THE DISAGREEABLE DUCHESS

CHAPTER SEVEN

Words spread that Olivia and Colin were courting around the mansion, every maiden that lived there was displeased. They knew that Colin was the type of man who doesn't settle for one, he's introduced a lot of women to his parents, but never took it seriously. Sometimes, their courting wouldn't last a day after the woman's introduction! But Olivia was different, she'd keep Colin entertained with small debates about everything and anything, and Colin felt that as refreshing.

"Olivia, you know for a fact that men are stronger than women." Reasoned Colin.

"But women are able to do a man's capability sometimes better than three men put together, don't you agree?" Olivia rebutted with a sure smile on her face.

"It's very unladylike to do so, it's showing a different type of etiquette for the woman, doesn't it not? And it is quite an embarrassment for the gentleman who's unable to fulfill his duty to a woman."

"It still isn't right to conclude such things, we were made equal... Even beggars have rights, you know."

Colin smiled in defeat, he knew Olivia would not stop. "You're right, society should not base equality on gender. We're all equal and yes, women are far stronger and wiser than men."

Olivia looked at him eye to eye. "Well, I really can't object to your thoughts... Women are the most dominant creatures in the world. Think about it, men are always kneeling in front of us."

Colin chuckled. "You are one smart lady." Then he gave her a peck on her cheek. "But very disagreeable."

"We wouldn't be having such debates if you just accept the fact that I am always right." She smirked.

"Alright, milady." Colin stood up. "Let's head back, your father will be expecting us for supper."

So, for the last time, Olivia took a deep breath of fresh air and obliged to Colin's statement. "I enjoyed today." She said.

"Me too."

They marched side by side as they approached the old, oak door. David had just returned from a short trip to Derbyshire for a small gathering. Olivia and David weren't as awkward as before, now, they'd engage themselves in small conversations like, 'it's a great day for a walk'. And they would dine together with Colin in the dinner table. But they're unable to show affection towards each other, and still, they call each other formally, there was no 'papa', David has and always will be 'Mr Whittaker' for Olivia and 'Olivia' for David.

Once they were inside, they said their goodbyes and parted their ways from there. They were to prepare for a small gathering before Colin's return to Cambridge two days from now. The two of them would only see each other after his graduation. And it was time for Olivia to return to Cheshire again to return to her grandmother. This by far, is the longest and farthest she's ever been away from home and Magnolia. She also thought of bringing a few presents for Tommy and Tara, but then again, she didn't have any money.

When she heard the usual call for supper, she quickly dashed downstairs. She didn't know if David had arrived yet, or if he did, she didn't know if he'd be alright to join them for dinner ti discuss her going back to Chester.

Once she entered the dining room, she returned to her ladylike manner before acknowledging her presence to everyone.

"Good Evening." Greeted Colin who was first at the dinner table, he stood up and spun around the table to offer her a sit across him.

Olivia grinned, she didn't expect him to do so. "Thank you." She said as she sat down, afterwards, Colin again returned to his sit. "Has Mr Whittaker arrived yet?"

"Indeed he has." Replied David who has just entered the dining room. "How have you been, Olivia?"

"Fine."

"That's good." David then sat in his usual sit and looked around. "Why are you all standing there?" He asked the servants who were all watching them. "Hurry and have a sit, tonight, we are celebrating Colin's return to Cambridge."

All of the servants obliged, they sat across the long table awkwardly as they stared at each other.

"Have Martin prepare more of the courses served for us, tonight we celebrate!" David raised his wine glass and stood up.

All of them followed as well, raising their own beverage in the air.

"To Colin," Offered David. "may you be guided in your journey to Cambridge."

"To Colin." Replied the servants, alongside Olivia.

"And to my daughter, Olivia." David looked at the surprised Olivia. "I hope to start the family I've promised your mother with soon."

Olivia could only smile, all eyes were watching her. Up until now, she was only introduced as David's family relative, never have they discussed their relationship with each other.

They settled when Martin entered the room with trays and trays of appetizers. "Mr Whittaker," Called Olivia.

"Yes, my dear?"

"Well, since Colin's already leaving... I might as well depart the same time as him. My grandmother has been expecting my return since I left, and I'm afraid that I've been a burden here for too long." She blurted out.

David almost choked, his daughter wanted to leave him, but he couldn't say no. "If that's what you want, then it's fine with me." He straight-forwardly replied. "So, you will be leaving on New Years?"

"If it's alright..."

"Well, we couldn't possibly have Magnolia wait long, can we?" Replied David. "And besides, you're old enough to make your own decisions, I have no hold against you, nor have I had. Go if you wish."

Olivia wanted to shed a tear, till now, David has not shown her any signs of an affectionate father. So, she stood up and excused herself from the dinner table and quickly fled to her room and locked it shut.

There, she cried to her heart's content.

David let her be, for the past 25 years, he has never been a father to Olivia, and he didn't know how to. So after Olivia left, he retired for the night and let Colin be the star of the night.

He closed the door to his study behind him, afterwards grabbing a bottle of any liquor he first placed his hand on. To him, it's the quickest solution to his problem, his daughter.

Even after 25 years, even if his daughter was standing right in front of him, he didn't know how to respond correctly to the little affectionate movements that his daughter's showing him. Sure, he'd reply to their conversations, but very coldly so. It would be strange if he gave her a hug out of the blue, he thought it best if they'd remain the way they are.

Olivia cried until her eyes were swollen and dry till late last night. She didn't even have her usual energetic self to go down stairs, so she just sat beside the window and stared out.

Hours later, Colin knocked from behind the close doors. He worried, Olivia barely ate anything last night and now, she refused breakfast as well. So here he was with a tray of breakfast. "Olivia?" He called. "Are you awake? Will you open the door for me?"

He stood there like an i***t for a few minutes, and after realising that she isn't going to open it, he said a word that would certainly convince her. "Please?"

Including in the things that they've learned about each other was the fact that Colin hated pleading, so the word 'please' took a lot of courage and desperation to say.

Like magic, the door opened and he was allowed in.

The room was dark, the curtains were all down. But why? "Olivia? Why is it so dark?"

"I look awful." She replied with a hoarse throat.

"Are you alright?"

"Quite, but I'd rather if we keep the curtains down."

"Alright." He replied, Colin was slowly making his way to the table with the tray. He was careful not to spill any of the food. "I'll be leaving tomorrow..." He tried switching topics.

"Me too." She stated. "But I really don't know how, is it alright if I ride along with you? I mean, Chester is near Cambridge."

"But David would happily lend you a carriage."

"No, I'd rather not accept anything else from him."

"Well, if it's alright with you... I want to take you out again, for the last time, around town."

"I'd love that." She replied. "But I'd appreciate it if we go a little later."

"Alright."

It was around 2 pm that they left the Whittaker mansion. Olivia decided against Colin and walked their way to town.

Even though it wasn't much, Olivia enjoyed little things like this, walking, conversing and all simple things in life. Back in Chester, she wasn't spoiled nor materialistic like the life she was succumbed to indulge in London. In Chester, she'd work with farm animals and even help the townfolks whenever it's time for their harvest.

When they reached town, there were at least a hundred stalls in the streets and a whole lot more stores to choose from. The market offered everything from children's small toys to fine accessories like golden necklaces and diamond rings. In delight and excitement,

Olivia ran off like a little girl viewing stall after stall. Colin found it hard to catch up, she was running faster than horses. But Olivia kept on going and going, from time to time she would try on this and that. Of course, she'd always remind herself that she doesn't have a cent in her pocket, so she moves again and again.

The two returned from their little stroll with the sun almost completely down. The heels of their shoes were torned and the sole of their feet hurt, but the two agreed to do it again if they had a chance in the future.

They parted ways inside the house, tomorrow was a big day for the both of them... Tomorrow there's a big change as well.