The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

Author:Krystal Marquis [Marquis, Krystal]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2023-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

Olivia

Freeport Manor was a flurry of activity. Olivia completed her last walk through the ballroom while the guests enjoyed dessert. The chandeliers broke the light into a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the floor’s polished surface. The band had been playing quietly throughout the five-course meal. Now they were preparing their larger instruments for music worthy of the celebration. The bar was fully stocked and the lounges and high tops by the patio doors offered refreshments in both drink and air. The silver-and-black decorations continued from the dining room to the patio, creating a seamless transition. Deeming it to be to her mother’s exacting standards, she returned inside.

Her mother’s encouraging nod made Olivia feel as though she’d passed some test. Mrs. Davenport sat to her father’s right, their clasped hands visible above the table. Olivia stole a glance at Mr. Lawrence, who sat opposite her, deep in conversation with Mrs. Johnson. She watched them, the tightness in her chest she felt all day easing. Everything is falling into place, she thought.

Clink clink clink.

At the head of the table, Mr. Davenport stood, a champagne flute in hand. “Thank you all for joining us on this special anniversary,” he said. His eyes turned to his wife; even from a distance their deep brown seemed to melt with fondness and gratitude. “I am not one for words.” He glanced back at his children, his guests. “Let us dance.” Laughter filled the dining room. Olivia caught Mr. Lawrence’s eye over the rim of her glass. His wink made her forget her exhaustion like a shot of espresso. The guests, following her father’s instructions, filed out of the room to enjoy the rest of the night.

Earlier that evening, Olivia had picked at the hem of the chiffon dress she’d laid out on her bed. It was beautiful enough for a bride. The thought had filled her with anticipation and something she couldn’t name. It soothed her to know she wasn’t the only one in white, per Emmeline Davenport’s vision. John and Helen stood out now in the sea of black-tie attire like stars in the night sky. She’d lost Mr. Lawrence in the shuffle.

Nestled in a corner near the ballroom entrance, Ruby waved. “You have outdone yourself,” she said. “Twenty-five years of marriage. That’s six years longer than we’ve been alive. Can you imagine being with the same person for that long?”

Olivia eyed her friend. It’s all they’d thought about for almost two years.

“What?” Ruby asked. “You and Mr. Lawrence have all the old birds in a fit, betting on when the big announcement will come. I say, elope and create a scandal the likes of which they’ve never seen.”

“Elopement is only entertaining in theory.” Olivia wondered, not for the first time, what was keeping the British bachelor from making his intentions clearer. He took little interest in the other young women of their set and it was as she told Mr. DeWight: They made an excellent match. Love would come later.

Still, the lawyer’s words had rattled her confidence.

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