Against Their Wishes

Chapter 30

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Before either of them could comprehend it, nearly a week had gone by of their stay in London. As promised, Gregory had taken her anywhere she wanted to go in London. She took enjoyment from seeing the many operas and gatherings throughout the week while he took enjoyment from seeing her so happy. Never had he dreamed that his happiness would depend so greatly on the happiness of another person.

They received multiple looks of surprise throughout the week from his London acquaintances, but they bore them with smiles upon their faces. It was to be expected that people would be taken by surprise at their newlywed happiness when it had previously been known that the couple could hardly remain in each other’s presence.

Today was the first day that the couple would be seen apart. Gregory had a familial obligation to visit his aunt, and although he had not adhered to propriety and announced his presence beforehand, he knew she would not be upset at his sudden appearance on her doorstep. He had wished to take Olivia with him so that she could meet his aunt, but an invitation to tea by the ladies in the house next door prevented this.

“Olivia!” Gregory called as he walked down the stairs, “I am departing for my aunt’s house.” Olivia came into the entranceway from the parlor in response to his call.

“Alright, honey. I will see you when you return.” She leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his cheek. Surprised by the grin spreading across his face, she asked for the cause of it.

“That is the first time you acknowledged me with a term of endearment,” he paused before continuing, “and I have to say, I enjoyed it immensely.” Olivia laughed softly at him before bringing her lips to his own for a sweet kiss before pushing him towards the door.

“I will be sure to remember that, but you had better go if you want to make it home before supper. It is already nearly two in the afternoon.” Gregory agreed and set out but not before stealing one last kiss.

In the shadows across the street, a lone figure waited with bated breath as Gregory walked away and released a relieved sigh as he turned the corner. This was the first time Gregory had left Olivia for an extended period of time, and that time was sure to be well utilized.

A half of an hour later found Gregory standing in his aunt’s foyer, waiting for the butler to inform his aunt of his arrival. It wasn’t long before he heard her footsteps and she made an appearance in front of him.

“Gregory! What a surprise it is to see you! I did not realize that you were even in London!” she exclaimed, grasping his hands. “Come, let us sit in the parlor room,” she said, leading them through a doorway into a bright room. His aunt directed for tea to be brought in while Gregory sat himself opposite her in a floral armchair.

His aunt was a kind, exuberant sort of woman. Her husband died many years ago, leaving her a widow with a daughter to raise on her own. He nearly always made the effort to see her when he was in London. She was shorter and a little more plump than she used to be as she aged. She was always thrilled to see Gregory, and he enjoyed visiting with her.

“Yes, well with everything that has been going on, I figured this would be the perfect time to visit the city,” Gregory said in response to her earlier exclamation.

“Yes, most definitely,” she agreed. “It is most exciting news. I was simply over the moon when Vivien told me. I was only surprised that it took so long,” she confessed before taking a sip of the tea that the servant had brought in. Gregory gave her a confused look as he did not believe that anyone could have envisioned himself and Olivia ever marrying.