A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 8. 1813

Three days later, Olivia was standing at the top of the grand staircase of Norfolk Manor, wearing  an elegant dusty blue silk gown with cap sleeves and cream silk gloves. The neckline of the gown was square, yet still exposed her creamy skin. Her hair was fixed into a side bun with curls along her left shoulder. The bodice had small iridescent crystals that sparkled beneath the chandelier light.  Her heart was doing backflips and somersaults as she scanned the room for James.

Beside her, William squeezed her hand gently. "He's going to see you, don't fret. You know the proper way is to be introduced into a ballroom."

Olivia smiled at him. "I know, but I'm just anxious to see him." Her cheeks became bright pink at her own statement and confession.

On the other side of William, Eliza gave her a gentle smile. "I'm sure he's just as anxious to see you."

Olivia gave her a returning smile. Eliza was looking exceptional that night, wearing a lovely champagne silk gown that had a similar style.  The color of her confection brought out the elegance of her strawberry blonde curls and vibrant green eyes. Her hair was fixed into a lovely chignon.  She was grateful to Miss Tiffany for bringing happiness back to her brother.

As the announcer gave the names of the Duke of Gloucester, his sister, and his companion, Olivia felt her heart give a jolt as she saw James making his way through the crowd of spectators. Her eyes drank him in, and she noticed that he was wearing a dashing three-piece black suit with a blue button up shirt and matching blue cravat. She could barely keep her feet from rushing towards him. She was wanting nothing more than to be swept into his arms and never be  released 

James smiled at them, shaking William's hand and kissing Eliza  and Olivia's. His eyes sparkled with delight. "I'm so glad the three of you could come this evening. I was beginning to worry that your carriage wouldn't arrive."

William chuckled. "We wouldn't miss this for the world Abernathy. If we did, I don't believe my sister would forgive me."

James chuckled. "I'm glad the three of you are here."

Olivia felt her heart nearly leap from her chest as James extended his hand to her. Placing her gloved fingertips into his, she allowed him to escort her to the dance floor as the first of many dances for that evening commenced. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw William smile with approval before taking Eliza by the hand and leading her to the dance floor a few yards away from them.  It was evident that her brother and Eliza had quite the connection. 

James moved them skillfully into the quadrille. "You look beautiful this evening."

Olivia gave him a smile. "Thank you very much your grace, and you look dashing."

James returned her smile. "Thank you. I was wondering if I could have a word with you alone this evening. There is a very important question I would like to ask you."

Olivia raised one eyebrow. "Of course your grace, and what is that question?"

James smiled teasingly. "That is for me to know and for you to find out later.  I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."

Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. "I thought you just told me you had a question to ask, and now you're saying it's a surprise?"

James laughed. "It's a bit of both I'm afraid. However, I assure you it's a wonderful surprise."

Olivia giggled. "Well then, I can't wait for it."

They smiled at one another,  their eyes locked in a magnetic stare that couldn't be broken by anyone.  They moved gracefully from one dance to another, ignoring everyone who was watching them with envy. They didn't care what anyone thought of them, they only had eyes for the person  in front of them.

As the third dance came to an end, Olivia noticed a couple walking into the ballroom. Her smile faded immediately, and her face became pale. She began to tremble, her eyes becoming huge as she stared at the couple. Or rather, at the gentleman.

James noticed her sudden discomfort, and following her eyes, felt his own body become tense. He growled viciously, recognizing none other than George Churchhill and Melinda walking through the ballroom doors of his home. He moved Olivia protectively behind him. "What are you doing here?"

Melinda rolled her eyes. "George and I decided to come to your party your grace, is that so bad?" Her hand was resting on her very swollen abdomen.

James glared at them. "Neither of you were invited."

George. "We know, it was my idea to come tonight. Oh, I see that you have the whore in your arms Abernathy. Have you taken her to bed yet?"

James felt Olivia trembling behind him, and immediately put his arms around her. His eyes became dark green flames. "She's not a whore, and I have not taken her to bed. Why in the name of hell would you even ask such a thing?"

George smiled deviously. "Because she is no virgin."

James. "What are you talking about? She is as pure and innocent as they come!"

George. "Oh no she's not, she's no virgin Abernathy. She might seem that way to you, but she's far from it. She is nothing but damaged, and I doubt anyone is going to love her."

Giving a cry, Olivia tore her self away from James and ran out of the ballroom and into the hallway. She was sobbing by this point, trying to push the images of that night away from her mind. Stumbling blindly up the stairs, she found herself in a very large room, not paying attention to any of the details. She sank to her knees and shattered into pieces.