magical. Sliding the dance card back into the envelope for safekeeping, she rose from the chaise and made her way to the breakfast room to speak with William about their plans for the weekend.