“Thank you, Andrew.” Olivia went downstairs to the yellow salon.
“Olivia, what have you done to the place?” Charles asked. “It looks positively desolate.”
“As I explained last night, I moved out. I only took my personal belongings. Everything else remains for the duchy.” She stood near the table. “Charles, have you made the enquiry into my finances?”
“Yes, I have.” He walked to the windows that overlooked the gardens. “Olivia, I have some alarming news where that is concerned.”
“Alarming? Whatever do you mean? You cannot tell me the estate is penniless.”
“No, the estate is not penniless, however, you are.”
“What do you mean?” Olivia sank onto the sofa.
“My uncle’s will states that you will have the entirety of the fortune as long as you live at Caymore. However, if you leave or marry, you will receive only five thousand pounds per annum.”
“Five thousand pounds!” She spent more on that for flowers per annum. “Charles, surely, they will allow me to keep my dowry.” It was forty thousand pounds.
“On that point I am not sure.” He paused. “Olivia, there is more.” Charles paced in front of the windows.
“More?”
“Yes. It seems Fitzhugh’s solicitors have already been informed by the Patent Committee that they are going to begin proceedings to appropriate the title.”
“No, they cannot! I spoke with Prince George as soon as I heard the news about the baby. He said he would take care of everything.”
“I’m sure he did. Unfortunately, he has no say in the matter. He has no power, and therefore, any request he makes for a Peer is null and void.”
“What about the Letters Patent for William? The King signed those. Surely, the Committee cannot take those away.”
“As the Letters Patent state, William only holds the title until an heir is brought forth. Sadly, that did not happen. The Royal attorneys have decreed the King signed the Letters under duress and in his current state did not know what he signed. They have deemed them invalid.”
“Does William know?”
“I do not believe so. Not yet. And if he does, he has not said anything to me.”
“So even if I do remain at Caymore, I will have nothing.” Olivia looked at Charles. “When do they wish to begin the proceedings?”
“As soon as Parliament convenes in January.” Charles walked over and sat beside her. “Olivia, I know this is shocking news on top of everything else you have had to bear these last few days, but once Dunbury returns and you marry, you will be all right.”
Olivia shook her head. “I cannot marry Henry, Charles. And what I tell you now cannot leave this room. Catherine is expecting his child.”
“What? When did that happen? I heard she left the Manor.”
“Yes. It is all a very complicated mix-up story, but suffice it to say, she is carrying the heir to the Dunbury Marquisate and I will not come between them.”
“You know you are always welcome at Olmstead House.” Charles patted her hand.
“Thank you, Charles, that is very kind, but I could not. I would hate to have my current situation come between you and Penny.”
“Surely, Marlborough will take care of you,” Charles said.
“My uncle only wishes to marry me off to Gillyford.”
“Well, that would not be so dreadful, would it? At least he would provide you with a respectable title.”
“It would not be dreadful if I were a callous, cunning creature. However, I have no wish to marry for the sake of money.”
“Olivia, you must think about this clearly. You will have nothing once the title is returned to the Crown. You must think about remarrying.”
“Charles, once Society finds I have nothing, they will turn their backs on me. I do not wish to be likened to Georgiana Cavendish.”
Charles snorted. “Olivia do not be absurd. Your reputation is flawless and cannot be compared to the Duchess of Devonshire. If you do not marry Gillyford, you must find some other man to take care of you. What about Brumbley? Or perhaps, Old Doddy?” He snapped his fingers. “I have it. What about Hemmings? He would do very well for you. You would remain a duchess.”
Olivia smiled. “I thank you for thinking of me, Charles, but those men have no wish to marry again. Their heirs are secure. And I will not be kept.”
“Of course not. I only meant if you married, you would not have to fear the repercussions of the gossip. Think what this will do to us.”
Olivia looked at Charles. Naturally, he would think about the impact this would have upon his family. Charles could not be expected to watch his late uncle’s wife suffer needlessly. It was his duty to take care of her. And if he did not, his name would be the next to be tarnished.
“Charles, I will be all right. I promise.” She rose from the sofa.
“Olivia, you never told me where you are staying.”
“I have rented a small house to secure my things, but I will be traveling. Extensively, I think. I do not wish to endure the condescension or the rumor mill. I have no desire to answer questions, or explain what happened. Therefore, I will leave.”
“And do you plan to return?”
“Eventually, I suppose. Although, if I am no longer the Duchess of Caymore, then what is the point?”
“Olivia, we are still family. And you are still a Churchill. You will be accepted in Society no matter what happens.”
“If it gives you comfort to think so, Charles.” Olivia wondered just how far Charles would go to keep her in the family.
“Well, you must tell me how I will keep you informed while you’re away. Perhaps there is another loophole we have not found yet.”
“You may send all correspondence related to such matters to Cantin. I have hired him as my attorney.” At least she had had the forethought to do that.
“Cantin? Are you sure? He is a realty attorney.”
“I trust Robert with my life. And I’m sure he knows a bit more about Letters Patent than the average barrister. He is Stephen’s son after all.”
Charles smiled. “Yes, he is that.” He took her hand. “Very well, Olivia. I shall try to keep this as quiet as possible until we can be sure of the outcome.”
“Thank you, Charles. Tell me, are you and Honoria still coming to the ball this evening? I will understand if you do not.”
“Yes, I believe so, although I cannot speak for Penny and William.”
“How is she? Is she still as angry as she was last night?”
“Olivia, you must know, Penny only blamed you because she could not bear the loss. Once she becomes with child again, I’m sure she will apologize for her hateful words.”
“I may only hope, Charles. You do understand I only had the best of intentions for her.”
“Yes, I understand Olivia. And perhaps Penny will too, eventually.” He kissed her cheek and said good-bye.
Olivia stared out over the winter garden. Spring, and John, could not come soon enough. If only he were here. He would know how to fix the mess she had made.
There was a short rap on the door, and Andrew stepped in. “Lady Leighton is here, Your Grace. Are you in?”
“Yes, Andrew. Thank you. Show her in.”
Constance swept into the room. “Was that Charles I saw just leaving?”
“Yes.”
“I take it then, you did not receive your invitation to Penny’s for Christmas.” Constance looked around the room. “Olivia, where are all your things? I declare it looks as if you are getting ready to paint. This color is so warm. Why would you wish to change it?”
“The ball is tonight, Constance. I did not wish to find any of my trinkets pilfered.” Olivia hated lying to Constance, but it seemed the easiest solution for now.
“Of course.” Constance nodded. “So, tell me, what did you do yesterday then?”
“I received a late invitation for dinner at Penny’s and when I arrived, she blamed me for the loss of the baby.
”
Constance looked horrified. “How could she say that?”
“She claimed it was the strain of having to live up to the Caymore title. She said the weight of it crushed baby Fitzhugh.”
“Oh, dearest, I am so sorry.”
“Thank you, but I believe she was right. And all my machinations were for naught anyway. It seems I do not own the Caymore title anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Constance asked.
“That is why Charles was here. The Patent Committee has voided William’s claim to the duchy and is reverting it back to the Crown.”
“Olivia, you cannot be serious.” Constance sank into a chair.
“As an arrow through the heart.” Olivia crossed to the sofa and plopped herself onto it.
“What are you going to do? Surely, there must be some way to fight it.”
“Charles seems to think not, but he is looking for a loophole.”
“Does he know how much you will be able to keep?”
“I do not know for sure. I’m hoping they will be able to return my dowry. But as it states in Fitzhugh’s will, merely five thousand a year.”
Constance gaped. “Five thousand? How will you survive?”
Olivia shook her head. “I have no idea.
“Oh, Livvy. I am so very sorry. Perhaps Reginald could help. He is Fitzhugh’s nephew after all.”
It was Olivia’s turn to be horrified. “No, thank you. As you have already stated, Reginald and I do not get along. I cannot think he would help me in any case. He never did favor my marriage to Fitzhugh.” Olivia was sure if it were up to Reginald she would be locked away in London Tower, then guillotined, drawn and quartered, her head on a pike for all London to see.
“That is not true, Olivia. Reginald asked me just this morning how you were.”
Olivia wondered why. “In any case, it does not matter. I am going away.”
“Away? Where?”
“I have not decided. However, once this news is public, I have no desire to listen to the gossip. Once the title is taken, I will be persona non grata in Society anyway.”
“Do not be ridiculous. You are Olivia Churchill, beloved niece of the Duke of Marlborough, and wife of the late Fitzhugh Leighton. And once Henry is returned, you will become the next Marchioness of Dunbury.”
Olivia choked back a tear. “Henry and I will not be married.”
“Why not?”
“Because Catherine is expecting his child.”
“What?”
“That is why she left Dunbury Manor. As I explained to Charles, it is a long story, but the gist of it is, she is carrying Henry’s child and I will do nothing to stand in the way of his heir to the Marquisate.”
“Olivia, are you sure it is Henry’s?”
“Dearest, I saw Catherine. I have no doubt in my mind.”
“I am so sorry, Livvy. I know I was unkind to you about him and John, but this news is too cruel. After all you have been through.”
Olivia nodded. The last eight days had been a nightmare.
“Well,” Constance said. “I cannot imagine Uncle Marlborough will let anything happen to you.”
Olivia snorted. “Of course not. He will marry me off to Gillyford and his problem niece will disappear. Perhaps I will go to Scotland anyway, to our cousins in Caithness.”
“Caithness? Olivia that is nearly a thousand miles away. What will you do there?”
“Read. Paint. Take long walks. I have not been to the castle since I was a young girl.”
“You are serious! When do you plan on leaving?” Constance fluttered her handkerchief as if she were about to cry.
“Soon. Before the news is made public. Charles said the Committee wishes to convene in January.”
“January? You cannot go. I have only just returned from America. Come to Cornwall. It is much closer and I will be able to join you presently.”
“No, dearest. Think of it. Once word is out, Reginald will not allow you to have anything to do with me.”
“Olivia, Reginald would never hinder me from seeing you.”
Poor Constance had no idea what kind of a man she had married. “Constance, I have made up my mind. I am leaving and have no wish to return to London until after the matter is settled.”
Constance stared at her cousin. “What will I do without you? It was only your society that I longed for while we were in America. And now I have come home, you are leaving. It is not fair.”
Olivia looked at her. “There are many situations in life that are not fair, Constance. You must learn to live with them.” Olivia had had her share over the years.
The two women sat in silence for a few minutes and then Constance rose. “Forgive me, Olivia. I must depart. Reginald is expecting me.”
“Of course. Shall I see you tonight?” Olivia walked her to the door.
“Nothing will keep me from you.”
Olivia kissed her cousin on the cheek and said good-bye. After tonight, she had no idea when she would see her again.
Later that afternoon, Olivia left Caymore House with the remainder of her belongings and Nella. As she started to prepare the water for her bath, she realized she should have taken Andrew as well. Hendricks could not be expected to haul bath water. He was nearly as old as Summers.
As she brought pitchers of water to the second floor, the realization that her life would truly never be the same again hit her. If she was only allowed five thousand a year, economy would have to be her name from this point forward. Tomorrow, after the ball, after she had a good long rest, she would have to examine her expenses and figure out how much it would cost to run the house. Servants, though only three, horses, though only two, could literally eat her out of her meager annuity. And the upkeep for the house, upkeep for the horses, how was she to manage those?
With her bath drawn, Olivia lowered herself into the tub. As the hot water encircled her body, she felt some of her worries diminish. Charles would never let her starve. Surely, Uncle Marlborough could see to administer some sort of settlement on her. She said a short prayer that the Monarchy would leave her the dowry. However, the members of the Patent Committee would take as much as they could get their greedy hands on and more than likely, that included her forty thousand pounds.
Well, she could sell some of her gowns – the lace and beading alone could be worth a few hundred pounds. Perhaps she should sell the horses before the Committee announced the usurpation. She would speak with Davingdale later tonight as William would not be at the ball. Their horse-trading business at Tattersall’s had become a grand venture and Olivia was sure her stable lot could fetch fair prices. At least a few thousand pounds.
Olivia sighed, relieved she had thought of a way to bring in more funds. If it would not arouse suspicion, she would sell every stick of furniture as well. But that was impossible. There were a few silver pieces left in the butler’s pantry, but they were the second best and not worth the trouble to bring to the smiths. She supposed that if things became too uncertain, she would just have to sell her jewels.
She pushed all thoughts of money and economy from her mind as she let the water envelop her. If she could make it until the spring, John would be home. John would make everything all right. But what if John had heard about her engagement to Henry? Perhaps he would not even return to England. Olivia slapped at the water. No, John would come back. He had to. If nothing else, he would want his grandmother’s bracelet returned to him.
Olivia decided to forego a long, leisurely soak. She wanted this night to be over. She wanted to be alone and not have to think about the Caymore title, or her relatives, or how she would get out of the mess she was in. She hurriedly washed and then stepped out of the tub. Nella assisted her in dressing for the ball, and redid her hair.
At seven o’clock, Olivia Leighton, Duchess of Caymore, was on her way to Caymore House for the very last time.
Chapter Fourteen
When she arrived at Caymore, she took one last look through the rooms,
looking for pieces that might have any value. Upstairs in one of the guest bedrooms, she found a small gold clock she had forgotten she had. She picked it up. In Fitzhugh’s study, she took the case from the shelf that held his dueling pistols. Not that he had ever used them, but they were very well made and she was sure she would get a fair price for them. In the nursery was a small portrait of Penny by Sir Thomas Lawrence that she had overlooked. She would keep that.
She found Andrew and told him to give the items to Hendricks to put in the carriage.
Olivia roamed through the mansion, reliving memories and saying good-bye to her well-lived life. Things were going to be different from tonight on. She only hoped they would not be as bad as she feared.
At nine o’clock, the first guests started to arrive. Olivia played down the fawning over her engagement to Henry, but her friends were ecstatic she and Henry would finally be together. Luckily, the receiving line was growing and she could barely keep up with the simplest of greetings.
By ten, Olivia had had it. Her face ached from smiling. Her head ached from missing dinner. Her feet ached from standing in her too tight slippers. She spied Andrew walking upstairs to the ballroom.
“Andrew,” she called.
He turned and ran down the stairs. “Your Grace?”
“Would you be a dear and tell Cook I would like a small plate before she makes up the platters for the dining room. I shall be in the morning room.”
Andrew nodded. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Olivia waited until the guests in the hall were upstairs before she walked to the morning room. She closed the door behind her and sat at the table. This had always been her favorite room in the house. Its pale blue walls calmed her frayed nerves.
A short knock and Andrew stepped inside. “Your Grace. Cook hopes this is to your satisfaction.”
Olivia looked at the filled plate. Although she was hungry, and the food looked delicious, she couldn’t eat it. She smiled at Andrew. “Thank you, Andrew. It looks wonderful.”
“I took the liberty of bringing you lemonade as well.”
“That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you.” Quiggins was right. Andrew would make a first class butler.
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