why you’re taking so much trouble to…mislead them,” Verity replied.
“Because it’s so diverting! Did you see how he bounced?”
Olivia also liked to think of herself as a hub of plots and schemes, Verity thought, remembering the machinations over Mr. Rochford’s phrenology report. She’d probably make an excellent spy, but her life offered no proper scope for her talents.
“Oh, for the lord’s sake, don’t look so Friday-faced,” Olivia exclaimed. “There was no harm done. And don’t think to read me a pious lecture. I won’t hear it.” She sped up. “Are we walking or dawdling?” she asked Hilda and Beatrice as she passed them. Olivia strode by another party of ladies, barely acknowledging their greetings, and began a vigorous sweep of the park.
After a while, Beatrice dropped back. Since Hilda seemed to be engaged in a competition with Olivia, Verity slowed with her. “I wouldn’t have come if I’d known Olivia was going to run a race,” said Beatrice, puffing a bit.
“She’s certainly energetic.”
“Oh, she’s been an absolute bear since she received that invitation. And all because I won’t tell a lie.”
“Invitation?”
“I don’t mind a little bit of deception,” Beatrice complained, absorbed in her own concerns. “Obviously. But this is different. Mama would have a nervous spasm. And then probably lock me in the attic for the rest of my life—with Olivia.” She shuddered dramatically. “Well, you can’t think it’s a good idea.”
She obviously assumed that Verity knew all about whatever it was.
“You should tell her so,” Beatrice went on before she could speak.
“She doesn’t seem in a mood to listen,” Verity ventured.
“No.” Beatrice huffed and marched over to sit on a bench beside the path. “I refuse to go any farther. Let them come back for us. If they remember we exist.”
Verity joined her. She was torn between concern for her friend and a reluctance to pry. The former won out. “I suppose the invitation made Olivia think,” she ventured.
“Think? What is there to think about?”
“The implications?” Verity said.
The younger girl stared at her. “Implic… It’s perfectly plain. If you tease a rake, you’re going to get in trouble.”
“Mr. Rochford,” Verity concluded.
“She would keep on about playing cards with him. Olivia can be so annoying.”
“She made him angry.”
Beatrice shrugged. “Oh, angry. He wouldn’t bother to be angry. Indeed, he probably laughed himself sick.”
“Because it was amusing to—” Verity trailed off, leaving the sentence for Beatrice to finish.
“Dare Olivia to come to his house for a game,” the girl obliged. “At nine in the evening! I’m sure he did it to be rid of her. He has no idea how brazen Olivia can be.”
She’d forced an introduction to Mr. Rochford in this very park, Verity thought.
Beatrice stuck out her lower lip. “But I am not going to tell Mama we are visiting Hilda together. And even if I would, she’d never believe me. It’s a ridiculous idea. Hilda wouldn’t invite Olivia.”
Verity was silent, wondering if Olivia really meant to accept such a scandalous invitation. She had to know she was courting ruin.
“Where have they gotten to?” Beatrice wondered. “I’m ready to go home.”
“So you’re going to visit Hilda?” Verity asked.
The younger girl brightened. “Tomorrow. We’ll have a grand dinner and see a play, and then I will spend the night. You can see that Olivia wouldn’t be asked.”
Verity nodded.
Their companions appeared on the path, walking back toward them at a slower place. “There you are,” said Olivia when they arrived. “Sluggards.”
Beatrice jumped up and took Hilda’s arm. “Let’s go back,” she said, pulling her along. “I want to show you a copy of the play we’re to see.”
Verity fell in beside Olivia and followed them. She felt uncertain. “Will you come with me to the Boyntons’ tomorrow evening?”
“I can’t. I have another engagement.” Olivia’s tone was discouraging.
“But I’d be so glad of your company.”
“Mama wants me to accompany her on a…visit.”
“Your mother does?”
“I just said so.” Olivia turned to stare at her.
“Perhaps she’d change her plans if you asked.”
“No, she wouldn’t. Why do you press me so?” said Olivia. She sounded belligerent and looked annoyed.
Verity lost patience. “I thought the Boyntons’ party would be more fun than a…stupid visit.”
Her friend’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you call it stupid?”
“Because it patently is!”
“Beatrice,” said Olivia, her voice disgusted. “She’s always been a tattlebox.”
“You can’t be considering—”
“Will you be quiet!” Olivia looked furious now. She glanced behind to make certain no one was listening.
“I should tell your mother,” said Verity.
“If you do, I’ll never speak to you again. Not only that, I’ll tell everyone