The Duke's Rose (Completed)

Chapter 1. 1814 

The carriage traveled down the cobblestone streets, winding through the city of London toward Kensington Palace. It was the beginning of April, and the social season. Young ladies were making their grand debut into society in hopes of finding their perfect match.
Nestled inside the carriage, Olivia Hathaway felt completely at ease. It was her second social season, and she knew exactly what to expect. Her first season the previous year had left her unmarried.
At the age of 21, Olivia was more determined than ever to find herself a proper match. With dark red curls and blue green eyes, not to mention a full and voluptuous figure, she was considered quite a beauty. However, she wouldn't settle for just any gentleman. She was very selective, wanting a match based on love and not obligation.
Sitting across from her daughter, Lady Adelaide Hathaway smiled. "You look very much at ease my love."
Olivia smiled at her mother. "It helps that I know what I am looking for."
Adelaide reached across the carriage and placed her gloved hand on top of hers. "You are just as calm as I was during my second season. Did I tell you I met your father within a month?"
Olivia. "Did you?"
Adelaide. "I certainly did. And I did not mind that your father was the third son of the Duke of Northumberland."
Olivia smiled. "The two of you had such a lovely relationship."
Adelaide smiled softly. "It wasn't without challenges my dear. But your father and I worked through them. We never went to bed angry. We wanted to make sure that you and William experienced exactly what a proper marriage ought to be."
Olivia smiled back. "And we did. William has found himself a lovely young lady and has been married to her for the last three years."
Adelaide. "Exactly. Cornelia is a lovely young woman. I still cannot believe they are two years apart."
Olivia giggled. "Mama, did you forget that William and I are five years apart in age? He is 26."
Adelaide smiled sweetly. "I did not forget my dear. I am hoping and praying that you find as lovely of a match as he did."
Olivia glanced out the window. "I am wishing for that as well. My only fear is that the gentleman who I meet will be a pompous and arrogant bastard, just like the ones I encountered last season."
Adelaide squeezed her hand gently. "You will Olivia, I know it."
Olivia smiled, knowing her mother was right. "I wish father was still here."
Adelaide. "He is always with you my love."
Olivia nodded. "I know."
The carriage arrived to Kensington Palace five minutes later. The driver stepped out and walked around to the other side. He opened the door for Adelaide and Olivia, helping them both out before he tipped his hat and drove the carriage around to the back.
Olivia took a deep breath as they walked into the magnificent palace. Even though this was her second season, she was still a bit nervous. She had no idea if the queen would choose her to be the diamond, nor did she have any idea what kind of gentleman would be in attendance.
A few minutes later, Adelaide and Olivia stood at the top of the grand marble staircase leading into the ballroom. They watched as several young ladies before them were introduced. Most were wearing gowns of either cream or white silk. Others, like Olivia, wore gowns of pastel colors.
Announcer. "Miss Olivia Hathaway, escorted by her mother, Lady Adelaide Hathaway."
Olivia smiled softly, begining her descent down the marble staircase, her hand resting on the banister.  She held herself with poise and elegance, her head held high with confidence. She would do everything in her power to impress the queen.
***
One hour into the ball, Olivia was just stepping out of a lovely waltz, and conversation, with Viscount Charles Cornwall, when she saw a very familiar gentleman making his way toward her. Her heart stopped, a shiver running through her. Good Lord, she thought. He couldn't be here.
A very familiar and obnoxious voice reached her ears. "Why, Miss Hathaway, what a surprise to see you here. Coming out for your second season are you? Maybe you might give me a chance this time."
Olivia tried not to cringe with discussed. "Lord Greystone."
Lord Francis Greystone, Baron Greystone, was a gentleman of privilege, wealth, and arrogance. He possessed black hair and dark gray eyes. He wasn't handsome enough to tempt Olivia into a dance, much less a conversation.
Francis. "Have you danced with anyone yet Miss Hathaway?"
Olivia rolled her eyes. Francis Greystone was anything but intelligent. He was a downright idiot. "As a matter of fact my Lord, I did. I had a lovely dance with Viscount Cornwall."
Francis glanced at her dance card, which was attached to her wrist with a dusty blue silk ribbon. "Well, you have two more slots available. I would be honored to fill both of them."
Olivia shook her head. "I would like to keep them both empty for the time being."
Francis. "But Miss Hathaway..."
Olivia. "If you will excuse me my Lord, I am in need of some air. And my mother summons me."
Francis watched as Olivia turned and stepped out of the ballroom, making her way out to the courtyard. Rolling his eyes, he turned on his heel and made his way back toward a group of young ladies that had captured his interest.