Have Hope

Chapter 5

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston S. Churchill

----  

Chapter Five

Stoughton had arrived at the drawing room before her, and announced Olivia's arrival. "Lady Olivia Pendleton."

Olivia passed over the threshold expecting to see Cassian, but instead she was greeted by Kit and a guest she did not recognise.

Both men stood when she entered the room and they bowed their heads respectfully. Truthfully, she had not expected to see Kit ever again, let along receive such courtesy from him.

Olivia went to nervously smooth her skirt, but stopped herself foolishly when she realised she was still wearing a pair of ill-fitting men's breeches and a white shirt.

"Good evening, Olivia," greeted Kit awkwardly. "Please, allow me to introduce my friend, Hi –"

"Mr Smith," interjected his friend. "Edward Smith, milady."

Olivia pursed her lips. That was strange. Nevertheless, she extended her hand in greeting. Kit's friend looked rather dashing, albeit slightly anxious. There was a distinct line between his brows that told her so. His clothes were not as fine as Kit's, so Olivia presumed he might have been a school friend. Regardless, he did have a kind pair of blue eyes that she appreciated. Edward approached her and took her hand in his. Just as he leant down to kiss it, Olivia pulled her hand away.

Edward was taken aback.

"Shake her hand, Edward, like a peer," advised Kit, offering Olivia a reassuring smile.

In receipt of such an affirmation from a gentleman, Olivia felt an unfamiliar flutter of nerves in her stomach. Peer. Perhaps that was her new favourite word. A gentleman had just referred to her as an equal. Olivia thought she might cry. But she could not attribute the nerves to the affirmation. She had smarts enough to owe them to the gentleman who offered the affirmation with a charming smile.

"Forgive me, milady," apologised Edward, a curious smile spreading across his handsome face. He shook her hand firmly, just as he would another gentleman. The anxiety seemed to disappear from Edward's face, and she saw a hint of mischief.

"Not at all, Mr Smith," replied Olivia. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Trust me, the pleasure is all mine." Edward grinned, and Olivia sensed the wicked double entendre. Yes, he was definitely mischievous.

"Alright, that is enough," Kit snapped, dragging Edward away from Olivia. "Olivia, I apologise. You may find Edward a little ... entitled. He is used to getting what he wants."

Olivia gaged that. Nevertheless, she shook her head and offered Kit and Edward a seat. They walked over to the settees, Kit and Edward taking the sofa opposite Olivia. "I am honestly surprised to see you here, Kit," remarked Olivia. "I was sure I had offended you enough to sustain us for another decade of separation."

"That you did," agreed Kit.

"I am sorry for it," Olivia apologised sincerely. "I have a habit of acting and speaking before I think."

"Oh, I noticed."

Olivia felt her cheeks warm. The problem with pale skin was that it betrayed her when she was embarrassed. Her cheeks became nearly as crimson as her hair. She did not dare look up at either gentleman for fear of further embarrassment.

"I did not come here to seek your apology, Olivia. I came here to offer mine."

Olivia forgot her embarrassment and looked up at Kit immediately with a frown. "What?" she asked, confused.