The Legacy Debt

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Margot sat in disbelief after I had explained the encounter that we had with the two princes and their ladies who accompanied them. She shifted on the velvet stool, her legs had been drawn up to her chest as we spoke and I could see her mind working.

"Right, so what you're saying is that they believe there is a bigger mystery at the heart of it all?" her eyes glistened at the idea. She was always fascinated by mystery and the occult. Katherine nodded at her and I could see too that she was keen on the intrigue. "Leave it to me with the locals. I'll dig around and see what I can find out about your family history,"

"Thank you, Margot. And you, Katherine, I believe I'd like a little more information about your intimacy with George," I accused in mock surprise. Her cheeks blushed and revealed that I'd caught her red handed.

"We were in love," she confessed. "But, as he was not free to marry as he chose, we decided to be friends only. I then was married to my cousin, Henry, or rather Lord Melbourne. The two of us were then brought to court. George and I had managed to keep ourselves at a distance and feign disinterest, but now I was asked by Princess Alexandrina to accompany her to Halloway Park. Therefore, it is for the best that I avoid George,"

"I'm sorry, I feel that perhaps I am to blame," I tried to apologize but Katherine shook her head quite quickly.

"No, Olivia, please. I'm very happy in my marriage to Lord Melbourne. I do not believe that George and I were meant to be. Should you end up with August or George, I wish him to be happy,"

I thought about what she'd said for a moment and then let out a large sigh. If only she hadn't already been married to Lord Melbourne, once this whole thing is sorted, they could have been together. It was then that I heard a soft knock on my door.

"You may come in," I announced, I saw Margot dash for the door that connected rooms. My mother entered just as the door closed.

"Olivia I--- Why Lady Katherine. I am surprised to see you here," she said and gave a small bow and Katherine did the same. "Really, not to scold you in front of our guests Olivia, but if you are to entertain your friends then please use the parlor or the drawing room rather than your sleeping quarters,"

"Sorry Mama, I felt this was the only room that wasn't already occupied by our guests at the present. Katherine's eyes trailed to the closed door that Margot had lunged herself through. It was more than just occupied rooms that had made me choose my bedroom as the place for our meeting. I also knew there would be no prying eyes who would judge my close friendship with Margot.

"I came to extend an invitation to you from Princess Alexandrina. She would like to invite you to watch a game of cricket played by the gentlemen in her party with her as they have tea," my mother's eyes glinted as they spoke. There was more to this than she was letting on.

"Pray do tell mother, but are the princes both to be participating in the event?" I asked. A smile fell across her mouth.

"Why Olivia, you are as astute as ever. Yes, they both will be playing in the match. It's a good chance for you to speak with your mother-in-law. I'm sorry my dear, but it's better to create an ally out of her than an enemy. Do your best to get acquainted with her and her party. I do believe Lady Katherine that you also will be required to attend, am I correct?"

Katherine looked over to me and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm afraid that Princess Alexandrina did not extend an invitation to me. Perhaps, she has other duties that she would like me to do while she is enjoying the game,"