Olivia Twist(58)

Plastering on a smile, she lifted her chin and stepped out of the gate and onto the walk. She turned right toward Piccadilly. That much had also been true. Her uncle’s attorney, Mr. Appleton, kept offices there between a respectable tailor and an upholsterer’s shop. Since she’d accompanied Uncle to the establishment on several occasions, she was certain the attorney would see her.

As she neared the corner of the block, a familiar ebony hansom cab rolled to a stop beside her.

“Olivia!” Violet leaned out and waved with a grin.

She walked over, quite happy for the distraction.

“I was going to pay you a visit, but it appears you are on a mission. May I join you?”

Olivia considered her options. She’d already determined that this particular job, which would require her to peer deep into her parents’ sordid past, would be best accomplished alone. But seeing her cousin’s sunny countenance, crimson curls framing her expectant smile, lifted a bit of the weight from her soul. With a decisive nod, she lifted her skirts and stepped into the open vehicle. “Actually, that would be wonderful.”

After giving the address to the driver and making herself comfortable beside Vi on the single bench seat, she raised her voice to ask above the clop of the horse’s hooves, “Where’s Aunt Becky? I’m surprised she would let you take the cab out on your own.”

“Yes, well.” Violet smoothed her forest green skirts with gloved fingers. “She’s been in bed with a chill for days, and I simply couldn’t stay inside a moment longer.”

Olivia grinned. “That’s my girl.”

“It’s been a bit of a relief not to be trotted out to every dinner party like a sow to auction.”

“Surely, not a sow.” Olivia chuckled, her mood already lightened considerably.

“Well, a broodmare then. One would think that if I do not find a mate and produce children within the year, I might as well swear in as a nun!”

“I don’t think one swears in as a nun. ’Tis more of a passionate commitment.”

Violet waved the distinction away. “You know precisely what I mean.”

Olivia did. Aunt Becky felt that at twenty years of age, Violet was doomed to spinsterhood if she did not find her a husband posthaste. But Violet’s romantic nature would not allow her to settle for just any match, and thankfully, her parents were not prone to force her to choose based on convenience.

“I’ve lounged in the sunroom, read a book a day, and sipped coffee until my heart’s content. Mother finds coffee uncivilized, you know.”

“Yes,” Olivia agreed. “I’m well aware.” Aunt Becky didn’t approve of Vi’s voracious reading habits either.

“I’ve decided to marry a purveyor of books. How old would you suppose Mr. Snyder is?”

“The owner of the bookshop on Holywell Street? At least a hundred.”

Violet gave her an arch look. “Well, it would be a peaceful life, at least.”

Olivia burst out laughing.

When they’d finally sobered, Violet asked, “Why are we visiting the honorable Mr. Appleton?”

Olivia clutched the reticule in her lap. Her cousin knew of her origins in vague terms, but was too polite to ask for details. And even when Olivia had seen the curiosity brimming in Violet’s eyes, she’d remained silent on the subject. Shame was a powerful motivator. But this discovery would drown her if she didn’t share a bit of the burden.

She unfastened her purse, removed the letter, and handed it to her friend with a sigh. “I found this hidden in my uncle’s office. It’s from my mother.”

Violet opened the folded paper and read, her body tensing as her cheeks turned red beneath her freckles. “Oh, Livie!”

Grasping her hand, she finished the letter and lifted tearful eyes. “Your poor, poor mother! She left her family and everything she’d ever known for love, only to have it turn to tragedy.”

Olivia took the letter back, folded it, and tucked it back into her purse.

Then Violet gasped in realization, “You have a brother!”

“A half brother,” Olivia corrected. Violet, ever perceptive where emotional matters were concerned, searched her face. But she could not explain how her brother had become a street lord named Monks who was threatening her and those she cared about without divulging her double life. So she changed the subject. “I’m seeking Mr. Appleton’s counsel on the will referenced in the letter.”

Violet nodded. “The wording your mother used was decidedly peculiar. What do you think your father meant by leaving his fortune to a child who doesn’t besmirch his good name?”

Recalling what Jack had overheard Monks say about asinine terms, Olivia imagined this was the heart of her brother’s grievance toward her. Choosing her words carefully, Olivia explained, “I have reason to believe that Edward has only gone downhill over time and that he will attempt to discredit me somehow in order to inherit. I must confirm there is such a will, even if my uncle supposes there’s no fortune to be had.”

“Do you truly think your own relation would seek to harm you in some way?”

“Believe me when I tell you that if my half brother thinks there’s the slightest possibility of gain, he will stop at nothing to acquire it.” The carriage jerked to a stop and Olivia glanced outside. “We’re here.”