The Elusive Wife (14 page)

“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, perusing 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.”

Olivia immediately stiffened her back. He sounded so serious and she wasn’t ready to lose the glow of the evening quite yet. She viewed him with raised eyebrows.

“Don’t look so suspicious, love. I merely wanted to ask you to take a trip with me to Coventry Manor.” He straightened and clasped both her hands in his. “Before you say no, hear me out.”

She tried to tug her hands back, but he held firm.

“It is necessary for me to travel to Coventry to meet with my steward as there are some issues he cannot deal with himself. When I made a visit to Coventry a few weeks ago, I found the staff and tenants had fallen under your spell. I need someone to call on the tenants and meet with the staff to solve any issues that need handling. Since everyone there seems so fond of you,” he grinned, “I thought it might be nice for you to visit with them.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Olivia shook her head.

“It wouldn’t be for long. I plan to leave early the morning after next, and stay maybe two days. We’ll be back before the week’s end.”

When she continued to shake her head, he winked. “I don’t think I could face my staff if I arrived without you.”

“No,” she said. “Definitely not. And nothing you can say will change my mind. It’s not a good idea.”

…

Olivia covered her mouth in an attempt to stifle a yawn as she settled in Lord Coventry’s coach. Attending the Underwood ball last evening had not been one of her better decisions. When Jason had said that they would leave early for Coventry, she had no idea he meant before the sun rose. It would have been wise to just stay up, since the two hours of sleep only made her feel worse.

The air still held the night’s chill and she rubbed her palms over her arms while she waited for Jason to give final instructions to the driver. A light drizzle added to the misery of the morning. Giving in to her body’s demands, she yawned widely, glad there wasn’t anyone to witness her unladylike behavior.

Even though a little miffed that he’d coerced her into making this trip, she looked forward to revisiting the tenants she had grown so fond of. And she would play the pianoforte to entertain the staff who’d been her only friends after Jason had abandoned her.

A cool dampness announced Jason’s arrival as the door swung open and he entered the carriage, his large body seeming to take up all the space and air. She shivered as much from his overpowering presence as from the cold.

He reached under the seat and pulled out a fur blanket. “No offense, love, but you look like you could use a bit more sleep.”

“I’m fine, I got some rest.”

“Olivia, please. This trip will be tedious, and I prefer for both of us to be comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.” He shook out the blanket as the carriage started. “You’re shivering and your eyes are bloodshot.” Grasping her hand he pulled her forward, and taken by surprise at the movement, she ended up sitting next to him.

“Now stretch out alongside me, and get some sleep. It’s what I intend to do.” He turned her shoulders, ignoring her open-mouthed stare. Tucking her head against his chest, he arranged the blanket about their bodies, and put his arm around her waist.

“Go to sleep, love, the journey won’t be so tiresome if you sleep away part of it.”

Olivia was still in shock. One minute she had been viewing Jason across the carriage, and the next minute he’d gathered her against his massive warm chest, with a blanket over the both of them. This would never do. His forearm was much too close to her breasts. As soon as she felt warmer, she would move back to the other side of the carriage, and let Lord Arrogant know his machinations were unwelcome. As far as she was concerned, nothing had changed. Once the Season had grown to a close, she would be off to Italy.

She opened her eyes to see the sun high in the sky. She had fallen asleep, and apparently from the position of the sun, for several hours. She was still up against Jason’s chest, and mortified to find his hand cupping her breast.

“My lord!” she said, sitting up abruptly, adjusting her dangling hat.

“What?” Jason jerked, obviously waking from a sound sleep.

“You were touching me most inappropriately.” She smoothed her dress, then threw the blanket aside. Heat rose to her face and her heart pounded as she skittered to the other side of the coach.

Jason stretched lazily. “My regret is I was doing it in my sleep. I don’t suppose you would care to demonstrate exactly how I touched you?” He held out his hand, smiling wickedly.

“Indeed not.” Olivia sniffed.

Jason grinned while he folded the blanket and returned it to the storage bin under the seat. The day had cleared and now a weak sun shone through the carriage window.

He used his cane to tap the roof of the carriage, the signal for his driver to stop at the next coaching inn. “It would be a good time for us to stretch our legs and have something to eat.”

“Yes, I believe I could take something. I had only a cup of tea this morning.” She continued to straighten her clothes, fussing with her hair and trying to calm her heart.

His hand was on my breast! Was it truly an accident, or was it just another of the rake’s ploys?

She regarded him through slitted eyes, and he returned her stare with a beguiling smile. Definitely not to be trusted. No, best to keep her person far from this man. Her mind might know what he was, but it seemed her body was bent on ignoring the message.

But what glorious feelings the misbehaving had created in her. Her heart still pounded, and a soft fluttering had settled into a spot between her legs. What would it be like to allow him all the liberties a husband could demand from his wife? She glanced at him under lowered eyelids. He continued to study her, like a scientist viewing a specimen under glass. She breathed a sigh of relief as the coach came to a halt and the driver opened the door.

The inn was a pleasant one, with excellent food. Jason procured a private dining room for them, and they enjoyed a lunch of thick creamed cod soup, roast beef with vegetables, and fresh bread.

After her long nap and the hearty meal, Olivia felt quite restored, especially as she sipped her tea. The slight headache she’d awoken with had vanished and she now looked forward to seeing the countryside and visiting with the tenants once again.

“How much longer will our journey take, my lord?” Olivia patted her mouth with her serviette.

“Not more than a few hours if all goes well. We should be there in time for a late dinner, although after this repast, I can’t imagine being hungry again anytime soon.”

“We agree on that point, my lord. I too feel as though I may never desire another meal.”

Jason clasped Olivia’s hand. “Please, I ask you again. I prefer if you address me as Jason. Surely you can allow me that one indulgence?”

“Very well, my lo . . . sorry—Jason.”

Jason ran his thumb lazily over her knuckles. Olivia stared at the warm hand covering hers and could feel the heat move its way through her body and up to her face. She must learn to control her reaction to him. His methods had been well-practiced and she was not going to fall under his spell.

Pulling her hand from his, she stood. “I need to avail myself of the necessary before we leave.”

Jason rose and moved away from the table. “I will check on our carriage. Come back here to this room and wait for me when you are finished. I don’t want you out in the other room. I’ll summon the innkeeper’s wife to accompany you to the facilities.”

“Is that really necessary?” she said, amused.

“Believe me, you do not want to expose yourself to the patrons in the common room, and I insist you wait for the innkeeper’s wife.” He left the room, giving Olivia no chance to dispute his dictates.