Love Reacquainted (Loves of London Book 1)

by Kate Rolin

  Josef was set to resume his studies tomorrow, with Derrick sending his carriage to fetch both Olivia and Josef to his home. She didn’t want to impose every day on Elizabeth and her new husband. Olivia had planned to visit with Lady Wainwright or catch up on her own projects while they studied until she was sure Josef was comfortable enough to attend on his own.

  At the mention of Josef’s tutor, Elizabeth frowned, “You know dear, I still insist Josef has his lessons here. It’s really no imposition.”

  “Aunt Elizabeth, you’ve been so kind to take us in. I won’t have your house run over by us, not when you’ve recently married as well. It’s fine, trust me. Derrick assured me he and his mother are more than happy to oblige us.”

  That’s precisely what Elizabeth was afraid of. She worked her lower lip, avoiding saying anything else.

  Chapter Twelve

  February, 1791

  The next few weeks went by fairly quickly for Olivia, having adjusted to her new routine. She no longer felt the need to attend every lesson with Josef, but at Derrick’s insistence, she came along on Tuesdays and Thursdays to stay for supper as well. He said he wanted to repay her for the same kindness she had extended while they had inhabited the Duke’s house and Olivia wanted to give her aunt a few evenings alone with her husband.

  Elizabeth had pressed upon her not to go, that it wasn’t any bother, but Olivia wouldn’t listen. Besides, she was finding she quite enjoyed the friendship that she was developing with Derrick and Lady Wainwright. The mother may be a bit of a gossip and overeager, but she was nothing but kind to Olivia and Josef. And most importantly, they kept her mind preoccupied.

  Meanwhile, Cyrus felt that the weeks had crawled by at an agonizing pace, accentuated by the pain he felt at Olivia’s absence. Every day his resolve that he had done the right thing waned more and more. He tried to throw himself into his work, thoroughly reviewing his estate accounts and seeing to his tenants, but still she invaded his mind, refusing to be forgotten. Her memory was his constant companion.

  Cyrus had never felt more alone.

  And then he’d received that blasted letter from Elizabeth. It took him two whole days before he finally read it. He wagered he knew the contents without needing to open it, and he was mostly right. What was it she’d said? Ah, yes, that he was a selfish brute, concerned only about his welfare and protecting his own heart, while Olivia was left alone and heartbroken.

  Oh, and a coward. She’d dared to call him a coward, even after everything she’d been witness to regarding Lydia. She, of all people, should have understood how he felt. She’d been there and seen his misery.

  And yet, his brain argued, she was able to heal and find love again after her own heartbreak. Cyrus wasn’t the first person to lose a mate. Not to mention Olivia, who’d not only lost her husband, but her mother and father as well, all within a span of three years. And she’d been willing to open up her heart to him, regardless of the risks.

  What a fool he’d been.

  That Wednesday morning, Cyrus sat down in his desk chair and ran his hand through his untied hair, mentally exhausted after his internal wrestling for the past day since reading Elizabeth’s letter. He sighed, he knew she was right. He was being selfish—and a coward. He’d become so self-absorbed in his own loss, he was blinded to the pain of others as well. And now he’d deeply hurt the one person he’d come to love again as a result.

  The self-admission did little to ease his misery. What was he to do now? After the way he’d acted and the things he’d said to Olivia, he couldn’t very well ride to London and swoop her back off her feet.

  He could beg for forgiveness, and knowing Olivia, she’d grant it. But to take him back? To love him? It was possible he’d done irreparable damage to their new and fragile relationship.

  Elizabeth had seemed confident that he need only return and explain himself, but he knew Olivia deserved more than simple a few words. He’d have to give her time to trust him again.

  He sat up suddenly, an idea forming.

  He sent the footman for Charles who had now returned from London. When he entered, Cyrus thought the man looked even more subdued than usual, if that was possible. “Charles, I need you to send for my solicitor. Tell him it’s urgent. No, no, nevermind. I don’t want to wait. I’ll head for London myself. Send ahead a note that I want to see him at my townhouse first thing in the morning the day after tomorrow. No, make that tomorrow night. We will have arrived before then if we leave at sun-up.”

  “We, sir?”

  “Yes, you’re coming with me. Alert Cook and William as well.”

  “For how long should we expect to be there, Your Grace?”

  “Indefinitely. Make sure everyone is ready for the early morning start.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Charles bowed and smiled to himself. It was about time.

  ~

  The next afternoon, Olivia sat visiting with Lady Wainwright over tea as it was her day to accompany Josef to his lessons. They’d covered the usual topics: the weather, Josef’s progress, recent news—and gossip on Clara’s part—when Clara became uncharacteristically quiet. She sat her teacup on its saucer and looked intently at Olivia. “Tell me, dear, since it’s been almost two months that you’ve lived with Elizabeth…”

  “Six weeks, to be exact.”

  “Yes, six weeks, and a wonderful time it’s been. Tell me, have you thought any to making more, er, definite—permanent—plans?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Well, only that you are still quite young, not to mention beautiful. And the boy, he could use a father. I assume you weren’t planning to live with Elizabeth forever, her recent marriage and all.”

  Ah, Lady Wainwright, ever the subtle one, Olivia smiled to herself. “No, I don’t plan to live there indefinitely. I do realize Josef could use a father-figure, not that anyone could replace his own father.”

  “No, of course not.” Lady Wainwright’s expression was one of solemn understanding.

  “I’ve actually enlisted the help of my aunt in finding a suitable match. I know her reputation precedes her in that area.”

  “Oh yes, a successful matchmaker, that one! And, uh, tell me Olivia, has she been successful on your behalf?”

  Olivia pushed away the thought of Cyrus that sprang to mind. “Actually, I asked for some time to adjust to life in London first. My first priority was seeing Josef settled with a tutor.”

  “Yes, well, I’d say you have completed that task very well.”

  “Yes, I suppose so. He has advanced since Derrick began his studies. I appreciate his willingness to take the position. It’s not every day you find a Lord who desires to tutor children.”

  “Oh, he loves it! It was just the sort of thing he was looking for on his return from Africa to occupy his time. He had no desire for work in the Church, admirable though it is. And the military life would not suit him. Apparently he fell in love with educating while he was there doing whatever it was he did. He still cannot discuss it, you know.”

  “Mmm.” Olivia smiled politely. Even a dull pigeon could see where this was going.

  “Shame he’s never married to have a child of his own, but he’s been so preoccupied these past years in Africa, and none of the women there would be suitable brides anyhow.”

  Olivia did not see why that would be the case, but merely nodded.

  “I dare say, he has become quite fond of you as well. I see it in his eyes when you enter the room.” Lady Wainwright smiled knowingly.

  “Derrick has proven a most valuable friend to me these past few weeks.”

  “Hmm.” Lady Wainwright picked up her fan as a distraction. She was hoping to hear a more glowing report of her son from Olivia, rather than friend. Perhaps she would plant the seed though… “I have an idea! Why don’t we take a little shopping trip tomorrow, the four of us! I have some packages to be delivered late tomorrow afternoon, but we could all go to St. James and I could pick them up there. We’d hav
e a lovely afternoon and then dinner out. Oh, I know it’s not your day to visit, but surely you could rearrange your plans if you already have some.”

  The truth was Olivia did not, but something about the suggestion made her feel uneasy. It reminded her too much of her trip to the same place with Cyrus, and the pianoforte, and…everything. She hesitated just briefly, but before she could respond, Derrick and Josef walked in.

  “What’s this about packages, Mother?” Derrick walked over and reached for a scone from their tray, popping it in his mouth and giving Olivia a wink at the same time.

  She smiled at him. He really had been a good fiend to her these past few weeks. He was a big reason she was not downright lonely all of the time.

  “Oh, Derrick! You startled me! We were just planning to take a little trip to the shops tomorrow. I have some things I need to pick up for myself.”

  Olivia shifted in her seat. “Well, Josef has his studies and…”

  “Actually, we were just discussing how far he has progressed, weren’t we Josef? I think a day for recreation would be a fitting reward.”

  Josef nodded eagerly in agreement.

  “There, you see? So it’s settled. We’ll send our carriage for you just after luncheon tomorrow and spend the afternoon at the shops.” Lady Wainwright sat up straight, smoothing her skirts and indicating the matter was settled.

  “Very well,” Olivia acquiesced. She had a few items she had been needing to buy herself anyway and it did sound like fun. Derrick flashed her a white smile that was bright against his tanned skin. Perhaps this was just the thing she needed to help boost her spirits, so she added, “I look forward to it.”

  ~

  That evening, Cyrus arrived at his townhome and after a simple dinner, so did his solicitor. They sat in his study and Cyrus offered his guest a drink, which he politely declined, wanting to find out what the urgent matter was that required his presence at so late an hour. He didn’t have to wait long.

  “I appreciate you coming on such short notice, Malcolm. I won’t keep you waiting so you can return to your family. I need to discuss the matter of my being guardian to Lady von Klor. As I mentioned the last time we met, she has returned to London permanently and I feel it’s time I turn over her accounts to her, as she is the rightful owner.”

  “But, Your Grace, she has no husband if I am not mistaken. You would turn it all over to…a woman? Even if it is hers, surely she would feel more secure with you managing it for her.”

  “Lady von Klor is quite capable—more than even most men I know. The funds were left by her father for her and her son. I was merely to help manage from here while she remained in Austria. Now that she is back, I want to hand over what is rightfully hers.”

  “Very well, Your Grace. And does the lady know about this?”

  “Not yet. I was hoping you could inform her on the morrow and offer your services to her as a solicitor. That is, unless she chooses someone else.”

  “She…choose? I must say, Your Grace, this is quite unusual.” After a dark look from Cyrus, he added, “But I will go and see the Lady. I’m afraid it won’t be until the day after tomorrow, though. I had to push several appointments back upon receiving your urgent message.”

  Cyrus sighed. Mr. Malcolm, though an honest and faithful solicitor, could be quite trying at times for Cyrus. Nevertheless, he had been willing to come here late in the evening and would be the best man for the job of discussing Olivia’s finances.

  “Very well. Day after tomorrow. Thank you Malcolm, I will make this worth your time. Tell your family I send my regards.”

  As Mr. Malcolm left, Cyrus smiled to himself. This was a small first step in winning back Olivia. He needed to disconnect himself from her financially and offer only himself to her. He wanted her to know he had the utmost trust and admiration for her as a woman as well. Perhaps she would know his true feelings by his actions. They speak louder than words, after all.

  ~

  Cyrus spent the next morning in his study reviewing estate books he’d brought with him. A footman brought in a tray of food when time for luncheon arrived and Cyrus looked up from his desk nodding as indication of where it should be placed. He continued working a little while longer and finally stood to make his way over to the food. He took a bite of—something—he wasn’t really noticing the contents, and chewed absent-mindedly.

  No matter what he was doing, he’d been unable to keep his mind off Olivia all morning. With the anticipation and excitement of his plan, it took everything in him not to ride over to Elizabeth’s immediately to see her. He needed to approach slowly and cautiously, but it wasn’t easy.

  He stopped chewing as an idea came to him suddenly. It wouldn’t be until tomorrow that Malcolm visited Olivia and he definitely needed to wait until after that to go see her, but he didn’t have to wait around alone at home all day today either. He could go ahead and look for the gift he knew he wanted to have for Olivia—assuming she forgave him of course. Yes, that would take up the afternoon. Even if her birthday was still a few weeks away, he’d wait as long as he need to—she was worth it.

  Gulping down the contents of his glass, he then set it down and ordered the footman to alert his driver to be prepared to take him to St. James within the hour.

  ~

  It was a warm day for mid-February, which meant more people would be out and it took Cyrus longer than usual to arrive due to the crowded streets. Finally, he was there. He had a few errands he needed to take care of first and once those were completed, he made his way to take care of the task at hand.

  He came to Harris’s Apothecary, remembering his visit there with Olivia two months ago, and reminding him of the cologne she had given him that he’d continued to wear every day. He smiled, but continued on as that was not his destination.

  Just a little further down and he stopped, looking up at the familiar jeweler’s sign. He reached up for the handle and made his way in. The bell at the door tinkled, signaling his arrival and he looked around to find he was the only customer. The jeweler emerged from the back room and Cyrus noticed he again had on his powdered wig, this time dressed in a rich green velvet coat and black breeches.

  “Ah, the man who owns the sapphire bracelet! I never forget a face, nor the jewelry that goes with it. Tell me, was the bracelet to your liking, Your Grace?” He now knew the identity of his customer.

  “Yes, it was. That’s why I’m here today, in fact. I would like to see your other items that would accompany the piece, the same sapphire and diamond setting, if you will.”

  “Very good, Your Grace. One moment as I gather the trays.”

  It only took a few seconds and the man had three trays setting on the counter, each filled with various pieces and stones, and Cyrus recognized similar sapphire pieces on each one.

  “Here are two necklaces you might find to your liking.” He lifted up a diamond choker with three sapphire stones in front, and then a larger necklace that Cyrus found too gaudy for what he’d observed Olivia’s tastes to be. Cyrus shook his head no to both, and the jeweler nodded, reaching for another piece. This time it was a pair of earrings. The sapphire stones dangled slightly just below a round, white diamond. Cyrus thought these had promise, but still asked to see more.

  The man rummaged through the third tray and paused. “I believe I may have just the thing you are looking for. One moment, please.” He disappeared behind the black curtain into the back room and returned quickly. Opening the velvet cloth in his hand, he showed Cyrus the most beautiful ring he’d ever seen. It was a very similar style to the bracelet, a simple sapphire stone set in the center with tiny diamonds surrounding it.

  Just as with the bracelet, Cyrus felt he was looking at the color of Olivia’s eyes. It even looked as if it was the right size for Olivia’s fingers, though the jeweler assured him it could be resized if needed.

  Cyrus, affirming his wish to purchase the ring, waited as the man went to wrap it up in a little square box. He smiled again to
himself. It was perfect. He knew Olivia’s birthday was only a few weeks away, and he may have to wait a little longer before giving her a ring, but he would keep it until the time was right.

  If the time would ever be right.

  Cyrus pushed aside the niggling doubt. He was determined not to be ruled by his fear any longer. He focused on what he knew: he loved her and she was the kind of woman who would forgive a penitent heart. As far as accepting his proposal, well, it was a risk—one he was now willing to take.

  “Here you are, Your Grace. I must say, the lovely woman—who is not your niece—is a lucky woman.” The clerk gave a knowing smile at his previous assumption.

  “I am the lucky one, sir.” Cyrus tucked the little box inside his navy coat. Tipping his hat, he then exited the shop and stepped out onto the street again.

  He blinked at the bright sunlight that shone on this unseasonably warm day, momentarily blinded. Once his sight adjusted, he began to make his way over to where he knew his carriage waited.

  “Mutter, look!”

  The sound came from across the street and stopped him in his tracks. It was the Austrian-accented voice of a precious boy.

  Cyrus turned toward the sound and saw Josef tugging on a woman’s dark green sleeve and pointing to something further down that must have amused him. He could barely make out her profile as her back was mostly to him, but he knew those auburn curls escaping from underneath the matching green hat could only belong to Olivia.

  He was frozen in place drinking in the sight of her, content to watch from afar. His right hand went subconsciously to his coat pocket that held her ring. He knew he should not approach her, Malcolm wouldn’t have spoken with her yet, but his resolve quickly left him.

  He began to cross the street, but then stopped.

  A tall, tanned man had stepped up beside Olivia and whispered something in her ear. Cyrus watched as she laughed and then took the man’s arm, placing her free hand on his upper arm in a familiar manner. The man then began conversing with Josef while Olivia, still smiling, absentmindedly turned and scanned the crowds, still holding onto the man’s arm.