She groaned at the thought of that being the rest of her life. Why couldn’t Father have arranged for her to marry a pudgy, balding, cheerful man who she would never have to worry about wandering? Instead she had the luck to be married to one of the most notorious rakes in London. Tall, broad, handsome, wealthy, titled, and possessed a devastating smile, her husband would always be the target of the shameless women of the ton who were looking for diversions.
Could she trust Coventry? He’d made it quite clear he wanted a marriage in truth and desired her as a bed partner. But he never spoke of his feelings. If he truly intended to keep her from returning to Italy—and despite her insistence that she would do precisely that, she knew legally he could—she would need to make him fall in love with her. A man in love with his wife did not wander. Nor did a wife in love with her husband.
Love.
Fear gripped her when she realized that was the feeling slowly creeping into her heart. The image of her wedding had faded, replaced by Jason’s annoyance at the advances of Lady Cecily, and his very obvious chagrin with the serving maid in the inn. Mayhap, as Elizabeth had suggested, Lord Coventry was not the scoundrel she had initially assumed.
She had no doubts he’d led the life of a typical rake for years. But his claim that he was not his father, and had no intention of having the type of marriage his parents had, encouraged her.
So far, she’d found him to be charming, caring, and interested in her welfare. But did he love her, or even feel anything near that? She sighed and turned over once more. Either she needed to pack and leave for Italy very soon, or go on a campaign to win Lord Arrogant’s love. Otherwise a broken heart loomed in her future.
Chapter Twenty
Ordinarily at a house party the women remained in their rooms for breakfast and the gentlemen made use of the extensive array of foods available in the breakfast room. However, since the picnic was today and everyone was anxious to get out into the beautiful weather, the ladies joined the men.
Olivia sat next to Elizabeth, both women’s plates containing toast and fruit. Olivia sipped her tea as Elizabeth regaled her with stories about her son from a letter sent by his nurse.
“Oh, Olivia, I miss him so much. I can’t wait for the Parliamentary session to be over so Grif and I can return to the country. I just want to hug his little body close.” She wiped her eyes, and tried to smile. “I think the new little one is turning me into a watering pot,” she said touching her belly lightly.
Olivia hugged her. “I’m sure you miss your son very much. I know I would if I were blessed enough to have a child.” Heavens, if this conversation continued, she would turn into a watering pot herself.
The guests had a little bit of time after breakfast for visits to the garden, or other activities before the picnic. Olivia allowed the time to explore the very extensive Markwick library. She strolled along the shelves, perusing the titles.
“Find anything of interest?”
The smooth, deep voice sent chills over her flesh. Her heart sped up, and an unwanted smile graced her lips. She turned, trying hard to keep from showing her reaction. Considering the grin on Jason’s face, it would seem it hadn’t worked.
“Looking for a book, my lord?” She parried his question with her own, annoyed to find her voice breathless.
“No. Not at all. I’m looking for my wife. Have you seen her?” He moved closer and whispered the last part.
“Jason, please. The door is open, anyone can walk by and see us.” She moved back, hitting the wall of books behind her.
Jason smiled wickedly. “I’ll close the door. In fact, I shall lock it.”
“There you two are,” Lady Markwick said, coming into the library. “We’re gathering outside to walk down to the lake. The boats are being prepared for those who wish to indulge.” Turning to Jason, she smiled. “Lady Cecily has made a point of telling one and all you will be rowing her. She seems very excited.”
“I’m sure she is,” Olivia mumbled as she swept past Jason and headed for the door.
The group progressed to the lake, the ladies with hats and parasols to protect their fair skin. Lady Cecily had latched onto Jason, and chatted non-stop. Olivia walked behind the two of them, speaking with Lady Lyons.
“Doesn’t my Cecily look wonderful on Lord Coventry’s arm?” she simpered to Olivia.
“Ummm,”
“I’m certain his lordship will be looking for a wife since the old Earl has passed. I just know my Cecily would make a wonderful countess.”
Olivia astounded herself at the amount of jealousy that surged through her. The matchmaking mamas may be converging on him now, but once it became known Jason had married, it would be the restless matrons and lonely widows circling him. Her teeth clenched, and she took a deep breath. She needed to remain calm, and focus on engaging Jason’s feelings. Not mere lust, but love.
The boats readied with much laughter and joking as the couples climbed in, calling back and forth to each other. Olivia watched from her spot near Lady Lyons, who still waxed single-mindedly about how wonderful Jason and Lady Cecily looked together.
Olivia jerked at the male voice behind her. “My dear, surely you don’t plan to stay on shore?”
She turned to see Lord Wesley smiling brightly behind her. She raised her hand to shadow her eyes. “I did intend to stay on shore.”
He bowed slightly. “I will not permit it, my lady, you are much too young to sit by and watch the activities.” He extended his arm. “Allow me to escort you to one of the boats.”
Laughing, Olivia accepted his arm and proceeded to where footmen helped the couples into boats. Jason and Lady Cecily had already reached the center of the lake. He had removed his jacket and had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. A bit scandalous to be sure, but heavens, he looked good with the sun glistening on his skin, his muscles bulging as he rowed.
Lord Wesley helped her into the boat, and settled across from her. The vessel rocked a bit back and forth, and Olivia grabbed the edges, looking fearfully at the water.
“Not to worry, my dear,” Wesley said, also removing his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. “The water is no more than four feet at its deepest point.”
…
Jason was having a difficult time with Lady Cecily. The girl never stopped talking and the simpering and giggling made him itch to toss her overboard.
He looked around trying to find something to distract him until this interminable ride was over and saw Olivia being assisted into a rowboat by Wesley. What the devil was she doing with that wastrel? He started rowing toward their boat. Lady Cecily continued to run on about all the dresses she had just ordered from Paris and how expensive they were. He kept nodding in her direction as he rowed harder and harder to get close to Olivia.
“I say, Coventry, you’re going to hit our boat. Watch where you’re going, old man,” Wesley sputtered, as Jason got closer to them.
“I’m not hitting your boat, Wesley. I just wanted to ask Lady Olivia a question.” He reached over and grabbed the side of the couple’s boat.
“Stop it Coventry, you’re rocking our boat,” Wesley said, pushing Jason’s hand away.
“Lord Coventry, for heaven’s sake let go of our boat, or we’ll all be dumped into the water,” Olivia said frantically.
Lady Cecily tugged on his arm. “My lord. Please, let us continue on.”
Jason leaned over. “Olivia, I need to ask you something.”
“Coventry, leave us alone, and I can’t believe you addressed Lady Olivia with such familiarity.” Wesley glowered at him.
“Just give me a minute, man,” Jason growled. He pulled at the boat again, and Wesley stabbed his hand with the oar.
“Ouch! Are you crazy?” The force of him pulling away caused Wesley’s boat to rock precariously.
Olivia stood. “Enough.” Turning to Wesley she said, “Please row us back to shore, my lord.”
“Lady Olivia, sit down before you tip the boat,” Wesley cried. She
sat down abruptly just as the boat rocked to that side and she tumbled over the edge into the water.
“Olivia!” Jason yelled. He stood up and jumped overboard, rocking his boat enough that Lady Cecily went flying into the water, her mouth—as usual—open, her eyes wide.
“Oh heavens,” Lady Lyons shouted from the shore. “My Cecily will drown, she can’t swim.”
Lord Wesley jumped into the water to help Cecily. Jason had reached Olivia and pulled her up sputtering and coughing. “Let go of me. I can stand for heaven’s sake, it’s only four feet.”
Lady Lyons continued to wail onshore as Wesley reached down and pulled Lady Cecily up. Anger flashing in her eyes, she pulled away from him, and smacked him over the head with her sopping parasol. “Leave me alone, sir. Lord Coventry will save me.”
“Lord Coventry, oh, dear, you must save my daughter. She will drown,” Lady Lyons screeched from the shore.
Jason looked over to Cecily, who was trying desperately to get out of Wesley’s clutches, all the while screaming that Lord Coventry needed to save her before she drowned. Olivia yanked herself from Jason and casting a disgusted look at the young girl, waded to shore.
“Lady Cecily, it’s not deep,” Jason shouted. “You can walk to shore.”
“No, my lord, I cannot swim. You must save me.” Wesley reached for her again, and she swatted him once more. “I told you to leave me alone,” she said through gritted teeth. Wesley, also apparently disgusted with the entire matter, headed to shore, he and Olivia reaching the bank at the same time.
Jason made his way over to Lady Cecily. “Madam, you only have to stand up. Stop flaying about for heaven’s sake.”
She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, thank you for saving me, my lord. I would have surely drowned were it not for your bravery.”
Jason snorted his opinion of that nonsense and dragged her to shore, while her mama cried and wrung her hands.
He dropped her on the shore, both of them covered with lake muck.
“Oh thank you so much for saving my little girl.” Lady Lyons patted her daughter’s hand. “You are such a brave and caring man.”
Jason shook his head and bowed to the group. “If you will excuse me, I am going to my room to dry off.” He stomped off without looking back.
…
Olivia stood on the terrace, sipping a glass of lemonade. When she noticed Elizabeth and Grif, she descended the marble steps to join them on the stone bench.
“What in heaven’s name was all the hysteria at the lake this afternoon?” Elizabeth said, as she shifted to make room for Olivia.
“I have no idea what started it all, but it ended with myself, Lord Wesley, Coventry, and Lady Cecily in the lake.” She smiled slightly with raised eyebrows. “Don’t tell me you missed it?”
“Grif and I decided to pass up the picnic. My stomach was troubling me.” She blushed slightly. “Once I felt better we found much more interesting ways to occupy our time.”
Grif coughed, and threw Elizabeth a quelling glance. Olivia felt the heat rise in her face. Would that she had a marriage like theirs.
“Where is Lord Coventry now?” Grif signaled a footman to bring glasses of lemonade to them.
“I haven’t seen him since he stormed back to the house, dripping wet and scowling.” She grinned. Then a shiver ran down her spine at the sound of Lady Cecily’s voice.
“And if it wasn’t for Lord Coventry, I would have surely drowned. He was so concerned for my welfare, it was darling.” Lady Cecily held court, surrounded by several young ladies who sighed with envy.
“If this nonsense doesn’t stop soon, I will not be responsible for my actions,” Olivia snapped.
“Here is my hero, now.” Lady Cecily said, taking Jason’s arm and dragging him over to the gaggle of wide-eyed misses.
Jason nodded at the group, smiling tightly. “If you will excuse me, Lady Cecily, I must speak with Lord Lansdowne.”
“Certainly. I will see you at dinner,” she purred.
His body rigid with tension, he approached the three sitting on the bench in the garden. “Olivia, a walk please?”
“Are you sure it’s walking you want, old man?” Grif smiled. “It looks to me you would prefer a good bout of fisticuffs.”
“Be that as it may, I think a walk in the garden,” he lowered his voice, “with my wife is preferable, given the surroundings.”
Olivia stood and shook out her skirts. A movement to the side caught her attention. Lady Cecily narrowed her eyes as she studied them. Her audience had drifted away and she looked around the small groups gathered on the terrace. Spotting her mother chatting with several of her peers, she quickly moved to her side. After a brief exchange of words, the two women broke away from the group, and arm-in-arm they walked slowly into the house, heads together in deep conversation.
…
After four more days of Jason dodging Lady Cecily, Olivia turning down his frequent requests to join her in her bed, and numerous rounds of cards, games, and musical performances, the end of the house party drew near. Most of the guests retired early since the next day concluded the festivities, with a highly anticipated ball in the evening. Besides the house guests, numerous invitees from the surrounding area would attend.
A rumor had circulated that Lord and Lady Lyons would be making an announcement at the ball. No one knew how the rumor had started, but it passed from lips to ears. Olivia felt nothing but relief that the dreadful gathering would soon come to an end. If she had a way to leave tonight, she would. The entire event had reinforced her dislike for all things ton.
Lady Cecily had gone from flirting to downright shadowing Jason. Apparently with the approval of her mother. The female guests used every opportunity to malign whoever was not present in the current group. The gentlemen drank and gambled too much. And the distinct sound of soft footsteps pattered up and down the halls each night, with the elite members of society changing bedmates.
“Why so pensive tonight, love?” Jason spoke softly behind her, his breath warm on her skin. The moonlight shone on the terrace, casting everything into an eerie light. Olivia leaned against the stone wall and wrapped her arms around herself.
“I’m just tired. I don’t think I fit very well into your world. The peace and quiet I held so dear in Rome is very much on my mind these days.” She shrugged slightly and gave him a small smile.
“I understand, sweetheart. This gathering has been very trying for me as well.” Noting her raised eyebrows, he continued. “Despite what you think of me, Olivia, I do not wish to be chased and pursued all the time.” He turned away from her, and leaned his forearms on the wall. “Even if I were interested in a dalliance,” he looked at her quickly, “which I am not. I would certainly prefer to do my own chasing. ’Tis very disconcerting to be hunted.”
“I suppose it would be so.” Olivia tilted her head and regarded him. Was she wrong in her assessment of Lord Arrogant? Could it be he disdained the emptiness of the life he’d been born into? Something in her heart gave a slight twist. Perhaps she had truly seen him at his worst, and the real Coventry cared for the same things she did. Something to think about.
He turned back to her and gave a slight shrug. “And it is my greatest vexation that the one woman I want, the woman who I have every right to desire, spurns me.”
There was no mistaking the lust in his eyes as his warm hands covered hers. “What say you we pilfer a bottle of champagne and drown our sorrows together?” He looked pointedly at her, his lopsided smile causing her knees to turn to water.
Escaping with Jason was definitely not a good idea, but something about his revelations and rare exposure of vulnerability tugged at her heart.
“And where shall we have this event?”
He grinned. “Your room?”
“I think not, my lord.” Once he gained her room, there would be no removing him.
“My room,” he said forcefully, taking her by the arm.
That might be a bette
r idea. I shall leave if things become too difficult.
“My room is third on the left in the east wing. Go there and slip inside. I’ll get the champagne and join you.”
His velvet voice in her ear caused naughty feelings to arise, like the time she and Elizabeth had climbed out the school window to wander around London at night. Heat gathered in her center, and she suppressed a girlish giggle as she hurried to Jason’s room.
With most of the guests already in their rooms, she saw no one. She felt rather lighthearted and pushed niggling doubts to the back of her mind. She and Jason would merely share a bottle of champagne, and then she would depart for her room.
Wasn’t it her plan to see if she could engage feelings other than lust? This could be a golden opportunity to begin her campaign.
How much trouble could that get her into?
Chapter Twenty-One
Olivia ran her palms up and down her arms to ward off the chill in the room. Perhaps the coldness came from within. Or perchance it wasn’t a chill at all, but anticipation. And she was afraid she knew for what. Jason suspected her resistance to him was melting.
If only she could keep her anger at the forefront. He wed her and left her to fend for herself. Somehow that no longer brought the ire it used to. He was a notorious rake and even bedded tavern wenches. That was before they’d married. According to what she’d overheard, his mistress had had no intention of giving him up. But the last time she saw Lady Sheridan the woman had attached herself to Lord Allington, and had completely ignored Jason.
Handsome, charming, and sought after by both married and unmarried ladies, he claimed to be tired of it all. And she didn’t doubt his desire for her. She felt it in his touch, saw it in his piercing blue eyes. Was she to be the next woman to warm his bed and then cast aside? Since she was his legal wife, the casting off would be different from one of his mistresses. Jewelry, perhaps. But his name, wealth, title, and his heir would remain hers. Except for a child, the rest was poor compensation for a cold bed.
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