James. Today’s sermon about John the Baptist was both seasonal and familiar to Olivia given her upbringing at the vicarage. She’d had little occasion during the years with Fiona to attend church and appreciated the opportunity to do so again. As she and Louisa passed through the narthex, Lady Addicock paused, issuing an invitation to tea, which Louisa accepted. Olivia turned at the barest touch on her elbow. The Duke of Holborn peered down at her with sharp interest. “Miss West, might I have a word?” Olivia stepped away with him, just far enough away from Louisa and Lady Addicock to have a separate conversation. She dipped a brief curtsey. “Your Grace.” “You will not attend tea with Louisa. Plead a headache. Plead a hatred for tea. Plead whatever you wish, but I will drive you home in my carriage.” Olivia wanted to plead abduction at the top of her voice, but decided that might cause more harm than good. Without responding to him directly, she went to Louisa and made her apologies.
