The Elusive Wife (22 page)

Chapter Twenty-Five

The next afternoon Sir Daniel answered the slight knock on his bedroom door. After glancing up and down the hall, he quickly drew the young maid in.

“I came as soon as I could, sir. Cook found some extra work for me to do. She’s getting old, she is. Can’t stand on her feet as long as she used to. Not that I don’t want to help her, mind you. It’s just that I knew you was waiting, so I tried to hurry.”

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. It seemed the only way to shut the chit up. Her body melted against his and she reached down his front and grabbed him. He came to immediate attention and with lips locked, walked her backwards to the bed. Without even removing her clothes, he shoved her skirts up, her drawers down, undid his fall and thrust into her as soon as he fell forward. As usual, she was ready for him.

“You don’t waste time, do you, sir?” She smiled up at him, and batted her eyelashes in a poor attempt at flirting.

“Katie girl, that’s what you do to me.” He rolled off her splayed body and stood to adjust his pants. That was not very gentlemanly, but Katie stirred his blood like no other woman. Too bad he couldn’t afford to set her up. She would make a great mistress. Then he grinned. If things worked out the way he planned, he’d have all the money he needed to set her up and live the life he wanted.

“Katie, I need you to do something for me.” He grasped both her hands and pulled her up. He wouldn’t get far in his conversation with her open and exposed like that.

She adjusted her clothing and sat back down on the bed. “What’s that?”

Sir Daniel sat alongside her and held her hand. “Now that the lord and lady have returned, I need you to keep track of when they’re not at home.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why would you need to know that?”

Not stupid, this girl. Ever since he had taken up residence she had warmed his bed. His good looks and polished manners attracted many women willing to accommodate him. But none of the ladies of the
ton,
only too happy to have him in their beds, would consider an introduction to the young girls, many of them heiresses, who could raise his station in life. Society accepted poor titled men, but poor, untitled men were good for a romp, nothing more.

“For some reason his lordship doesn’t like me, and I would prefer to stay out of his way while I’m here.” He flashed the smile that had preceded many a satisfying tumble. “I have learned there are documents here that belonged to my father. The old Earl wouldn’t give them to him, and since they are mine by right, I intend to search for them.”

“How will you know where these documents are?”

“Ah, my dear, that is where you come in. I can make a thorough search as long as I know I am free to do so.” He leaned over and began nibbling on the soft skin behind her ear. “Can I count on you?”

Katie moaned and turned in his arms. “Yes, sir.”

…

Jason whistled softly as he gained the top step leading to the bed chambers. A young, somewhat disheveled maid stepped out of Sir Daniel’s room. No surprise there, since his room needed tending, but the maid’s disarray and furtive way she looked up and down the hall troubled him. Never had he permitted guests to dally with the servants. As bad as the old Earl had been, that ironclad rule stood.

“Have you been seeing to Sir Daniel’s room?”

The maid jumped and put her hand to her throat, at Jason’s voice behind her. She turned quickly, a deep red flush rising through the top of her bodice to her hairline.

“Ah, yes, m’lord.” She curtsied briefly and smoothed her hair back. A mark visible on her neck, behind her ear, and her swollen lips answered his unasked question.

“Is he not in, then?” He stood there, arms crossed, feet spread apart.

“Yes. I mean, no, my lord. He is not in his room. No. Not in his room.” She shook her head furiously and twisted her hands.

“Pity. I wanted to speak with him.” Jason continued to stare at the girl.

She inhaled deeply. It appeared the girl might collapse.

“Will that be all, m’lord?” She curtsied again.

He wouldn’t take out his displeasure on the maid, although he would make certain she had a good talking to by Mrs. Watkins. It would be his responsibility to see that Sir Daniel understood the conduct of guests at Coventry Manor. Still not sure why his cousin decided to visit unannounced after so many years, and still not trusting him, he felt the best course of action to be one of wait and see.

“Yes, that is all. You may go.” He watched her scurry away, smiling faintly when she turned just as she reached the back stairs to see if he still stood in front of the door. Jason continued down the hall and entered Olivia’s sitting room.

His wife sat sedately at the escritoire composing a letter. Long windows allowed light despite the gloomy weather. A very comforting room, she’d had the walls painted a pale blue, the perfect contrast to the dark blue and white striped chairs in front of the fireplace. A long dark blue settee graced one wall. This chamber had been the only room Olivia had re-decorated during her time in residence after their marriage. Her touches were in the room, the fine china clock, the paintings on the walls, and the scent of lavender. A beautiful bouquet of wildflowers sat on a small table between the two chairs.

…

Olivia glanced up. The flutters in her stomach started again, which seemed to happen every time her body sensed his nearness. Yet it was hard to shake the feeling of being one of many whom he cast that sensuous gaze upon. She placed her pen on the desk and pivoted in her chair. Jason sat on the edge of the desk, gently swinging his leg as he regarded her. Powerful thighs showed to advantage beneath the snug fabric of his pantaloons. Her heart sped up and she bolted from her chair to mask her confusion.

How her heart ached on occasion. As she studied him, parts of her body softened, others tightened. She chided herself. It would never do for her to develop a tendre for this man. Most likely once he’d had his fill of her and the quiet life, he would be off to London, leaving her with her pianoforte, the servants, and visits to the tenants.

“What is it, love?” He moved to her and ran his thumb over her cheek. “You look sad all of a sudden.”

“Nothing. Just some memories of my father,” she lied.

He pulled her to him and tucked her head against his chest, gently massaging the back of her neck.

She eased away and looked once again into those mesmerizing eyes. “What do you want from me?”

His eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”

Olivia skittered away as he attempted to once again take her in his arms. “Is this a game you’re playing?”

“Game?” He looked genuinely confused. She would have to give him that.

She wrapped her arms around her middle and backed away. “I don’t know what to expect from you. You married me and left. Then you pursued me, not even aware of who I was.” She shook her head as he started to speak. “Now you’ve insisted we stay married, and I have a terrible feeling that once you’ve had enough of this,” she waved her hand to encompass the manor, “you’ll dash off to London again.” Her stomach knotted at the trembling in her voice.

What in heaven’s name is the matter with me? The last thing I should have done was hand Jason the dagger with which to slice open my heart.

Gathering her tattered pride around her, she raised her chin. “Excuse me.” She attempted to brush past him, but he snagged her arm, and hauled her back into his embrace.

“Ah, sweetheart. No, don’t.” He wiped the lone tear sliding down her cheek. “What I wouldn’t give to go back and undo the damage I did that day.”

…

Jason shook his head. “My father spent my entire life trying to control me. I saw his maneuvering not as a way to gain a wonderful, sweet, beautiful wife, but a way to once more do his bidding.”

He scooped Olivia up into his arms and sat on the chair in front of the fireplace, settling her on his lap. “What do I want from you? I want to spend the rest of my life waking up alongside you. No separate sleeping arrangements for us. I want the opposite of everything my parents had. No mistresses or lovers. No two residences, with cursory visits to the child, with a pat on the head, and a
run and find your nanny
. And I want children, lots of them. No
heir and spare
for us, love. I want laughter and teasing.

“But most of all,” he tilted her head up, and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “I want you to love me as much as I love you.”

Olivia’s breath caught, and her gaze snapped from his lips to his eyes. “Love?”

“Oh yes, sweetheart.” He gave her a half smile. “This notorious rake has fallen in love with his elusive wife.” Jason cupped her cheeks, and brought his head down, taking her mouth in a possessive joining of not just their mouths, but their very souls.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Olivia sat at the breakfast table, sipping her tea while Jason shuffled papers. He stiffened as Sir Daniel entered the room.

“Good morning, cousin.” Sir Daniel’s voice boomed as he settled across from Olivia, reaching for the teapot.

“Morning.” Once the man had poured his tea, Jason contemplated his unwanted guest. “How long can we expect to enjoy your company,
cousin
?” Jason leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I have no particular plans. I thought I might invite your charming wife to accompany me on a short ride around the estate today.” He brought his attention to Olivia. “My dear, I would love to hear more about your life in Italy. Such a lovely country, don’t you agree? So much warmer, with all the sunshine. At times I feel the English dampness right down to my very bones.” He filled his plate with sausages, eggs, biscuits, and fruit.

“I would enjoy a ride, Sir Daniel. My horse, Honor, needs a good run. She’s just arrived from Italy where she was being cared for by friends.” Olivia patted her mouth with her serviette. “Shall we say ten o’clock?”

“Ten o’clock is perfect, my lady.”

Olivia cast a glance at Jason. “Will you join us, my lord?”

“Unfortunately, I have a busy day, my dear. I shall be away until dinner time. Those of us with responsibilities,” he glared at Sir Daniel who stuffed his mouth with a sausage, “don’t have a great deal of time for leisurely rides.”

Sir Daniel swallowed and shook his head. “Ah, yes. Running an estate can be quite burdensome, I’m sure.”

Olivia stood. “I have correspondence to attend to. I’ll see you at ten, Sir Daniel.”

His mouth full once again, Sir Daniel nodded and returned his attention to his breakfast.

Once Olivia closed the door, Jason leaned forward. “Put the fork down, man, I would like a word with you.”

Eyebrows raised, Sir Daniel wiped his mouth and gave Jason his attention. “Yes?”

“We do not allow our guests to dally with the servants.”

His cousin sat back and smirked. “A commendable tenet, and why do you find it necessary to relate this information to me?”

“You know why. I saw the young maid leave your room.” His jaw tightened. How he disliked this man. One of the few things he and the old Earl had in common.

“Ah, yes. You must mean young Katie. Lovely girl. I merely asked her to assist me in finding my diamond stick pin that I seemed to have misplaced.”

Jason snorted at the lame excuse. “You are to leave all the female servants in this house alone. Do I make myself clear,
cousin
? If you have need of assistance, ask one of our footmen.”

“As you wish, my lord.” Sir Daniel dropped his serviette on his plate and stood. “If you will excuse me, I must ready myself for a ride with your beautiful wife.”

Jason quickly rose and blocked his exit from the room. “I have no idea what this visit is all about, but be forewarned. Keep your attentions off my wife. Today’s excursion is the one and only ride I will permit you to take with her, and merely because she seems to be looking forward to it. After this, if I so much as see you breathe in her direction, I’ll personally toss you out on your arse.”

Sir Daniel stepped around Jason and left the room.

…

Olivia set aside the book she was reading and rose to glance out her bedroom window. She’d grown restless, and pondered the strangeness of the visit from Sir Daniel. From all of Jason’s actions, he thoroughly disliked the man. While she found Sir Daniel charming and good company, there was something about him she didn’t quite trust herself. Their ride had gone well, but she hadn’t realized how tightly she held herself in his presence until they had arrived safely back at the manor.
Safely? What an odd notion.

Edgy with her thoughts, Olivia left her room. She pushed open the door to the library to see Sir Daniel in Jason’s chair, rummaging through papers in a desk drawer.

“What are you doing?” Olivia stepped further into the room.

Sir Daniel glanced up. “Shut the door, my lady.”

Instinctively, she closed the door and drew herself up. “I asked what you are doing.”

Alarmed at the look on his face, she turned to leave, but within seconds, Sir Daniel had left the chair, and clamped a sweaty palm over her mouth. Wrapping his arm snug underneath her breasts, he dragged her back against his chest.

He leaned close to her ear. “Don’t say one word, my lady. Do not call for anyone.”

Olivia attempted to wrench herself free. He tightened his hold and dragged her further into the room. Her feet slid over a pile of papers. He released her, and she skimmed down his body, landing with a jolt on her bottom. Free of his grip, she moved to get up, and stared into the pistol he held.

“Yes. I have a pistol, and as much as I like you, my dear, do not doubt for one minute that I wouldn’t use it.”

A scream would only get her a bullet between the eyes. Jason was away from the house until dinner time, and at this time of day, most of the servants were below stairs.

She ran her tongue over dry lips. “What are you doing here? What is it you want?

He shrugged. “Money. Isn’t that what it always comes down to, my lady?” He leaned in, whispering close to her ear. “For years my father ranted about the money he’d been cheated out of by his brother. He was sure there was a will from your husband’s grandfather that left my father a great deal of money and the old Earl stole it from him. His own brother! I want that will.”

Sir Daniel backed up, and rested against the desk. “I need money. A lot of money. I owe creditors, and I have the right to live the life I should have been born into without them forever chasing me.” He waved the pistol in her direction.

Olivia took deep breaths to calm herself. The man was obviously unbalanced, and she didn’t want to do anything to push him over the edge. She needed to convince him whatever document he sought wasn’t here. She had to get him out of the house. Attempting to sound calm, she licked her lips. “There is a safe in the London Townhouse. I’ve seen Jason go into it once or twice. Perhaps the will is there.”

Sir Daniel straightened, his eyes lighting up. “Yes, of course. The London Townhouse. I’ve searched here,” he waved the gun around, causing Olivia’s heart to rise quickly into her throat, “for days, and have come up with nothing.”

He studied her for a minute, his eyes shifting back and forth.

“Get up. You’re coming with me.”

Her hand flew to her throat.

“Whatever do you mean? I can’t go with you to London.” She swallowed several times. “Why would you need me?”

“Despite you husband’s opinion, I’m no fool. The minute I leave here, he will have the bow runners on me. He shook his head. “No, you’re coming with me.”

She clasped her hands to keep them still. “I’ll be missed. Do you think I can just walk out the door? That my husband won’t wonder where I am, what’s happened to me? He’ll send the bow runners anyway.”

Sir Daniel stared at her for a moment. “You will leave him a note. And the note needs to be convincing so he doesn’t come after you.”

As much as she didn’t want to leave with this vile man, the longer they stayed here, the better the chance that Jason would arrive at home and look for her. His life was in danger. Sir Daniel would kill him in an instant, and still drag her off to London.

“Ring for a maid. Have her bring paper and pen and tell her to pack a few things for a trip.” When she hesitated, he pushed the pistol into her side. “Make it quick. Also tell her to have Coventry’s coach made ready for a trip to London. Do it.”

On shaky legs Olivia rang for a maid, and with Sir Daniel’s pistol against her back she gave the instructions. Dear God, how to get out of this? Once Sir Daniel realized there was no will, he would have no further use for her. He would kill her.

After the maid departed, her brows furrowed at the odd request, he nudged Olivia with the gun. “Write a letter to my dear cousin. It’s time I paid him back for all the slights against me and my sire. Tell him you’re running away with me, and make sure he believes it. Say we’ve been lovers, and make it credible.”

Her eyes brimming with tears, certain now that he would indeed kill her, she wrote what Sir Daniel wanted, and handed the paper to him. He looked it over, a grin spreading on his face.

“Good. Now let’s go. And if you raise an alarm, I will kill one of your servants.”

He grabbed the bag the maid had packed and nudged her out the door and down the stairs.

“Will you be returning soon, my lady?” Malcolm stood at the door as they descended. He blinked rapidly as Sir Daniel put his arm around Olivia, and pulled her close to his side.

“She won’t be returning, my good man.” He handed the note to the butler. “See that his lordship gets this missive.”

He hustled her down the front stairs and into the carriage. “London.”

Olivia leaned against the soft leather of the seat as the coach moved forward. Her heart continued to pound as if it wanted to escape the confines of her body. She clenched her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking.

Sir Daniel kept the pistol pointed at her, a smirk on his face. She prayed Jason would read the silent message she’d left him. If not, all was lost. She would be dead and Jason would be bitter and heartbroken.

…

Jason bounded up the steps as Malcolm opened the front door.

“Good evening, my lord. I have a note for you.”

“Goodness, Malcolm, can I get inside first?” His grin faded as he observed the butler’s ashen face. “What is it?”

“Her ladyship departed with Sir Daniel about two hours ago. She left this note for you.” He handed Jason a folded and sealed piece of velum.

“Thank you. I’ll be in the library.” His stomach muscles tightened. Something was wrong. He had told Sir Daniel to stay away from Olivia. Jason broke the seal on the letter and sat abruptly in the leather chair behind his desk as he read the first few lines.

J, I am leaving you. Sir Daniel and I have been lovers, and I have decided to make my life with him. Please do not follow me. I shan’t return.

He set the note down, walked to the sideboard, and poured a brandy with shaking hands. Returning to the desk, he picked up the missive and continued.

There was no hope for our marriage. Your contention that you will continue seeing your mistress, and your plans to shortly return to London, leaving me alone here in the country once more...has factored into my decision.

O.

His heart pounded. He might be a fool to believe so, but Olivia did not leave willingly. And the last two sentences were her way of letting him know that. For whatever purpose the bastard had kidnapped her.

“Malcolm!”

Apparently waiting right outside the door, the butler stepped into the room.

“Yes, my lord.”

“How long ago did you say her ladyship and Sir Daniel left?”

“They left in your carriage about two hours ago. I have taken the liberty of having a fresh horse readied for you.”

“Thank you.” Jason strode past the butler, and headed for the door.

“Your lordship?” Malcolm followed him.

Jason turned. “Yes.”

“Bring our lady back to us.”

…

After several hours on the road, Olivia continued to stare out at the blackness of the night through the coach window as her mind raced. Would Jason understand her message? Or would he be so hurt at the first few lines, he wouldn’t read any further? It was the only thing she could think of to let him know she hadn’t betrayed him.

She’d held her heart from him for too long. She should have told him how she felt, that she was deeply in love with him. Had she told him when he confessed to her, he would never believe the lies in that note.

Sir Daniel tapped on the roof of the coach. “We will rest here for the night. Don’t try to do anything foolish. It would bother me not at all to kill one of the tavern keepers. And that would be on your conscience.”

Tight-lipped, she nodded. Once again, he held the pistol to her side as they entered the noisy inn. They approached the innkeeper who greeted them enthusiastically.

Sir Daniel looked down his nose at the man. “My wife and I require a private dining room.”

Olivia gasped and Sir Daniel dug into her ribs with the gun.

“And her ladyship would like a bath,” he continued.

The innkeeper tugged at his forelock and bowed, rushing off to do as they bid.

“I am not your wife! And I will certainly not share a room with you.” Olivia hissed under her breath as Sir Daniel tightened his grip on her shoulders and moved her toward the dining room the innkeeper’s wife led them to.

“My dear, you are tired and overwrought. A hot bath and soft bed will restore you.” He spoke in a raised voice.

Would he really shoot one of these innocent people if I cried out?

He bent and whispered into her ear. “I can see your mind working, my dear. Do not think to bring down my wrath on you.” Sir Daniel gazed around the room. “My first shot will be directed at the child.” He nodded toward the far wall where a small girl, most likely the daughter of the innkeepers, sat eating a bowl of soup.

“You are a vile, vicious man. No wonder my husband despises you.”

Olivia sucked in air through her clenched teeth when he pulled her arm back, wrenching it upward. Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked rapidly, not wishing the wretched man to know the pain he caused her.

After a meal of fish stew, hot bread, cheese, and fruit that Sir Daniel devoured, but Olivia pushed around her plate, the innkeeper’s wife entered to tell Olivia her bath had been readied upstairs in their room. Her stomach rolled. Obviously Sir Daniel would not want to let her out of his sight, but her biggest fear of sharing a room with him was the look of lust in his eyes. Why had she ever thought him charming and good company? What a fool she’d been.

“I’ll escort my wife upstairs.” He nodded at the woman and pulled Olivia’s chair out. He anchored her against him once more and they moved forward. Once they were in the large noisy common room, Sir Daniel stopped and patted the young girl on the head, and turned to the Innkeeper’s wife. “Your child?”