by Gill, Tamara
He slammed the front door to the townhouse, closing that part of his life along with it. His friendship with Oglemoore was over, and now he had to find Olivia and see if he could win back her trust and, dare he say it, affections.
Jasper called for home. He would win her back, earn her trust and forgiveness. They were suited in all ways. She made him laugh, love, and play with the utmost pleasure. He could not live his life without her in it. His future would be a bleak landscape should she refuse him. A missed opportunity that in time they both would regret, he was certain of it.
Chapter 17
Olivia arrived at her estate and told her staff to inform all visitors she was not at home. She had been at her house for three days, and still the humiliation, the devastation that Lord Oglemoore's words brought forth in her were enough to make her cry.
Perhaps her playing a small trick on Oglemoore had forced karma to make an appearance. Still, the fact Jasper had been in on Oglemoore's scheme hurt. She had thought herself in love with the man.
There was nothing else left to say on the matter. She had fallen in love with him the moment she gave herself to him at his home. Never would she have been so careless unless a small part of her believed Jasper loved her in return and would make her his wife.
How desperate everyone must think her. What a pathetic human being. No doubt all of London was having a jolly good laugh at her expense right at this moment.
She stepped off the terrace in the twilight, walking out onto the lawns and toward the lake just visible through the trees. The water always brought on a calming effect, and she needed that more than anything right now.
"Olivia?"
She gasped, turning to face Hamlyn, who strode toward her, his steps as determined as the look on his face. What was he doing here?
"Leave, Your Grace. You're not welcome here," she said, marching back toward the lake and ignoring his calls for her to stop. She would never stop being angry at him. What he had done had made her look the fool. All this time, he knew of her plan while working for his friend. She cringed, her stomach threatening to bring up her dinner at the thought of it all.
"Stop. Olivia, wait."
She heard him running, and she took a calming breath, not wanting to listen to a word from him. Never again did she even want to see his two-faced mouth.
He caught up to her, clasping her hand to pull her to a stop. She wrenched free, startling him. "Do not touch me, Hamlyn. Do not ever touch me again."
The pain etched on his face pulled at the place her heart once beat, but she thrust it aside. Reminded herself what he'd done. What he and Oglemoore had schemed.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Olivia. Oglemoore was wrong to tell you what he did. His scheme was never meant to hurt you, merely let you down gently without him having to tell you outright that he did not want to offer marriage."
His words hurt, stung, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "How hard is it to be honest? I'm a grown woman, I can listen to a great many things and not get emotional."
"I know that," he said, tipping his head to one side, willing her to forgive him with his sad, worried frown, but she would not. She'd been humiliated in front of the ton. There was no forgiveness for such a slight.
"Oglemoore should have told you the truth. Hell, I should have told you the truth, but when you asked me to tease him into thinking he'd made a mistake, I decided another path. I enjoyed spending time with you, and if you found out Oglemoore was indeed courting another, and the game was over, I feared you would push me aside. I did not want to lose you."
"You did not want to stop tupping me is what you ought to be saying. Well," she said, starting for the pond once more, "you will not be touching me again ever, so I hope your game with Oglemoore was worth your time."
"Damn it, Olivia, listen to me." He clasped her arm, pulling her around. "I saw no harm in doing either Oglemoore's bidding or yours. When you seemed to lose interest in Oglemoore I thought it a blessing that perhaps you liked me more than your own game. My courting of you may have started at the behest of my friend, but it is not why I continued once we returned to London. I wanted to be with you. I enjoyed your conversation and wit. At someplace along the way, I wanted you for myself."
Olivia stepped back. He wanted her for himself? "Pardon?"
"I'm in love with you, Olivia. I traveled here as soon as I found out what had occurred in London. Since yesterday morning, after being denied entry for the second day in a row, I have been hiding in your woods. I hoped to catch you in the garden, and it wasn't until tonight that my luck changed."
Olivia watched as Jasper's lips moved, explained how he came to be here, but her mind had halted thought at the five words he just admitted. He was in love with her?
"You're in love with me?" she repeated, hating to sound so arrested.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair, stepping closer. "I am utterly, absolutely, wholeheartedly in love with you." He rummaged in his coat pocket, pulling out a small blue velvet box. "I had planned on giving this to you the night we were to meet again, but I suppose now is as good a time as any." He opened it, and she gasped, stepping back.
A diamond circled by dark-green emeralds twinkled up at her in the twilight. She met Jasper's gaze, unable to fathom what was happening. She was angry with him, she reminded herself. Had promised all sorts of retribution against his person, some of which may have involved torture. His asking to marry her had not been in her mind.
"Marry me, Olivia. I adore and love you so very much. You have my heart, and I do not want to be parted from you again. Please tell me you'll be mine."
Not quite ready to forgive him, she crossed her arms to stop herself from reaching for the stunning ring. "If you marry me, you do know that you'll be the butt of all jokes in town for marrying a woman who is the latest on dit. Are you proposing to save my reputation? Because I'd rather not have you if that is all my marriage will be, another falsehood."
"No." He reached for her, wrapping her in his arms. For a moment, Olivia thought about trying to escape his grip, but then, being in his arms again was a comfort that she'd missed these past three days. "While I do care about what people think of you, I also do not care what they think of my proposing. I know that I'm asking because I want you and no one else. Oglemoore is right at this moment sporting my opinion of him on his face, and I want you to show what I think of you on your finger. I'm the Duke of Hamlyn, no one would dare speak a word of Oglemoore's ploy against you from this day forward."
She narrowed her eyes, and yet, at his words, a little of her ire left her. "The ton will laugh at me, behind my back. I cannot return to London."
"I will blacken everyone's nose should they dare speak a word of Oglemoore's scheme."
Olivia debated hating him still, but at his earnestness, his soulful eyes, she could not. She reached up, wrapping her arms about his neck. Oh, how she had missed him. The thought that he was lost to her had broken her soul in two, never to be the same again.
"Are you telling me that Lord Oglemoore is donning a broken nose?"
He grinned, kissing her own nose. "And perhaps a couple of black eyes."
Olivia chuckled, and Jasper stepped back, lifting the velvet case yet again before her. "Will you marry me, my love? I promise you this is no lark. I want you to be my wife, my duchess, my lover and friend. Be mine?" he asked her, taking the ring out and holding it before her.
Olivia bit her lip, hope, love, and relief pouring through her like a balm. She held out her hand, smiling. "Yes, I will marry you, Jasper."
His smile lit up the twilight, and he slipped the ring on. It was heavy and so beautiful. Olivia stared at it a moment, unable to comprehend she was engaged. And not only engaged to be married, but to a man whom she loved so much that at times the emotion had almost overwhelmed her.
He wrenched her into his arms, spinning and kissing her. She clung to him, taking his lips, having missed him so very much. The idea of not being with him as they now
were had torn her in two, and she had wondered if she would survive the heartbreak.
"I need you. Please tell me I can escort you back to the house?" he asked, his voice a gravelly, deep growl that promised unfettered pleasure.
"You may," she said after he set her down. She pulled him toward the house at almost a run.
Olivia took Jasper directly to her room, shutting and locking the door on anyone who may disturb them. They stripped before the bed, only stopping to help the other with ties or clips they could not handle themselves before falling onto the mattress.
Jasper kissed her deep and long, relief pouring through him that she was his. That she had agreed to marry him and be his from this day forward. He would never allow anyone to insult or harm her again. He'd been a fool to have allowed his friend his stupid scheme. When he had the chance, he should have told Oglemoore to man up and be honest with Olivia.
Her legs wrapped about his waist and, unable to wait a moment longer, he took her, thrust deep into her welcoming heat, and made them one.
"Oh, Jasper. I have missed you," she gasped, throwing her head against the bedding as he took her with long, hard strokes.
"I missed you." He breathed in her delicious scent of jasmine and another that was wholly her. To think he could have lost the love in his arms through his own foolish actions left him grappling for purpose.
He would never hurt her again or embarrass her in such a way.
He took her lips, kissing her and slowing his strokes, wanting to make tonight last, take their time in making love, enjoy the other without time restraints. He would stay here forever if he didn't want to get her down an aisle within the week.
She shifted beneath him, seeking her own pleasure, and he saw stars. Damn it, she made him want to lose control, to let her use him for her own means. Jasper reached down, clasped her ass and rolled, pulling her to sit atop him.
Olivia stared down at him, her eyes wide with uncertainty. "This is just another way in which to make love, my darling. Use me at your will," he offered, folding his arms behind his head.
She slid down on him, her exhale of breath making his cock harden to rock. She soon fell into a steady rhythm. Jasper breathed deep, steeling himself not to come. Her breasts swung before him, and she clutched at his chest, rising and falling with abandonment as she sought release.
"You're so damn beautiful," he gasped, reaching for her hips and helping her fuck him.
She moaned, throwing her head back, her long, dark locks tickling his balls. She convulsed around his cock, pulling him into such a strong, pleasurable orgasm that his moans intertwined with hers.
Her rocking upon him dragged his release out for longer than he thought possible. He could hardly wait until he took her again. She was an addiction he would forever crave.
She slumped over him, their bodies still engaged, and gasped for air. "Oh, Jasper. How lucky am I that I can have you in this way whenever I please?" She waved her ring before his face. "Tell me, when can we be married?"
"Return to London, and we shall be married by special license by the week's end. I cannot be without you in my life or bed another night."
"Mmm," she said, placing light kisses across his chest. "Yes, I agree. I do not want to not be there either." She grinned down at him, and his heart thumped hard. "I love you too. Just in case I had not said so already."
He pulled her close, rolling to lay over her. "I'm glad to hear you say it, my love. I would hate to be the only one here in love."
She reached up, clasping his jaw. "You're not alone, and nor will you ever be alone again."
"Perfect." He kissed her soundly, catapulting them into pleasure a second time in as many minutes. The night was young, and there was more indulgence to be had, both in each other's arms and with each other's company—the unspoiled way to end the day.
Epilogue
One year later
True to his word, Jasper married her before the week was out in a small church in London. The Marquess and Marchioness Graham, along with the Duke and Duchess of Carlton, their only witnesses.
Twelve months on and Olivia still had to pinch herself every now and then to remind herself she was indeed married to Jasper, the Duke of Hamlyn, and absolutely, utterly in love with the man.
As promised, the ton did not dare gossip about her. Anyway, the ton had more than enough fodder to keep them busy after her friend Lady Athol married Lord Berry only to run away with Lord Oglemoore to the continent a month later. London had talked of nothing else, and Olivia had not heard from Athol since the day they argued.
All she could hope was that her friend was happy and not regretting her choice, which seemed to change as much as the days of the week.
Now back in the country after a whirlwind Season, Olivia was glad to be at the ducal estate for the winter. Over the past weeks, she had grown severely tired and lethargic in the mornings, her stomach roiling at the oddest smells.
So much so she had sought out her doctor in town, only to have confirmed her most dearly wished-for dream. She was pregnant, and they were going to have a baby.
Olivia strode into the ducal suite, locking the door behind her when she heard the splashing of the bath. Striding into their bathing suite, Olivia made short work of her clothes, the amused, naughty light in Jasper's eyes telling her he did not mind that she was about to join him.
She stepped into the copper tub that sat before a fire, ignoring the bit of water that splashed over the sides. "Good evening, Your Grace. I have missed you today," she said, moving onto his lap, sliding her hands up his chest.
His own clasped her waist, moving her to straddle his legs. "Hmm, I have missed you as well," he said, kissing her lips, her cheek, her neck before nibbling on her ear. She shivered.
"I need to talk to you about something," she managed to say as he continued to tease her.
"Hmm, you do?" he said, his hand coming about to clasp her breast, kneading it. She gasped when his fingers rolled her nipple. "Does that feel good, wife?" he asked.
"Yes, you know it does, but let me talk first, and then we can play. I want to tell you something."
He leaned back, meeting her gaze. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong, but there is something.” She shook her head, wanting to dispel his unease. “Everything is absolutely fine. But you know how I have been so very tired of late, somewhat low-spirited and ill."
"Yes," he answered cautiously. "I have noticed," he admitted, his hands idly running over her back.
"Well, I know what has been ailing me of late.”
Jasper frowned, his ministrations on her skin halting. "What is it? Should I be concerned?"
She shook her head, swallowing past the lump in her throat. So many months they had tried for a baby, and each time she bled, she had felt the stab of disappointment, the loss of a small part of them that she so desperately wanted.
"No, not worried. I think you'll be happy." She blinked back tears, and Jasper's frown deepened.
"Tell me, Olivia. You're scaring me now," he demanded.
She ran her hands over his jaw, reveling in the feel of the stubble there. "I'm pregnant, Jasper. We're going to have a child."
His eyes widened, his mouth moved, and yet nothing came out. It was a first for him. He normally had so much to say. "You're enceinte? Oh my, darling. You scared me half to death."
She laughed as he pulled her into his arms, more water sloshing to the floor. "My darling, darling wife. How happy I am. And are you sure," he said, reaching for her stomach and laying his palm over her there, "that you are well, and nothing is wrong?"
She shook her head. "The doctor suggested rest and healthy eating, no lifting of anything too heavy. Other than that, there is nothing to report."
He kissed her, long and slow, and her stomach fluttered. "I adore you so much. You will want for nothing, pregnant or not. I shall wait on you hand and foot."
She laughed, having lived with him for a year now, there was
scant she ever had to do. He pampered, loved, and spoiled her beyond what was necessary at times. Now that she was having his baby, she knew he would only grow worse with his mollycoddling, but she would allow him his way. If it made him feel better, what harm did it do?
"I had started to worry that we may not be able to have children. I hope it's a boy, Jasper," she said, covering his hands on her stomach with hers.
"Whatever it is, I just hope that you are well, along with the baby. That is all that matters."
And seven and a half months later, Olivia did give birth safely. To a girl and a boy, and the duke was yet again in awe of his wife and spoiled her appropriately for the remainder of their days.
As he should.
To Kiss a Highland Rose
Kiss the Wallflower, Book 6
Determined to put a troubled Season behind her, Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh eschewed the London social whirl to enjoy Edinburgh— the joie de vivre she hadn't realized was missing. When a handsome English Earl arrives and sets everyone's hearts aflutter, all the better.
Sebastian Denholm, Lord Hastings will endure a Scottish Season if it means he can seduce Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh. Coveting an estate she owns, marriage is the simplest way to acquire it. Shockingly, the courtship is enjoyable when Lady Elizabeth reveals herself as one of the most beautiful, intelligent women he's ever met.
But when marriage binds Sebastian and Elizabeth together, Sebastian's real reason for their union threatens to rip them apart. One English Earl finds there is nothing more fearsome than a Scottish lass who's been played the fool twice.
Chapter 1
Edinburgh – 1810
The first week of the Scottish Season was a crush and wonderful all at the same time. Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh admitted that being back within Scotland’s society's bosom with all the scandalous goings-on was just what she needed. It had been two years since she'd traveled away from her brother's estate, taking part in the gaiety with her friends. Two women she loved dearly and who were forever reminding her of what she was missing. With a bountiful glass of chilled champagne in her hand, she inwardly toasted her unmarried friend, Lady Julia Tarrant, for making her attend tonight. The weeks to come were sure to be filled with laughter, fun, and perhaps marriage, if she were lucky enough to find a suitable husband.