"People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people." Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

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Chapter Twenty – One

Kit leapt out of his chair in the dining room of the inn when he saw through the window Olivia emerging from her carriage. It had been far too long since he had last seen her.

If he had learned anything during their parting from one another, it was that he preferred to be in her company than without it. Christmas at the Palace was extraordinary, but he would take an intimate conversation with Olivia any day.

Kit practically pulled the door off its hinges in order to meet her outside.

Olivia was fixing her travelling cloak. She wore her hair down for travelling, and the brisk January wind was blowing it across her face. Just that image of her, with her hair windswept as it was, made her look as beautiful as he had ever seen her.

Kit could not wait for this election to be over. He wanted to win, of course, but he wanted to properly court Olivia. He did not want any more of the abhorrent speculation about her. Kit wanted to court her, and when the time was right, he wanted to propose and marry her.

Kit knew that Olivia would love Westminster. She would love the power and influence that she would have as an MP's wife. She would be able to achieve more than she could have ever dreamed.

And they could be happy together. Kit knew that Olivia would make him happy. He only hoped that he could make her happy as well.

"Olivia!" he cried.

Olivia looked up at him and she smiled brightly. Kit would never tire of her smile. "Kit!" Olivia closed the distance between them quickly and hugged him tightly.

Kit found himself holding her close, his arms fixed around her waist and, bending over due to his height, his head resting on top of hers. He could smell the scented soap in her hair still.

Olivia moved her head and looked up at him. In their present position they were only inches from each other. Olivia's eyes softened as she looked at him. Her brows furrowed slightly and she looked slightly conflicted.

"What is it?" he asked her quietly.

"I saw your parents while I was in Derbyshire," she told him, though something in his gut was telling him that this was not the only thing that was on her mind.

Kit pulled away only slightly, still keeping an arm around her waist as he led her inside and out of the cold. "You did?" was all he could manage to say in reply. He and Olivia sat down at the table he had been occupying before.

"They are both well," she assured him.

Kit knew that. His mother's letter at Christmas had assured him that they were all in good health. How could he ask Olivia if his father was still furious with him without looking like a coward?

"They miss you," she continued softly.

"Did he say that?"

Olivia pursed her lips. That had to mean no. "Well, not exactly," she admitted, "but you ought to have seen his face when he saw I was alone. He was so sad. He wanted to see you."

Kit could imagine his father wouldn't have admitted anything to Olivia. He was too preoccupied with his prejudices against her to see the good deed she was trying to do in calling upon them. "You have such a good heart, Olivia," he complimented sincerely. "I appreciate you visiting them. It must not have been easy knowing how my father feels about your family."

Olivia brushed it off. "I understand his feelings," replied Olivia.

Kit did as well to a certain degree. But Olivia did not deserve to be shut out because of her relations.

A frightening though suddenly occurred to him. Kit wanted to reconcile with his parents, it was only a matter of time, but what would happen if he and Olivia became engaged? Would his father truly never accept her? Would they indeed have to become strangers?

Olivia interrupted his thoughts. "But I did see my mother while I was in Derbyshire, also." This news seemed to make Olivia happier.

Olivia's mother was often a taboo subject growing up in his father's house. But in conversing with Olivia, it was clear that she still loved her mother no matter her sins, and Ruth's rejection had impacted on her a great deal.

"Did it go well?"

Olivia nodded happily. "Oh, yes. Mama and I spoke civilly, and I think we understood some of our differences. She cares about me, Kit." Olivia smiled. "My mother cares."

Such a simple action, which ought to be thoughtless, effortless for any parent, but to Olivia it meant so much. If she was happy, then so was he.

"I am really proud of you, Olivia," Kit said sincerely. "Not only for speaking with my parents, but for overcoming your differences with your mother. You truly are remarkable."

Kit enjoyed Olivia's cheeks becoming rosy.

"In fact, you are indispensable to me. This absence has proven that to me. I don't ever want to be parted from you again." Where this nerve was coming from, Kit didn't know, but he was glad he was able to finally voice his feelings, a subject they had been dancing around for months.

Olivia's posture straightened in her chair. Her cheeks were fully flushed and she seemed to be a quite nervous in hearing his words. She looked how he felt.

Just a little more courage, Kit, he was telling himself as he continued. "When the election is over, regardless of the result, I want to treat you properly. I want to court you, and do all the things a young couple ought to do before they wed, whilst conquering Westminster together should the result be in our favour."

Olivia honestly looked petrified. But perhaps this was how all girls behaved when they were approached romantically by a man. She visibly took a deep breath and said, "I asked my aunt about this. I have very little experience in such matters. She told me to make the right decision, and I would know what it was." Olivia looked at him very determined. "I believe you are my equal, Kit." She stood up from her chair, and just as she had done when Kit was fourteen, Olivia leaned over and pressed her lips to his.

And just as he had been when he was fourteen, Kit was embarrassingly unprepared. Just as Kit composed himself enough to cup her cheek and return her affections, Olivia pulled away.

"Now, we have an election to win, don't we?" She arched her brow.

***

The week leading up to the election was utter madness. Kit and Olivia spent their time canvassing and conversing with as many people as possible. They attended dinners and teas with voters and did their very best to ensure that the people of Hertford made the right choice.

They worked together beautifully, Olivia knew it. They were a wonderful team, and together they could make wonderful things happen. The jealousy was still there, nestled in the pit of her stomach. She had not told Kit about it, not wanting him to think ill of her. But Olivia was just hoping that it would go away just like Aunt Lorna said it would.

Lorna had advised Olivia to make the right choice. Kit was the right choice. If there was ever a man a girl like her ought to marry, it would be him.

The tenth of January arrived quickly. It was a day of great excitement in Hertford. The vote was being held in the courthouse.

Olivia was dressed in the finest gown she had brought with her, the red dress she was particularly fond of. Kit, too, was dressed in his very best suit. Olivia helped him to tie his cravat as he was too nervous to stop his hands from shaking.

"But to hear them vote openly against me..." Kit trailed off.

Votes could not be concealed. The gentlemen would reveal to the room just who they were casting their vote for.

"You have done everything you can," assured Olivia. "They would be fools not to elect you."

"Even if I lose, you will still think well of me?"

Olivia could not believe he actually feared that. "You could do several things worse than losing an election and I would still consider you the best man I know," she promised. "Now, come. These votes are not going to cast themselves."

Olivia and Kit left the inn and much the same time as everyone else in town was leaving their homes and abandoning their businesses for the vote. Kit was stopped and talked to several time, and it took them a good half hour to make their way to the courthouse.

Those not eligible to vote, being of poor means or being female, waited outside in the huge developing crowd. The sheer number of bodies made it seem warm on this cold January day.

Kit and Olivia pushed their way to the front so that they could enter the court. The door was being manned by a tall, burly fellow.

He looked kindly on Kit. "Sir Christopher," he greeted politely. But his gaze was much more unfavourable when it fell on Olivia. "No women," he barked.

"Miss Pendleton is my advisor," Kit argued. "She must be permitted."

"I'm sorry, sir," he said firmly. "The law is clear. No women."

Olivia refused to let herself be smothered by all that she had been trying to repress. She wouldn't become upset. She would not be jealous of Kit's day. Women were not allowed in the vote, it was alright, it was the law. She did not have to make a scene or ruin Kit's day.

Olivia put on a fake smile. "You go on, I insist," she urged. "I will be out here cheering for you."

Kit looked so reluctant to part from her, but nevertheless he entered the vote and the door was closed in her face.

Olivia swallowed her pride and returned to the crowd. There were all sorts of people standing around her. High born ladies, low born men, woman and children. They were all people that she wanted to help. She and Kit could help them. She did not have to be in that room to help them, did she?

"Vote Kit!"

Olivia jumped when a cheeky voice whispered that in her ear. She turned around to see Prince Edward hiding himself under a cloak and hood. He was grinning mischievously.

"Your Royal Highness," greeted Olivia.

Just as she went to curtsey to him, Edward stopped her. "None of that. I am incognito. My father would have a fit if it was known I was at an election. We are above politics, you see."

Olivia smiled. "Well, I am glad you broke your father's rule to be here. Kit will be grateful to have your support, even if it is in secret."

"How long does it take to hear a result anyhow?" asked Edward.

"I don't know," admitted Olivia. "I've never really been at an election long enough to hear a result. I always find myself arrested within ten minutes."

Edward laughed. "You are an interesting character, aren't you? I can clearly see why Kit is in love with you."

Olivia looked away from the prince to hide her blushing cheeks. She knew that Kit was in love with her, even if he had not said the words yet.

Olivia and Edward conversed for the next half an hour while they waited outside the court for the result. The people didn't seem restless though. Ale was being poured around. Others were hawking their goods. Children were selling sweets.

But finally the door opened and the voters emerged. Kit and his opponent, Lawrence Powell, were the last to emerge. The gentlemen all stood before the crowd that had congregated to hear the result.

But Olivia could already tell who had won just by the look in Kit's eyes.

Mr Frank Hadley addressed the crowd, "With seventy percent of the vote, Hertford has a new MP!" he shouted to the people. "May I present the Honourable Sir Christopher Kensington!"

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Olivia and Edward joined them, clapping and cheering at Kit's triumph.

Kit stepped forth and shook Mr Hadley's hand. He then stood in front of the men and motioned for the crowd to settle. "Thank you!" he cried gratefully. "I am honoured to represent you in Westminster as your MP."

Before Kit could say anything further, Lawrence Powell stepped forward angrily. "His mother is a whore!" he roared to the crowd. "And his sister is a bastard! Is this who you want representing you in London?"

Powell was pulled away by the men as the crowd jeered him. Kit did not look overcome by the outburst, merely more determined.

"I am honoured to represent you in London," Kit continued. "My mother is a wonderful woman, and my sister is an innocent. The day a man is judged not by the circumstances of his birth, but by the quality of his character is the day England will be the greatest country in the world. You have made the right decision in putting your trust in me today. I will endeavour to do you all proud."

The crowd once again erupted in cheers and applause. Olivia beamed proudly as she turned her head to take in the crowd. Everyone seemed so proud of Kit. Some more than most. Her eyes found a lone man standing in the back of the crowd. He was clapping, and Olivia could see that he had tears in his eyes.

"He came," breathed Olivia. "Excuse me," she said to Edward as she pushed through the crowd to get to the back.

Cassian was at the very back of the crowd, hiding almost, wearing dark travelling clothes and a tricorn hat. But he had come, and he looked prouder than ever. Cassian smiled at Olivia when he noticed her emerging from the crowd. It was the warmest gesture she had ever received from him.

Behind her, Olivia could hear that Mr Hadley was singing Kit's praises.

"I did not think you would come," Olivia said to Cassian once she had reached him.

"This is an important moment in his life, Olivia," Cassian replied. "When you are a father, it is your responsibility to be present for these moments. Bur for me, it is my pleasure. There is anger between Kit and me, but I won't have him in years to come thinking that his father didn't care enough to be there on the big days in his life. I will always be here for him, not matter any ill feeling. I am proud. That boy, that man," he corrected, "up there is my son."

Olivia never saw a prouder father. There were tears in Cassian's black eyes and his cheeks looked like they ought to hurt from smiling. "You are a good father, Mr Kensington. Your children are lucky."

Cassian laughed lightly at the notion. "I try to be, Olivia. I am not always successful, and I make mistakes as you know. But I want my children to know that they have my support and that I care. I love them. Kit knows I love him."

"Come and speak to him." Olivia motioned for Cassian to follow her. "I am sure Kit will want to see you."

But Cassian shook his head. "Not today," he said. "Today is his day. I don't want to ruin it when there is still much to be said between us. When he is ready to come home I will tell him I was here." The proud smile did not leave his face. "That's my boy," he said to himself. "Go and celebrate with him, Olivia," Cassian urged. "Congratulations."

Olivia would keep the secret for now. She was so glad that Cassian had made the decision to come despite the fact that he and Kit needed to have a serious discussion before they could reconcile.

But now it was time to celebrate. Kit was going to Westminster. And Olivia would go with him.

Olivia stood in the crowd again and cheered and applauded. It did not matter to her that she would not be allowed inside there either, did it?

Olivia shook off the thought and kept clapping. She could see Kit's eyes searching for her in the crowd. "Be happy, Olivia," she told herself. "Don't be selfish."

---

I wrote that interaction between Cassian and Olivia when I was in Barcelona. I was standing in this massive crowd outside La Sagrada Familia, which if you don't know is this beautiful unfinished church. I felt so small and in awe of this massive thing, which is what I imagine Olivia to be feeling internally. 

Anyway, I pulled out my phone when I was alone and wrote their conversation. And now, six months later, I got to include it! 

I can't believe it's been six months since I was in Europe omg. I can't wait to go back one day. Only thing holding me back is the flight. 24 hours is the worst, especially when you have long legs like me and they dig into the seat in front of you. I literally didn't sleep the whole time *crying emoji* hahaha. 

I'm watching World Without End at the moment, which is the sequel series to Pillars of the Earth based on the Ken Follett novel. I've become obsessed with the name Caris these last few days. That's how I come up with my story ideas - I obsess over a name and a plot follows. I'm interested in this one ... for another day. 

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