The Duke's Rose (Completed)

Chapter 3. 1814 

Olivia's mind went completely blank. She couldn't process her mother's words for a moment. But then, a dazzling smile spread across her face. She was the diamond of the season.
Adelaide. "Can you believe it darling?"
Olivia smiled broadly before hugging her mother. "And here I believed I wouldn't receive that title. I was sure someone else was going to receive it!"
Adelaide hugged her tightly. "But the queen chose you my dear."
Olivia. "I am very flattered. I am going to prove myself worthy to her."
Adelaide. "I know you will my love. Now, I believe that we prepare you for your collars this afternoon."
Olivia smiled, rising from her seat after finishing her breakfast and following her mother upstairs. Today was just the beginning of a long list of gentlemen who she knew would want to call on her. She was hoping that a certain Duke would grace her with his presence.
***
Sitting at the breakfast table of Sutherland Park, Nathaniel felt nothing but pride sweep through him. Olivia Hathaway, the charming and beautiful young lady he had spoken to the night before, had been chosen to be the diamond. Which meant that several gentlemen would be calling on her that day.
Nathaniel gazed longingly at Olivia's small portrait, feeling his body burn. Despite the small portrait, it possessed great detail. Her dark red curls fixed into an elegant bun. Her blue green eyes that seemed to dance with emotion. Her exquisite body that was outlined in a dusty blue silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.
Margaret. "She is very lovely brother. I must ask you, are you going to simply sit here and stare at her portrait all day, or are you going to call on her?"
Nathaniel turned and smiled at his younger sister. "Do you really believe I am going to sit here all day and stare at this portrait? It's much too small."
Margaret giggled, her green eyes sparkling. "I don't believe you are going to. Besides, I didn't stare at Anthony's portrait when I first met him. At least not as long as you."
Nathaniel chuckled. "You are such a little tease. I am simply happy that you found yourself a wonderful gentleman. Not to mention a titled one."
Margaret giggled. "I am as well. I still cannot believe I was able to find myself an earl by the time I was 21 years old."
Nathaniel chuckled. "And now you are 23 years old and have two beautiful children."
Margaret smiled. "And you are 27 years old and still unmarried."
Nathaniel rolled his eyes playfully. "I was wanting to make sure that you and mother were taken care of."
Lillian smiled, stepping into the breakfast room. "And you did a phenomenal job my dear. However, I would like for both of my children to be married. I would love to have more grandchildren, a future Earl and a Duke."
Margaret giggled. "Mother, you spoil David and Penelope immensely."
Lillian smiled. "My dear, it is my job to spoil those two beautiful little ones. I adore being a grandmother."
Margaret. "You do a wonderful job mother. Now, can you please convince Nathaniel to go to the home of Miss Olivia Hathaway?"
Lillian turned her green eyes to Nathaniel and smiled. "Who is Miss Olivia Hathaway?"
Nathaniel smiled. "She is only the most beautiful young lady I have ever met. We had our first encounter last night, and the queen has chosen her as the incomparable for the season."
Lillian. "Oh my, I do hope you plan to call on her."
Nathaniel. "I do, but not today. I am wanting to call on her when the time is right."
Lillian. "And when do you believe that right time is?"
Nathaniel. "I am going to call on her two days from now, that way we are not interrupted."
Margaret smiled. "I believe that is a fine idea my brother." Kissing his cheek, she turned and walked into the nursery to check on two-year-old David and six month old Penelope.
Lillian glanced at Olivia's portrait. "She is very lovely Nathaniel."
Nathaniel nodded. "She certainly is mother."
Smiling, Lillian kissed his cheek before turning and leaving the room. She was simply wanting both of her children to settle down and be happy. She was pleased Margaret had settled down with Lord Anthony Percy, the Earl of Munster. She was wanting the same for Nathaniel.
Turning his attention back to Olivia's portrait, Nathaniel knew what needed to be done. He would wait for the initial rush of suitors to leave the house before he decided to call on her. He would make sure that they weren't interrupted.
***
Over the next several hours, Olivia was bombarded by several gentlemen. Some of them were arrogant like Francis. Some were simply wanting her as their companion and nothing more. Others wanted her for more scandalous reasons that she refused immediately.
William rubbed his temples. "Do any of these bastards want you for marriage? For love? It seems all they possess is a mind for intimacy and nothing else."
Olivia massaged her forehead. "I am asking myself the exact same questions brother. I am grateful that Francis didn't show."
William. "I am grateful for that as well. But what about the Duke of Sutherland? I've not seen him yet today."