Choosing between these men was the least of Olivia’s problems . . .
BY PAMELA GOUGH
AS the coach drew up outside the brightly lit house, Kitty and her niece, Olivia, saw a figure coming towards them.
It was Mr Lorimer, who had been so attentive to Olivia at her first ball.
He handed Olivia down, then turned to take Kitty’s hand.
“Mrs Redwood, I hope you will allow me to take you and Miss Steepleton home in my father’s coach. You can send your carriage home.”
“That is very kind of you, Mr Lorimer,” Kitty replied, “but we would not want you to go out of your way.”
“Oh, but I insist. It will be no trouble at all.”
Mr Lorimer walked into the hall with Olivia on one arm and Kitty on the other, thus laying claim to a greater intimacy than the other guests could boast.
“Is Mrs Steepleton unwell?” he asked.
“She has taken a slight chill and the evening air would not be good for her.”
This was why Kitty was chaperoning Olivia.
As godmother, it was a duty she performed gladly, taking the place of her sister.
Entering the ballroom, Kitty noticed Mr Graham talking to a group of people.
At their entrance, he looked up, and the glare he directed at Mr Lorimer could almost be felt.
Mr Graham had shown an interest in Olivia but, as a third son and destined for the clergy, he was in the shadow of his wealthier rival.
On the way to the ball, Olivia had been excited, chattering about the young men she might dance with.
Mr Lorimer and Mr Graham had come in for special mention and Kitty could tell she regarded these two men as potential suitors.
She had counselled Olivia that her hand was not to be given lightly – she was a young woman of status.
The ballroom glittered – lamps and candles were everywhere.
The musicians played expertly and the young people had a delightful time.
Olivia danced several dances with Mr Lorimer, a most attentive partner.
If his smile was a little too familiar, Kitty knew nothing against him, and Olivia seemed happy.
Olivia also danced with Mr Graham, who was very proper and whose dancing was not as accomplished as that of his rival.
Kitty thought back to her own young days, when she, too, was courted by two young men.
Was one of these two Olivia’s future husband? They were both sons of good families.
A wealthy young woman such as Olivia must be protected from unscrupulous rogues.
When the su
