After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(87)

“Did you get Lucetta to help you with that?”

“How did you know?”

“It smacks of the theatrical.”

“She suggested I throw myself at your feet and beg you to release me from our engagement, but I thought that might be a bit much.”

“Just a bit.”

Harriet arched a brow. “So . . . what do you think?”

Oliver drew her hand back into his and pressed it. “No.”

“What do you mean, no?” Harriet asked as she tried to pull her hand out of his, giving up a moment later when he refused to relinquish his hold.

“I’m not interested in Lady Victoria.”

“How could you not be interested in her? She’s lovely, wealthy, and won’t embarrass you.”

“She embarrassed me quite a bit last night when she tried to kiss me.”

Harriet’s eyes went wide. “She tried to kiss you?”

Oliver felt a wave of satisfaction roll over him when he detected what he thought was a slight trace of disgruntlement in her tone. “And knocked me to the floor in the process where she immediately jumped on top of me.”

“Well, she is young.”

“She’s a spoiled brat, is what she is, and we’ll speak no further regarding any plan you might have for me to spend time in her company.”

Harriet tapped a finger against her chin. “We can still move forward, though, with the argument part. Word has gotten out around town regarding our engagement, and since our time together is rapidly coming to an end, we might as well use Abigail’s ball to allow society to learn that we’ve decided we won’t suit. That will leave an opening for other young ladies to draw your attention.”

“What if I’ve decided I’m not interested in other young ladies?”

For a second, something almost wistful settled in her eyes, but then they hardened and her lips thinned. She pulled her hand from his right before she got to her feet and began to pace back and forth across the room. Stopping directly in front of him, she blew out a breath. “What are you thinking?”

He reached out and pulled her down beside him, even as his pulse began to quicken. “We don’t have to stop spending time together.”

The moment the words were out of his mouth, he knew they were exactly what he’d wanted to say.

She intrigued him, fascinated him, and made him feel more alive than he’d ever felt in his life.

“You’re talking complete nonsense,” Harriet said.

“Why would you say that?”

“Because you and I live in the real world—me more than you, I think—and . . . your world will never accept me. You have to realize that, Oliver, somewhere deep down inside. Look what happened last night with Miss Dixon. She was vile and nasty in her remarks to me, as if she somehow instinctively knew I didn’t belong in her company.”

“We wouldn’t have to associate with Miss Dixon.”

“Would you be so willing to sever ties with everyone, then, because if you continue spending time with me, that’s exactly what you would have to do.”

“My grandmother was not from society, but she was eventually accepted.”

“I highly doubt your grandmother was illegitimate or had an aunt who earns a living through nefarious means.” Harriet patted his hand. “You know that it wouldn’t work for you to even remain friends with me, because society would eventually come to the conclusion I’m your mistress, and that’s something I’m not willing to allow them to do.”

“I wasn’t suggesting you become my mistress.”

“I know, Oliver, but again, there’s no relationship that would work between us.” Harriet drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “It’s best if we simply continue on with our original plan. I’ll be on your arm at the ball, if there’s still going to be one, but after that, we need to part ways and get on with the rest of our lives.”

“What if that’s not what I want?”

“I don’t believe you truly know what you want, Oliver, but I know what I want.” Harriet’s lips curved ever so slightly at the corners. “I want the fairy tale, complete with a prince on a white charger who’ll carry me away into the sunset.”

“I’m not your idea of a prince on a white charger?” Oliver asked slowly.

“Of course you are, but you’re not the right prince for me.” She smiled. “You need to find yourself a princess much like Lady Victoria, someone who’ll fit into your world and help you achieve your goals.”

Oliver wanted to argue, but deep in his heart, he knew she made perfect sense. “You’re sure about parting ways the night of the ball?”

“I think that would be for the best, as long as you’ve completed your business with the duke by then.”

“I’m really not certain the duke still intends to come to Abigail’s event.”

Harriet’s eyes widened. “But . . . Abigail’s been working like mad and . . . what would we tell all the guests if the guest of honor doesn’t show up?”

“He’ll be there.”

Oliver swung his attention to the doorway and found none other than Lady Victoria standing there, biting her lip and looking completely miserable.