Chapter 13
Olivia St. Claire had been a very sheltered child who spent most of her time in the playroom or in the lovely garden behind the house where she lived, and spent even more time there after Mother died. She had no friends, even among the neighboring children. The servants liked her and treated her well, but they were servants, and Father had fired one of the maids who’d seemed to become too fond of her.
He’d confined Olivia to her room for a week, and when she’d finally been permitted to join him for dinner, it was to discover that Aunt Hester had moved in to run the household.
She’d been terrified the morning she woke up to find her nightgown covered in blood. Her screams had brought the servants as well as Aunt Hester, who’d taken one look and sent the servants away.
“Hush y
