Callie Hutton

by The Elusive Wife

  “Apparently Lord Coventry is not one to give up so easily.” Elizabeth slipped the card from Olivia’s hand and studied it.

  “What am I to do? I don’t want to encourage him. How am I going to convince his lordship that my future isn’t here?”

  Elizabeth led her over to the settee and grasped her hand. “Are you absolutely certain about that, Olivia? I know how upsetting his earlier behavior was to you, but why can’t you give Lord Coventry another chance?” She put her hand up, “No. Before you say anything, hear me out.”

  She paused, apparently gathering her thoughts. “Did I ever tell you how Grif and I came to be married?”

  Olivia raised her eyebrows and waited patiently.

  “I thought myself madly in love with Viscount Hood.” She rolled her eyes toward the heavens. “Oh, Olivia, he was so handsome. Tall, blond hair, deep green eyes; just looking at him made my heart pound. He was very attentive and charming.”

  Olivia watched her friend closely. “He sounds wonderful. So what happened?”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes and pressed her fingers to them. “My parents were determined that I should marry Grif. He was the son of one of Father’s closest friends, but I was young and foolish and wanted my handsome knight. Grif continued to court me, much to my parent’s delight. I can’t say I snubbed him, but it was apparent to him my esteem was for Lord Hood.” She shook her head as she twirled the diamond studded wedding ring on her finger. “Then one day I read an announcement of Lord Hood’s betrothal in the newspaper. It seemed my knight in shining armor needed to marry an heiress, and although I had an acceptable dowry, it was not nearly enough to clear up his gambling debts and continue to support his mistress.”

  “Oh, no!” Olivia’s hand flew to her mouth.

  “Yes, dear. He intended to continue his liaison with his mistress, gambling, and whatnot after he married.” She reflected for a moment. “Grif was there to tend my broken heart. All of a sudden that not tall enough, not handsome enough, and not sophisticated enough man became my true knight in shining armor.” She smiled softly and put her hand on her belly. “And marrying him was the best thing I ever did in my whole life.”

  Olivia discreetly dabbed at her eyes with her knuckle. “That is a beautiful story. It’s so obvious Grif adores you. You truly have a wonderful marriage.”

  Elizabeth leaned forward and laced her fingers with Olivia’s. “That’s my point, dearest. If I’d had my way, I would have thrown away a wonderful marriage and ended up with a scoundrel.”

  “I understand, truly I do.” Olivia sighed and sat back. “But in my story Lord Coventry is the scoundrel.”

  “You met Coventry under the worst possible circumstances. The man Grif and I have known for years, is kind, thoughtful, and considerate. You must understand that his father attempted to dominate him all his life. And Jason fought against him the entire time. It wasn’t you he rejected, it was his father. You see how taken he was with you when he didn’t know who you were.”

  Olivia blew out a huge breath. “I don’t know. I really feel we would never suit. He loves society, gambling, all the parties and balls. I’m already tired of it all. I just want a quiet life, to play my music and live simply.”

  “You may be surprised to find out what he does and doesn’t want. That’s why I say give him a chance.” Elizabeth stood. “I’m going to have a nap before dinner. Grif and I are going to a poetry reading tonight at Sir Furlong’s home. He has the most interesting readers. You are more than welcome to come along.”

  “Thank you, Elizabeth, but I think I will just stay at home this evening. I feel a bit worn out and I think a book and a cup of chocolate by the fire in my room will be just the thing.”

  Rose pulled the drapes open and the sunlight poured in, chasing away the shadows of the night. “Good morning, my lady.”

  “Good morning, Rose,” Olivia mumbled.

  “I have yer chocolate here for you.” The maid bustled to the bed, placing the tray across Olivia’s lap. “Oh, and there’s a message for you too, mum.” She handed Olivia a piece of cream colored vellum with the distinct bold strokes of Lord Coventry’s handwriting.

  I would be honored to escort you to the theater this evening. If acceptable to your ladyship, I would arrive at Lansdowne House at seven o’clock for an eight o’clock performance.

  Lord and Lady Newbury will be attending as well.

  Your Servant,

  J

  Hmm. She tapped the card against her lips.

  The last thing she wanted was to be alone with Jason. It was clever of him to mention the Newburys. Leaning back against the pillow she stared out the window at the beautiful early summer day.

  Should she give him another chance as Elizabeth suggested, and Jason seemed so desperate to have? She still didn’t trust him. In addition to the conversation she’d overheard about Jason and Lady Sheridan, various other comments made within her hearing convinced her that Lord Coventry had a well-deserved reputation as a rake. His conquests were discussed to the extent that she didn’t think him capable of having time to do anything else. And he certainly would not embrace fidelity. That was one thing she held dear. Her parents had been devoted to each other and never did she learn of any indiscretions on either of their parts.

  She might be making a mistake, but she scribbled an acceptance and rang for Rose to have it delivered.

  …

  Jason shuffled through the mail and dictated correspondence to his secretary, Clifton. Every once in a while he would catch himself drifting off, thinking about his invitation to Olivia. A soft cough from Clifton would get him back on track.

  “My lord, there are several missives here from Dakin, your steward at Coventry. He insists there are problems only you can attend to and strongly requests you make a visit in the near future.”

  Jason dragged his hand down his face. “Yes, I’m aware of some of the problems, and I have been remiss in not attending to them.” His constant thoughts of Olivia and his pursuit of the woman consumed a great deal of his time. Slowly a smile spread across his face. Why not plan a trip to Coventry, and convince Olivia she needed to go as well? She could visit the tenants and consult with the staff. And she would be alone with him at night. Just the image of her spread across his bed, naked and wanting, tightened his groin. He shifted in his chair, and forced himself to focus on Clifton.

  “Send a letter to Dakin that I will arrive within the week.”

  Clifton began writing furiously as Barton entered the room. “My lord, a missive has just come for you.”

  Jason accepted the paper and quickly scanned the note. Brief and to the point, Olivia wrote:

  “I will be pleased to attend the theater with you this evening.

  Lady Olivia.”

  He read it over again and grinned. Very formal, just what he would have expected from his wife. She, of course, was trying to hold him at arm’s length, but he had other plans for the lovely Lady Coventry. He glanced at the clock and wished the hours away. Tonight he would start his campaign in truth.

  Jason dressed in a well-fitting black evening jacket with a white-on-white waistcoat. His shining dress shoes peeked out from under snug black cloth trousers. He finally waved Grady away when his man kept fussing with his cravat. Anxious to be on his way, he pulled on his gloves and nodded at Barton as he opened the door.

  About fifteen minutes later he leaned against the desk in Grif’s library, enjoying a brandy with his host when Olivia swept into the room. If she was indeed attempting to discourage him, she certainly chose the wrong ensemble. The simple rose silk garment gathered under her breasts with a band of deeper rose velvet secured underneath the part of her where he desperately wanted to place his lips. The neckline was just low enough to show off her creamy skin, but not as daring as the gown Lord Fairfax had drooled onto at the Cummings dinner party.

  Above long white satin gloves, a few gold bracelets encircled her arms, matching the necklace gracefully adorning her throat
. Her rich, dark curls had been pulled into a knot at the top of her head, with tendrils floating from her temples. If there was air in his lungs, Jason had no idea how to access it.

  “My lady, you look positively stunning.” He lifted her hand to his lips and bestowed a kiss.

  Olivia curtsied, lowering her eyes. He was pleased to see a blush creeping up from her neckline.

  So the lovely Lady Olivia is not as immune to me as she would like to pretend.

  “My lady, would you care for a sherry before you leave?” Grif asked.

  She looked at Jason with raised eyebrows.

  “We have time for a drink if you would like.”

  “Then yes, Grif, I would like a small sherry.” She moved to the settee and perched on the edge. Jason received the glass from Grif and handed it to her, settling himself beside her.

  “What is tonight’s performance?” Grif said, before taking a sip of his brandy.

  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

  “Oh, I’ve always wanted to see that performed.” Olivia’s eyes lit up. “My father discussed it at length, and promised one day we would attend, but we never did manage to do so.”

  “Then I am most happy that you decided to join me tonight.” Jason smiled, warmth spreading through him at the pleased expression on her face.

  “I was so disappointed when I attended the opera with Lord Carstairs and he insisted we leave to attend a party before the performance concluded.” She rose and placed the sherry glass on the table next to her. “Now I am most anxious to be on our way.”

  Jason stood. “We have plenty of time, but we will depart nevertheless.” Extending his arm, they left the room. Staunton handed her wrap to Jason who laid it over her shoulders, his hands lingering a bit on her warm skin. Unable to resist, he ran his palm down her arm, noting her slight shiver. Satisfied with her reaction, he smiled to himself as they went down the steps and into the carriage.

  …

  Olivia tried very hard to contain her excitement at actually being on her way to the Theatre Royal on famous Drury Lane. It would seem provincial of her to let Jason know she had never been to a play. The students at Miss Emerson’s Boarding School for Young Ladies had been forbidden from attending. And all her father’s promises to do so had been broken, his research always taking precedence over everything else in his life.

  Her glaze slid over to Jason, who watched her with those piercing blue eyes like she was his dinner and he famished. Again she shivered as she had when he had caressed her arm while putting on her wrap. His regard did fluttery things to her insides. Glancing away from him, she attempted to slow down her rapid heartbeat.

  The silence was broken when Jason leaned forward. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I hope tonight will be the first of many outings we will share.” He tugged the hand he held in his much larger palm. “Look at me, Olivia.”

  She basked in the warmth of the eyes she remembered so well from her embarrassing wedding. Eyes that at the time had so much trouble focusing, and then even remembering her face. She frowned at the memory.

  Jason rubbed his thumb over the lines that formed between her eyes. “No bad memories, love. We’re starting over.”

  “I never agreed to that, my lord.” She pulled her hand back.

  “And no ‘my lord,’ if you please. I prefer you address me as Jason.”

  Olivia shook her head slightly and leaning back, closed her eyes. She shouldn’t have agreed to come. It was difficult to deny the tension that radiated between them. And foolish to pretend none of it came from her physical attraction to the man sitting across from her, feelings of anger wove their way through the strain. He might be ready to start over, but she had serious doubts about his sincerity.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “We’re here, sweetheart.” Jason touched her hand. He climbed down and turned to assist her. Smiling warmly, he tucked her arm in his and leaned over. “Clear your mind, love, I want you to enjoy this.”

  Pushing her fears aside, she smiled brightly. “I will. I’ve looked forward to this performance for almost my entire life.”

  Jason pulled her closer as they made their way to the Coventry box. Lord and Lady Newbury had already arrived, and the two couples greeted each other as they settled.

  “How nice to see you, Lady Olivia.” Lady Newbury, gave her a warm hug. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.” She looked accusingly at Jason. “His lordship never mentioned a friendship with you.”

  “Ah, the lovely Lady Olivia and I are indeed acquainted. In fact, our association goes back further than her well-appreciated arrival in London.” He looked at Olivia, his eyes full of mirth.

  “Indeed?” Lady Newbury glanced at Olivia. “And where did you meet?”

  Olivia looked frantically at Jason, who smoothly said, “Lady Olivia is the old Earl’s goddaughter.”

  “I didn’t know that.” Lady Newbury sniffed. It apparently didn’t sit well with the woman to not have been privy to that bit of on dit.

  Olivia gazed around the theatre from her seat at the very front of Jason’s box. She was so excited, she could have jumped up and down in her chair like a small child. She looked over at Jason who studied her like an indulgent parent.

  The curtain rose and irritation swept over her to find the noise from the crowd deafening as the throng chattered away.

  “Why don’t they stop talking?” She leaned over to Jason.

  “Ah, sweetheart, like everything else in society, they come to see and be seen. The performance is not the main reason they’re here.” Pulling her even closer, he added, “But Shakespeare was a clever fellow. He wrote the beginning of all his plays with scenes that weren’t that important to the plot, since the crowds at Globe Theatre weren’t any better behaved than this group.”

  He used the excuse of his comments to edge his chair closer, then laced their fingers together possessively, running his thumb over her knuckles. But soon even his compelling presence became secondary to her enjoyment of the play. The magic of the performance, the colorful costumes and smell of the theater truly marked the best time she had had since she’d arrived in London. All the balls, routs, parties and dinners couldn’t compare to watching Shakespeare’s play come to life before her.

  Words she had read over and over burst forth from the actors’ mouths. The scenery and movements of the characters held her enthralled. Her eyes remained riveted on the stage, absorbing every word, every action.

  She was stunned to see the curtain come down at the intermission. It seemed as if only minutes had passed. Olivia leaned back in her chair, her muscles stiff from remaining still so long. “Wasn’t that absolutely wonderful?”

  “Yes, it certainly was,” Jason replied, still holding onto her hand. “Would you care to take a stroll in the lobby and get some refreshments?”

  “Yes, I would like the opportunity to move around.” She turned to Lady Newbury. “May we get something for you, my lady?”

  “No, dear, I’m fine. I’ll just stay here and watch the comings and goings.” Lady Newbury waved in the direction of the other boxes, where the cream of society visited, sharing gossip.

  Jason helped Olivia up, and putting his hand gently on her lower back, escorted her out of the box. Light from hundreds of candles bounced off the jewels wound through the elaborate hairstyles and delicate necklaces and bracelets on the arms and necks of the ladies of the upper crust of society.

  Olivia happily chattered on and on about the play. She noticed several people looking in their direction, and then turning to comment to each other. Jason either didn’t notice or didn’t care, which was fine with her. She was simply too excited by the play to worry about being the ton’s newest gossip. Jason handed her a glass of warm lemonade that she set down, unable to stop talking long enough to sip.

  “Coventry.” A tall gentlemen moved through the crowd, excusing himself as he edged past conversing couples. He came to stand next to them, and bowed in Olivia’s direction, pe
rusing her with more than a mild interest as he directed his comment to Jason. “Who have we here? How is it possible this beauty has escaped me so far into the Season?” His dark brown eyes swept over her in a way that raised the hairs on her neck.

  “My lady.” Jason nodded in the man’s direction, his shoulders stiffening. “May I present Lord Bristol. Bristol, Lady Olivia…Grant.”

  “My lady, your servant.” He brought her hand to his lips. She fought the desire to snatch it back. She glanced at Jason, whose demeanor went from stiff to hostile.

  “How long have you been in London, my lady?” Bristol moved closer, causing Olivia to take a step back. The man’s forwardness unsettled her.

  “A few weeks.” She directed her attention to Jason. “My lord, I believe the play is about to resume.”

  Jason took her arm and nodded. “Bristol.”

  “Lady Olivia,” Bristol called to her as they turned to leave. “I sincerely hope we meet again.” Then he bowed and disappeared into the crowd.

  “I don’t like him.” Olivia shivered.

  “Good. Don’t like him. In fact, stay as far away from Bristol as possible. He’s a notorious rake.”

  “You would know, my lord.” She softened her words with a slight smile.

  They moved with the throng back to the theater boxes. She caught Jason watching her with amusement as she hurried him along, not wanting to miss even one minute of the performance. His rigidity had vanished along with Lord Bristol.

  They settled in their seats as the curtain came up, and Olivia was once again lost in the magic of the play. Too soon the final lines were spoken, and the play over. Olivia breathed a little sigh of pleasure.

  She looked behind her. “Where are Lord and Lady Newbury?”

  “They left during the fourth act. They had plans to meet friends at Vauxhall Gardens.”

  “Oh, how could they leave before it ended? It was such a wonderful play.”

  Jason grinned at her. “Come love, the performance is over.”

  Taking her by the elbow, they made their way downstairs and waited patiently for their carriage to be brought around. Soon after they settled in, and Jason had tapped on the roof to let the driver know they were ready, he crossed his ankle over his other knee and leaned against the soft leather of the seat. “I want to talk to you about something.”