It seemed from what Anna was saying, the local village had benefited greatly from Sebastian taking over ownership of the old duke’s estate, and things had greatly improved under his oversight.
“I don’t care about what all the gossip says about Mr. Colver,” Anna enthused. “He’s been simply marvelous to us all in the village. Making sure the estate sources products from the village and helping build the industry in the area. He cares about those under his protection, he does.”
“And the village is under his protection?” Livie asked, as she sat at the dressing table while Anna began to style her hair, or at least tried to.
The girl nodded as she pushed a pin into Livie’s bun. “Oh yes, my lady, he owns half of it. We were all worried at first, of course. Mr. Colver has a fearsome reputation. But he also has a reputation for protecting his people. And I can happily say he does that in spades.”
The more she learned about Sebastian, the more Livie realized that, though the rather notorious rumors about him were true, they also left out a lot of the other, positive things he did for the people around him. Like actually seeming to care for his people and helping them get ahead, as much as she doubted he would want others to be extolling such a virtue. He did place great stock in his fearsome reputation. “How does he look after you all? I thought he spent his time in London mostly.”
“Oh, he does,” the girl replied. “We see him here only a handful of times a year, though it’s been more frequently over the last six months. But he still keeps an eye on things, he does. My father owns the local pub, and Mr. Colver got him a much better deal on supplies from London, saving him a lot of blunt. And none of those merchants dare to swindle so much as a dime extra from me pa now, not since they know Mr. Colver’s involved. Best thing for this place, Mr. Colver’s been.” Anna stepped back from behind Livie and smiled. “There we go, my lady, all done.”
Livie returned the smile, and though the bun was slightly lopsided, it had a lovely charm to it. “Thank you, Anna, for the assistance.”
The girl did a quick little curtsy before turning around and leaving the room. It was now half past nine, and though Livie really didn’t feel like facing Sebastian at that moment, she knew that her aunt would comment if she didn’t get down to breakfast, which would create even more questions she’d rather avoid.
Hopefully, Sebastian wouldn’t be there.
Her hopes were dashed when minutes later she strolled into the breakfast room, her cane in hand, only to see him as soon as she entered.
He glanced up at her, and their eyes locked, completely trapped in each other’s gaze.
Instantly, memories of what they’d been doing with each other the night before bombarded her senses. She could still feel the touch of his hands on her skin, the whisper of his breath as he caressed her, what it felt like to have him inside her. A flush of embarrassment began to creep up her cheeks, which she did her very best to tamp down, but knew she was completely unsuccessful.
It would do no good for him to see how he affected her, not to mention the man very annoyingly looked completely refreshed and energetic. Perhaps he hadn’t stayed awake for hours after their conversation like she had. And why would he? He’d made his position very plain.
Pushing her shoulders back a little bit more, she plastered a serene smile on her face, determined to pretend that she was fine. Perfectly fine, in fact.
Belatedly, she noticed that her aunt and Charlotte were also at the table and were watching her with rather curious expressions on their faces.
“Good morning,” she said, wandering into the room, hoping they hadn’t seen her looking at Sebastian.
“You’ve finally graced us with your presence,” her aunt bit out, deftly replacing her teacup on its saucer. “Though I do suppose you went through a harrowing ordeal yesterday,” she conceded. “Miss Hastings has been regaling me with tales about your adventure and how you helped her escape. Hairpins as lockpicks? Really, my dear Olivia, where on earth did you learn such an unusual skill? I imagine it was from Lady Kaitlyn, wasn’t it?”
Livie wandered over and sat down next to her aunt, leaning her cane against the table next to her. “Well, of course I helped Charlotte escape. And yes, it was Kaitlyn who taught me, and I should very much like to see you try to chastise her over it.”
Her aunt exhaled in a slight huff.
Kaitlyn was the only lady besides Demelza who also intimidated everyone she came into contact with. A fact Demelza didn’t like. Not to mention Kaitlyn was the only woman in Society who Demelza couldn’t instill fear in, no matter how she tried.
“Regardless of how you picked the lock,” Demelza continued, “it was brave of you to do so, and I am proud of you. But of course I would expect such a thing from you, being your mother’s daughter.”
Livie shrugged, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the attention, but glad her aunt was focusing on those events rather than questioning her on what her aunt had surely noticed was her rather flushed appearance. “It was merely practical. Charlotte would have been able to get help. I would not have been able to.”
“Yes,” her aunt confirmed. “I’m glad you were able to keep a level head in such a situation.”
“It was far more than simply that!” Charlotte vehemently declared. “Livie saved my life. She got me out of that cell, knowing she was going to be left alone. It was very brave. And I will be forever grateful to you for saving me, Livie.”
“What are you doing about this situation, Colver?” her aunt imperiously called to
