A Scandalous Pursuit

by Ava Stone

  The Frenchwoman’s light eyes twinkled. “Vous serez radiante.”

  “Thank you,” Livvie replied. Then she motioned to Poppy, gingerly running her fingers over the designs, and she crossed the room to the modiste. “For my daughter, I’d like something suitable for church on Sunday. Do you think that is possible?”

  Madam Fournier laughed. “For the right price, Your Grace, anything is possible, yes? She likes this ragged dress she wears?”

  “It’s her favorite,” Livvie confided quietly.

  “Ah.” Madam nodded. “Something for church and something for fun then. I will have them delivered in the morning.”

  “So soon?” That was quite shocking. Madam was known for her abilities, not her speed.

  The Frenchwoman glanced at her assistants hovering over the pretty little girl. “For la petit ange? Look at them. They won’t go home until they’ve finished her dresses. But not for you, your gown will take longer. I must think how to make it most spectaculaire.”

  “As long as it arrives before Staveley’s ball, you may have all the time in the world.” Livvie then slid closer to the modiste and whispered, “Madam, my husband has been hinting that he’d like me to order…” It really was hard to say and her face heated up.

  Luckily, Madam took pity on her. “Actually, Your Grace, the duke was here ce matin. I do know what he’d like.”

  Livvie blinked at the woman. “He was here?”

  Madam explained, “He assumed since Lady Staveley is my client you were as well, and thought I might have your measurements.”

  Oh, well that did make sense. Livvie smiled with relief. What a strange feeling, however. No man had ever ordered clothing for her before. Who knew what Alex had picked out? She’d best not think about that, or she’d be wearing a permanent blush the rest of the day.

  “Just feignez surprise when he presents them. I am thinking I would not like to anger this man, your husband.”

  Livvie and Poppy eventually left the shop, and by the time they arrived back at Kelfield House, their carriage was weighted down with slippers, bonnets, gloves and ribbons. Apparently Poppy loved ribbons, for when she’d seen them in the store, her eyes lit up and she twirled them about her body.

  As they stepped out of the Kelfield coach, Livvie was surprised to see Lady Carteret and Mrs. Greywood departing her home. When they spotted her, the two women smiled brightly, rushing toward them.

  “Oh, my dear,” Lady Carteret gushed, “we were so worried we’d missed you.”

  Taken aback by the approaching women, Livvie plastered a smile on her face. “Oh. Lovely to see you. Poppy and I have been shopping. Would you like to stay for a visit?” Though she didn’t know either woman well, it was nice not to be a pariah to everyone. Their husbands were Alex’s oldest friends, and it was probably time she got to know them better anyway.

  “Thank you,” Mrs. Greywood replied with a smile, her sea-blue eyes twinkling when they landed on Poppy.

  Gibson opened the door, and all four of them filed inside. Livvie ordered tea and scones and then directed her guests to the gold parlor, but Poppy held back and tugged on her dress.

  “Yes, sweeting?” Livvie asked.

  “I think Mrs. Bickle is lonely. May I go back to the nursery?” Which was probably for the best anyway. Who knew what these women had come to say to her?

  Livvie smiled and pushed one of the child’s black curls behind her ear. “Of course, Poppy. I’ll visit you once Lady Carteret and Mrs. Greywood have left.”

  Poppy threw her arms around Livvie’s middle and held her tight. “Thank you, Olivia. Shopping was grand.”

  It had been most enjoyable. Livvie caressed Poppy’s back and then pressed a kiss to her forehead. Spending time with her step-daughter was more delightful than she would have thought. They would have to make a habit out of such excursions. Awash in new maternal feelings, Livvie grinned at Poppy. “I think so, too. And just wait until your new dresses arrive.”

  How lovely it would be to have more children, Livvie thought as she neared the gold parlor. Children? She supposed she would have to give Alex an heir at some point. The idea brought a smile to her face.

  She stepped inside the parlor, and found both ladies’ eyes fixed on her, seated in white damask chairs. “Lady Carteret, Mrs. Greywood, how nice of you both to call,” she replied and took a spot on a gold brocade settee across from them.

  Mrs. Greywood shook her head, her pretty blue eyes sparkling. “There’s no point in being formal,” she informed her with a charming American accent. “You’re part of the club now. She’s Bethany and I’m Madeline—most people call me Maddie.”

  She was part of a club? Well, it was certainly better than not being included. “Which club am I now a member of?”

  The two women giggled. Bethany finally answered, “Marriage to those four. I would have invited Caro to join us, but I know she is working tirelessly on preparations for her ball. Besides, you know her just as well or better than we do, and this will give us a chance to better acquaint ourselves.”

  “We would have come earlier,” Maddie explained, “but we wanted to give you time to settle in. Especially after we learned Poppy was living here.”

  Olivia felt at once protective of her step-daughter and sat up straighter. They weren’t going to cast judgment on that situation, were they?

  Maddie smiled sweetly. “Olivia, relax. You are among friends. When I married Simon I found myself in a similar situation. I know it isn’t always the easiest going.”

  Bethany sighed. “My brother is very similar to Alex. I’m not sure which of them was the worst influence on the other.”

  “I’m not sure if that is a compliment or not, Beth,” Alex remarked from the open doorway, though his eyes were on Livvie. “Sweetheart, remember not to take any advice from her.”

  The comment brought a blush to Livvie’s cheeks as she remembered Alex’s relief that the countess had not been the one to have The Talk with her before their wedding.

  “On the contrary,” Bethany playfully shot back. “My dear Olivia, I have known this rogue since I was in leading strings. I’m certain my insight on him could be most useful for you.”

  Like perhaps what sorts of terrible things haunted him in his sleep? Livvie was instantly intrigued.

  Alex stepped into the room and then claimed the spot next to his wife. “Beth was always a pest. Following Simon and me everywhere we went. It was impossible to shake her.”

  “Forgetful in your old age, Kelfield?” Beth asked sweetly. “I couldn’t have cared less what wickedness the two of you were up to.”

  Maddie giggled across the room. “You’ll have to forgive them, Olivia. Alex is an honorary Greywood, and I’m afraid when they’re all together, they behave like siblings.”

  Like she and the Averys used to.

  A twinge of sadness washed over Livvie just as Gibson entered with tea. She was glad for the interruption and began pouring for her guests. Bethany took hers with two sugars and milk, and Maddie took hers straight. When she offered Alex a cup sweetened with sugar, she apologized. “If I’d known you were going to be here, I’d have asked Gibson for honey.”

  Alex’s silver eyes twinkled as his fingers brushed hers under the saucer. “How did you know I liked honey?”

  “Poppy told me.”

  “Alex,” Maddie gushed, “she is precious. Truly an adorable child.”

  He responded with only a wink.

  Livvie reclaimed her spot beside Alex and smiled when he lazily draped his arm around her, barely touching her shoulder and sending frissons of desire coursing through her veins. Despite the losses she’d suffered from their union, she wouldn’t want to give up life as his wife. She had never felt so complete, so at one with the world, than when she was with him.

  “You do know, Alex,” Bethany began, “Maddie and I came to visit Olivia, not you.”

  Livvie’s eyes flew to her husband. She expected him to be furious, or in the very least annoyed,
but he was grinning from ear to ear. “You do realize, Beth, that you’re still a pest.”

  Maddie shook her head with a laugh. “Honestly, Olivia, you should see them at Christmas when they’re all together—Maxwell, Simon, Alex, Benedict, Bethany, and Charles. Grown up children, each of them. I’m not sure how my mother-in-law handled such an unruly lot.”

  “Is that an invitation?” Alex asked. “For Christmas, I mean.”

  A beautiful smile lit up Maddie’s face. “You’re always welcome, Alex. You know that.”

  Bethany sat forward in her chair. “Yes, of course. You know mother loves having you. But don’t you think that it’s time you opened up Everett Place?”

  Alex tensed at Livvie’s side before a patronizing smile settled on his lips. “No, I don’t.” Then he turned his attention to Maddie. “How much longer are you and Simon in Town?”

  Where was Everett Place? And why did he dismiss it so easily? As Livvie took a sip of tea, she glanced at Alex out of the corner of her eye. Though she was his wife, there was still so much she didn’t know about him.

  “It’s your family home, Alex. It shouldn’t be neglected for so long.” Bethany frowned at him.

  Alex narrowed his eyes on the irritating countess. “Indeed? And the last time James set foot in Briarstrath was…?” he asked, though it seemed as if he already knew the answer to that. “From what I understand, it’s crumbling to the ground. Glass houses and all that, Beth.”

  “Simon and I will return to Norfolk after Caroline’s ball,” Maddie informed them in an obvious attempt to break up the tension in the room.

  “I do hope you’ll be on your best behavior, Alex,” Bethany remarked then raised her teacup to her lips.

  “When I want your advice, Beth, I’ll ask for it. Until then, James is the only one you should be pestering.”

  Caroline sat in her small study sorting through her correspondence, conflicting emotions ravaging her. There was a letter from her sister-in-law Lydia, a thank you note from her friend Hannah Astwick, and an invitation to a garden party from Louisa Ridgemont. All the usual sorts of things she found in her post, but at the corner of her desk sat a cannon ball waiting to explode.

  She cast an annoyed glance at the unwanted missive. Damn him! Livvie had been waiting for months to hear from Philip Moore. Why did the major have to write her now? It was a most inopportune time.

  She could hide the letter. Throw it away. Pretend as if it never arrived at Staveley House. Though that was simply delaying the inevitable. He’d only write again.

  Or she could take the letter to Kelfield House and give it to Livvie. That was the moral thing to do. Livvie could make her own decision about the letter. She could read it if she wanted. Or she could toss it in a grate. But that was putting her dear cousin in a terrible spot. One she didn’t need to be in at the moment.

  If Caroline wasn’t mistaken, Livvie truly cared about Alex, and it was no secret that Alex was enamored with Livvie. He’d made that quite clear at their wedding. Which was the crux of the problem. They were married, and hopefully on a path toward happiness. Nothing Philip Moore had written would help them. It could only hurt.

  She’d been deceptive in the past. Come up with all sorts of manipulative plans of one fashion or another, but she’d never discarded someone else’s personal correspondence. That seemed beyond the pale.

  Could she wait a few days? Maybe a week? Give Livvie and Alex’s blooming relationship time to congeal. It wasn’t the best plan she’d ever come up with, but it was the best she could think of at the moment.

  Caroline opened her top desk drawer and dropped the letter inside.

  “Where is Everett Place?” Livvie asked Alex over dinner.

  His fork stopped midway to his mouth, and then he dropped it to his plate. “Didn’t I tell you not to pay attention to anything Bethany Carteret had to say?”

  “No,” Livvie answered honestly. “You said not to listen to any of her advice. Is Everett Place your ancestral seat?”

  “Then I’m amending my statement. Don’t pay attention to anything Beth has to say.” Alex retrieved his fork and took a bite of carrots.

  Even over the soft candlelight, his face appeared taught, his jaw firmly set. She couldn’t understand why this was troubling for him. It was really a rather simple, unemotional question. She wasn’t asking to visit Everett Place, just inquiring as to its location. Why did he keep so much of himself hidden? It was quite worrisome.

  Alex looked across the table at her and frowned. “You haven’t eaten anything, Olivia.”

  She shook her head, her appetite long gone. “I’m not hungry.”

  “Damn her.”

  “I beg your pardon.”

  “Beth doesn’t seem able to keep her mouth closed about anything.” He took a deep breath. “Everett Place is my ancestral home. It is near Brockenhurst in Hampshire. I haven’t seen it in nearly two decades, and I don’t have any plans to remedy that in the future—near or otherwise. Now, eat.”

  Livvie picked up her fork and speared a small floret of cauliflower. Her appetite wasn’t any better, but he was waiting at the other end of the table, staring at her. She popped the vegetable into her mouth and chewed, though her stomach protested the action. “There. Are you happy?”

  He inclined his head and returned to his own meal.

  Livvie watched him and moved the food around her own plate, hoping he wouldn’t notice that she wasn’t eating anything else. The room was deafeningly quiet, which was torturous. “Poppy and I went shopping today.”

  Alex looked across the table at her, one black eyebrow raised in question. “Indeed?”

  “Yes. We went to Madam Fournier’s and had a lovely time.”

  A smile crossed his face, and Livvie thought about the order he placed earlier in the day with the modiste. “I understand she is very talented. Did you commission something?”

  So he wasn’t going to tell her he’d been there himself. Not that she was surprised. The man seemed to hold more secrets than anyone she’d ever known. “Yes, and Madam and all her assistants were enchanted with Poppy. She had a grand time and left the shop with her weight in ribbons.”

  “Thank you,” he began, a serious look upon his face, “for accepting the situation as gracefully as you have. I know Poppy must have been a surprise for you. I do want to assure you that there aren’t any others. You won’t have to raise a houseful of my children.”

  “But I want to raise a houseful of your children,” Livvie said, without thinking. At his stunned expression, she continued, “I mean, you’ll need an heir.”

  “Yes, I suppose I will,” he said, his eyes sweeping across her form with a lascivious twinkle.

  Once dinner was over, Alex escorted Livvie to the music room. He insisted she play something for him on the pianoforte, and she happily began to entertain him with Haydn’s Surprise Symphony. She had barely gotten through the tranquil opening before his breath warmed her cheek.

  “I believe there was a little matter of christening every room in the house, wasn’t there, sweetheart?” he whispered in her ear.

  The chords and melodies were soon forgotten as Alex stripped her down in the middle of the music room and laid her across the piano bench, making passionate love to her.

  Sated and breathless, she rested in Alex’s arms as he once again carried her to her room. He gently tucked her into bed, ignored her request for him to stay with her through the night, kissed her lips, and left for his room, as always.

  Hours later, like every other night since their marriage, Livvie awoke when her husband’s screams broke the silence. But unlike every other night, she decided not to ignore them this time. She slid out of bed, wrapped her pink wrapper around herself, and crossed the floor to the door that connected her chamber to her husband’s.

  Taking a breath for courage, she pushed the door open and rushed into his room.

  Alex roughly rubbed his face, trying to wipe the awful images from his mind. Then he h
eard something creak, and he blinked his eyes open. Even in his darkened room, he could make out his wife’s silhouette. Alex quickly sat up in his bed. “Olivia!” he barked. “Go back to your room.”

  Willful woman that she was, Olivia rushed from the doorway and knelt at his side. “Alex, what is wrong?”

  She gently touched his arm, making him recoil. Bloody hell, he hated that she saw him like this again. But it was dark…“I will be obeyed, Olivia. Go back to your room.”

  Olivia tipped her chin stubbornly in the air. “I am the Duchess of Kelfield, and I’ll do what I please. Now tell me what is wrong?”

  For a moment he gaped at her. Then Alex fell back on his pillows and laughed. He couldn’t help it. How many times had he said the same thing to her?

  His reaction must have frightened her, because she looked at once panicked. “Are you all right, my love?”

  He rolled to his side, facing her, barely keeping himself from touching her. “I never thought to have those words thrown back in my face, sweetheart.”

  She grinned at him. “Yes, well, what’s good for the goose and all that.”

  Alex tucked one of her curls behind her ear, and smiled sadly. “You should go back to your room. You don’t need to see me like this.”

  Stubbornly she shook her head. “Yes, I do. I’m your wife.” Then she traced his jaw with her finger. “What haunts you, Alex? I hear you every night and it tears at my heart. Please tell me.”

  Every night?

  Horror washed over him, and Alex blanched, sliding away from her. “You’ve heard me? Why didn’t you say something?”

  Livvie furrowed her brow. “I… Well, after the night at Prestwick Chase, you… Well, I didn’t know what to say. But we can’t go on like this, Alex.”

  He agreed with a firm nod and sat up. “No, I should say not. I’ll have you moved in the morning. I had no idea, Olivia. I’m very sorry.” What must she have thought all those nights? Poor girl.