The Elusive Wife (16 page)

“Children are not part of my plan, my lord.” God forgive her for lying, for children had always been a strong desire of hers. However, in her dreams their arrival followed a happy, secure marriage. Something Olivia did not have, and considering her circumstances, would most likely never have.

“You may lie to yourself, love, but the look in your eyes when you held that child back there was telling.” He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her over to him. “I would love to see your body swollen with my child. Just say the word, and we can begin that project.” He looked at her with smoldering eyes.

Olivia felt her insides melt and her nipples tighten. Lord, if just looking at her did that, what would happen if she ever allowed him to kiss her? She shook her head and took a deep breath. “Jason, I agreed to a truce, but with the way this conversation is going, the truce may come to an end.” She slid back over and stared at the passing scenery, discreetly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

…

Jason smiled to himself. She had slipped and called him by his name. Perhaps he was making progress. Then a shadow passed over him when he remembered how far apart they were. Olivia still harbored bad memories of their wedding, so he needed to be very careful in how he dealt with her. Her introduction to society, with the
laissez-faire
attitude of so many members of the
ton
about their own marriages had convinced her he expected the same type of relationship. His reputation hadn’t been helped either by the debacle at the inn. He had to find a way to convince his wife his rakehell days were over.

He glanced at Olivia. If he were to pick the one woman who could keep him from wandering, it would be her. Of course, were he to fall in love, the question would be moot. Men in love did not visit beds other than their wife’s. What exactly did he feel for her besides desire? An intelligent, strong, well-bred, and personable woman, it was easy to imagine her smoothly running his household, supervising the staff, seeing to the children.

She also had no interest in the continuous round of parties and balls the London Season had to offer. Jason had to admit he’d grown very tired of it himself. Perhaps he had more of his father in him than he wished to admit. He could easily settle into a life in the country, overseeing his tenants, having small dinner parties, and enjoying his wife and children. But where his father had to contend with a very dissatisfied wife who longed for the pleasures of Town, Jason had the very wise Olivia who already admitted a disdain for Society.

Chapter Seventeen

The three days leading up to the dinner party Olivia had planned at Jason’s insistence flew by. In some ways she had found it terrifying, since her limited social exposure in Italy had not provided her with hostess skills. On the other hand, she had genuinely enjoyed planning the menu with Cook, and consulting with the gardener on which flowers to cut and arrange in vases for the table decorations.

Olivia spent a great deal of time going through china, silver, and crystal that Jason assured her hadn’t seen the light of day for many years.

“Didn’t your mother give dinner parties?” She and Jason sat in undignified positions on the floor, unwrapping delicate white and gold bone china.

He shrugged. “My parents were separated for most of their marriage.”

Olivia looked up and frowned. “Separated?”

“For all intents and purposes. My father spent his time here in the country, but Mother preferred London social life. After it became apparent there would be no spare to add to the heir, she moved to the London Townhouse and spent all her time either there or in Bath. She returned to the Manor for the holidays, but that remained the extent of her interest in the place.

She tilted her head slightly. “How odd. To think she had a beautiful home such as this, and preferred to spend her time in nasty, dirty London.” She shook her head.

Jason threw his head back and laughed. “You are so very different from my mother. She was only interested in expensive gowns, jewelry, balls, and impressing her friends.” He shook his head. “Nasty, dirty London indeed.”

“And what of your father? Was he content to remain here while your mother lived elsewhere?”

“Father was content with the arrangement. He had other things to occupy his time.”

“Such as?”

Jason regarded her for a moment. “Other things. Nothing important.”

“Women?” She raised her chin a notch.

He flushed slightly and cleared his throat.

“Never mind, my lord, ’tis none of my business anyway. I’m familiar with how much regard most members of the
ton
hold their marriage vows.”

Jason blew out a breath. “Just as you are not my mother, I am not my father. Nothing like him, nor do I expect to ever be like him. He was hardly my ideal.”

Olivia rose and shook out her skirts. “I need to see about tea. Will you be joining me, my lord?”

“Olivia, stop with the ‘my lord,’ for heaven’s sake. And no, I think I will go for a ride. I will see you at dinner.”

…

“Lady Coventry, it was so kind of you to arrange this dinner party.” Baroness Shaffer took Olivia’s arm as they began their stroll in the garden. The summer flowers had started to bloom. Yellow Columbine, white, blue, and pink Canterbury Bell, and an array of Hollyhock stretched before them, as a prelude to the exquisite rose garden. Olivia breathed deeply of the fragrant air as she and the Baroness sauntered along.

“And, of course, it is most pleasurable to finally meet you. Had the Baron and I known you were in residence last February, we would have certainly called.” She turned to Jason who walked behind her with Baron Shaffer. “And you, sir, didn’t deign to introduce your lovely wife to the gentry after your wedding?”

A flush rose up Jason’s face, and he stretched his neck, his eyes roaming as though seeking to escape.

“It was necessary to return to London shortly after our wedding,” Olivia answered smoothly. She called on years of breeding and training to make that statement. Jason flashed her a grateful smile.

“My lord, Lord and Lady Appleby have arrived,” Malcolm announced from the terrace above the garden.

Olivia guided the Baroness toward the house. “Since we are all here, we will retire to the drawing room until dinner is announced.”

As they entered the house, Jason brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you for that, madam.”

Olivia studied those mesmerizing eyes and her mouth dried up. “Good manners, my lord. Merely good manners.”

Pastor and Mrs. Dunn had sent regrets due to an emergency, which required a last minute change in the seating arrangements. Lord and Lady Appleby, the Baron and Baroness, and Olivia and Jason all settled in their seats.

“I must say we were most pleased to find Lord Coventry had married.” Lady Appleby eyed Olivia over the glass of light wine the footman poured for each diner.

Not sure that even required an answer, Olivia merely smiled and tilted her head slightly in the woman’s direction.

Her husband added, “Of course it is hoped among the villagers that his lordship will spend as much time here as his father did now that he’s settled.”

“Yes, indeed,” Baroness Shaffer gushed. “We hope to see many children filling the lordship’s nursery.” The woman blushed, apparently aware of her
faux pas
in discussing such a personal subject at the dinner table.

Baron Shaffer patted his wife’s hand, most likely to ease her distress. Another warm, loving marriage.
Is it only in the country where comfortable marriages exist?
Then she dismissed the thought, remembering Jason’s story about his parents. Apparently the county air had had no effect on his parents’ relationship.

She smiled as her thoughts drifted toward Grif and Elizabeth. Probably the only successful
ton
marriage she’d seen since her arrival. As much as she loved her friend, and wanted the best for her, Olivia couldn’t help the bit of envy that snuck in when she least expected it. Would that she could have such a marriage.

“My lord, can we expect that you will resume the practice of having a holiday ball?” Baroness Shaffer turned toward Olivia. “The former Lady Coventry always held the most wonderful Christmas parties.”

“Oh my, yes indeed.” Lady Appleby spoke excitedly. “Her ladyship would arrive from London, and have servants scurrying around decorating inside and outside the Manor. Then she hosted several parties throughout the holidays, ending with a ball for all the residents of the county.” She sat back and sighed. “They were wonderful days. Do you remember the parties, my lord?”

Jason’s jaw had tightened, but ever the gracious host, he smiled at the woman. “Most times I was away at school. But I understand they were happy times for the tenants and indeed everyone in the area.”

No one else seemed to notice, but Olivia saw the tension in him. Had his childhood been so miserable that his guests’ fond memories brought back bleak ones for him? Here they discussed the holidays and Jason said he had remained at school. She knew so little of his youth, except the few things he’d told her. Having been the center of her parents’ life while her mother was alive, she’d basked in their love and devotion. Oftentimes she believed that affection had helped to soothe her during the years of her father’s neglect. No doubt Jason’s lonely existence had made him the man he was today.

After dinner, the ladies retired to the drawing room while the gentlemen enjoyed port. Olivia poured tea from the cart one of the footmen had set up for them.

“Lady Coventry, we would be thrilled to have you join our little sewing circle.” Lady Appleby accepted the cup from Olivia’s hand. “We make garments for the children of tenants who are having a hard time.”

“Really?” Olivia raised her eyebrows. “During my visits, the tenants all seemed to be doing quite well. Is his lordship aware some are in distress?”

The Baroness and Lady Appleby exchanged troubled glances.

“I don’t believe so, my lady. His lordship has been in London since his father passed, and I don’t believe the old Earl kept tabs on his tenants.” The Baroness sighed. “There is one family that needs our assistance. Mrs. Holland has a difficult time trying to keep up with the children and the farming. Consequently, there isn’t time for her to sew or do other household chores.”

Olivia waited for Lady Appleby to continue, and when she fell into an uneasy silence, she asked, “Mrs. Holland is a widow, then?”

Lady Appleby hedged. “Mr. Holland likes his drink.”

“Do you mean to tell me Mrs. Holland’s husband is allowing his wife to assume the burden for the entire family while he drinks?”

Both women nodded.

“Why do I sense there is something else?”

The Baroness lowered her voice. “Several times we’ve seen bruises on Mrs. Holland and her children.”

Olivia drew back, her eyes wide. “Well, I will certainly make sure his lordship puts an end to that.”

“Thank you so much, my lady. Something has needed to be done for quite some time, and I’m grateful you will see to it. But, we would still like for you to join our sewing circle.”

“I would love to, but unfortunately, his lordship and I will be returning to London until Parliament is finished.” Seeing their smiles falter, she added, “But once we are back in the country I will be honored to join you.”

Both women beamed.

What in heaven’s name had she just promised? She still had no intention of returning to Coventry Manor. If Jason would not apply for an annulment, her plans for returning to Italy hadn’t changed. Remembering his threat to tie her to his wrist brought the now familiar flutter to her stomach. Nonsense. She would not allow her body to dictate to her. When the time came, she would persuade him to let her go.

An hour or so after the gentlemen joined them, her guests rose to leave. She chuckled when the Baron mentioned it was getting late. In London it would still be too early for them to leave for the first party or ball.

After bidding them goodbye, Olivia realized she was exhausted. The tension of the day, overseeing everything, and making sure all would go perfectly had taken its toll. Jason walked up behind her, and placing his hands on her shoulders, leaned very close to her ear. “Would you care for a sherry before bed?” His deep voice wafted over her skin like silk.

Her nerves went on high alert. He’d been watching her all night with a predatory look. The unique scent that was Jason−Bay rum and leather−assailed her as he leaned in. It was tempting to just rest her head against his broad chest and forget all her concerns. Forget she didn’t trust him, and that if she gave into the desire racing through her, he would eventually leave her bed and move onto his next conquest.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. He claimed he was not his father. That remained to be seen, and so far he hadn’t convinced her. The scene in the inn still raised her ire, and forced her decision. “No, I don’t think so, I am very tired.”

“This will help you sleep.”

“I don’t need anything to sleep, my lord. As I stated, I’m very tired. Now if you will excuse me.”

“Olivia.” He extended his hand. “Please stay for just a minute and talk.”

She closed her eyes briefly. “Very well, but I don’t want a drink.”

Jason led her into the library, where he poured himself a brandy, and joined her in the chair next to where she sat in front of the fireplace.

“Did you enjoy spending time with Lady Appleby and the Baroness?”

“Yes, I did. They’re lovely women.” She turned to him, her fatigue forgotten. “Are you aware one of your tenants is drinking away his time while his wife is forced to do all the farming and take care of the children along with the house?”

Jason frowned. “Who?”

“Mr. Holland. The women told me he not only drinks all the time but hits his wife and children.” She shook her head. “That is not a good state of affairs. You must speak with the man.”

“I certainly will, and first thing tomorrow before we take our leave. A man who spends his time and money on drink while his wife tends to things is no man at all. And to raise his hand in anger to those he’s vowed to protect is inexcusable.”

Olivia smiled at his fierce response. She squelched the desire to ask him if a man who spent his time in beds other than his wife’s was any sort of a man. Not in the mood to cover that territory again, she rose. “I’m afraid I am much too tired to converse further.”

Jason stood. “I can see that, love. Go on up to bed and we’ll talk more in the morning.” He moved as if to pull her to him, but she stepped away and left the room. Taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, she slowly climbed the stairs.

The sun had barely crept over the horizon as Olivia settled into the carriage and smoothed her skirts. Jason signaled the driver and they were off. She gazed out the window as the last of Coventry Manor disappeared from view.

Jason cleared his throat. “We’ll go directly to Lady Lansdowne’s house and pick up your things.”

Olivia’s head snapped up. “What do you mean, pick up my things?”

“Surely you don’t think I will allow you to remain in Grif’s house?”

His glare, compounded by the arrogant assumption to tell her what to do, was enough to stiffen her backbone. “You have no say in where I reside, my lord.”

The muscles in Jason’s jaw worked, and his face flushed. “Yes I do,
my lady
, since you are my wife.”

“I am a guest of Lord and Lady Lansdowne, and that has not changed.”

“I beg to differ, my dear. It will be as I say.”

“Oh, you hateful man. After months of abandonment because you simply couldn’t remember the woman you took vows with, you expect me to follow your dictates now that your memory has resurrected itself?” She glared out the window. It had been a major mistake to come on this trip. She’d handed him the very rope to hang her with.

“Nevertheless, we will go to Lansdowne and pick up your things. Grif will certainly agree with me that a wife’s place is with her husband.” He tugged on his cuffs, straightened his jacket and settled back with all the arrogance of the Lord of the Manor. “Also, please know I don’t intend to keep our marriage secret much longer.”

Olivia stared at him. “Our marriage will not continue after the Season. I’m sure I’ve made myself clear on that point.”

“Then we are at a standstill, my love. I have no intention of letting you go. You are my wife, and soon I will expect you to be so in truth. I need an heir.”

The heat rose from her stomach to her face, stopping along the way to set her heart to pounding.

To her chagrin, he gave her the lazy smile that added to her awareness of him. “Have no fear. I have never forced myself on any woman and I will not start with my own wife.”