“Indeed.”
“Now, let us talk about your wedding.”
Edward Langley wasted no time in making the necessary arrangements and was pleased to find that, upon his return to his home, a note from Olivia’s father that stated he had also completed his errand.
It was done.
Edward felt his shoulders relax slightly upon reading the missive. Though he’d been certain that Lord Pierce wouldn’t go back on his word concerning Olivia, the nagging doubt had tickled his mind. It was a relief to put that final concern to rest.
Now for the wedding.
As if it were a small matter.
Of course, the ceremony would be quiet. But the news of the realignment of the families would be like a thunderclap, traveling through London at the speed of lightning. He knew he was opening himself up for complete scrutiny, yet he found that the unsavory thought didn’t offend too much. Dealing with the London ton would be child’s play in contrast with his true challenge: convincing Olivia to love him.
Resisting the urge to call himself ten kinds of fool, he simply focused on the present task. No doubt she’d be concerned that he was seeking her hand as some miserable excuse for revenge, and indeed, if he were bent on revenge as he once was, it would be a poetic justice.
But this wasn’t revenge.
This was grasping at a chance at hope.
At a chance at love.
Everything he once thought was forever out of reach.
Taking a deep breath, he entered the blue salon and rang for tea.
A short while later, a maid entered the room with a tray. After setting up the service, she curtseyed and excused herself, leaving him alone once more with his swirling thoughts.
All his musings were bringing forth a harsh truth.
He was miserably out of practice when it came to fairer sex.
“Ah! Tea! Just the thing.” Curtis strode in. After taking his hat off, he tossed it to the chaise and proceeded to remove his coat as well. He set the fine wool garment on the armrest of the settee, took a seat across from Edward, and served himself.
“Please, help yourself,” Edward replied with sarcasm, though he grinned. In truth, he was thrilled to see his friend. Because if there was one thing Curtis exceled at, it was women.
At least for short periods of time, till he got bored… but he’d surely have some insight into the dilemma with Olivia.
“Why so pensive, old man. Have you thought any further about what we discussed last night?” Curtis asked as he glanced at Edward over the teacup’s rim.
“Yes, I actually have made substantial headway,” Edward replied, leaning forward.
“Ah! So you’re going to court Miss Olivia?” Curtis asked, taking the teacup away from his lips just long enough to speak before returning the rim to his lips and taking a long drink.
“In a way. I’m going to marry her first. On Saturday.”
Curtis spewed tea across the table, coughing and sputtering as he reached for a napkin and dabbed his chin and clothes. “Pardon?” he asked between coughs.
“I already spoke with Lord and Lady Pierce, and they agreed to my proposal. I have the special license in hand, and we’re to be wed on Saturday.” Edward chuckled, as Curtis’ movements paused, his eyes widening before narrowing. “You don’t let any grass grow under your feet, do you? Bloody hell, you could have at least waited to spring that type of news on me until after I swallowed,” he grumbled.
“And miss the fun?” Edward chuckled.
“Indeed.” Curtis raised an eyebrow. “Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, though I must say that I will need ample time to lick my wounds and heal my broken heart.” Curtis sighed.
“If your heart were truly invested, you would have never even suggested what you did last night, and you’d be assaulting me with fists right now, rather than tea.” Edward gestured to the napkin Curtis still held.
“Perhaps. Or I’m just the giving sort.” He shrugged and tossed the napkin on the table.
“Of course.” Edward snorted.
Curtis rolled his eyes. “So the happy occasion is this Saturday? I take it that this is my invitation?” He wagged his eyebrows.
“That depends.”
“On?”
“How much you annoy me.”
“With my charming disposition? Impossible.” He shrugged and selected a biscuit. Taking a bite, he leaned forward as if remembering a question. “How did Miss Olivia take the news?” A grin grew on his face.
“I’m not sure at the moment…” Edward leaned back, his lips tight as he considered his task.
“You don’t appear to confident on that front. Having a spell of regret or simply… unequal to the task?” Curtis waved his biscuit and then took a bite.
“Task?”
“Of wooing your wife.”
Edward was quiet. Leaning back, he regarded his friend.
“Dear saints, you are having difficulty!” Curtis dusted his hands from the crumbs of the biscuit.
Edward took a deep breath.
“Out of practice, old chap? Don’t worry. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance.” Curtis stood and bowed.
“Bloody hell.”
“No, I believe the correct response would be thank you.”
“Damn it all, Curtis. You don’t make this easy.”
“Humility is never easy.”
“Deuced right.”
“But it always works.” Curtis grinned.
“Pardon?”
“Humility.” He shrugged. “It works like charm.” He tugged on his shirt sleeves and straightened his shoulders. “A humble man is irresistible to a woman.”
“I’ll be no weak-minded—“
“Did I say weak-minded?” Curtis interrupted.
“Er, no,” Edward answered, his brow furrowing.
“I said humble. Not some pansy, dandy fop. What do you take me for?” His expression was clearly offended.
Edward narrowed his eyes slightly.
“You need to let her see that you are willing to think of her before yourself. That doesn’t make you less of a man, simply a wiser one.” He winked. “Here’s an example. She dresses for dinner, and you…” Curtis held out his hand, his expression expectant.
“You don’t actually expect want me to pretend you are Olivia, do you?” Edward replied dryly.
“No, but I do believe you’re intelligent enough to come up with a response.”
Edward rolled his eyes. “Very well.” He cleared his throat. “You look lovely.” He nodded.
“You are a bloody idiot.”
“Pardon?”
“That was all the best you can come up with? You look lovely,” Curtis mimicked in a falsetto tone. “What are you, her bloody mother?”
“What?”
“You say, ‘I’m blessed beyond men to have you as my dinner partner. Only the stars above are equal to your beauty.’” Curtis bowed.
“You don’t mean humility. You mean sap.”
“I mean giving her a reason to feel as if you want her, truly. A man doesn’t say such things unless he wants something. What do you want, Edward?”
“Her, but when she’s my wife, she’ll be mine.”
“In name, yes. But if you were satisfied with that, you’d not be interested in my advice,” Curtis shot back.
“Very well. I flatter her. What else?” Edward asked tightly.
“What does she like?”
“I haven’t any idea.”
“Then find out. That shouldn’t be too difficult. Simply converse with her. Women love to talk, especially about themselves. Hell, I love to talk about myself. Though, even if I do say so myself, I’m quite fascinating.” Curtis rubbed his nails on his shirt, buffing them.
Edward snorted. “I converse, I flatter, I find her likes and dislikes. Have you any other wisdom to add?”
“Yes. Think of her before you think of yourself. Show her that you’re not in this for you… you’re in this for the gran
dest prize of all.” Curtis took a few purpose-filled steps toward him. “Do you know what that is?”
“Indeed. Her heart.”
“Ah, and here I was questioning your ability to do this. Thankfully you’re smarter than you look.”
“Indeed. I wish I could say the same for you, old friend.” Edward shot back, grinning.
“I’m pleased that you plan to win this wife of yours. No doubt she’s already assuming the very worst. After all, it’s what women do.” Curtis shook his head, but grinned.
“Funny, I’m laughing — on the inside, mind you,” Edward remarked.
“Have you any further need of my wooing services, or may I take my leave?” Curtis bowed mockingly.
“I don’t remember inviting you to begin with.” Edward chuckled.
“You never do.” Curtis gave a lamenting sigh.
“Off with you. Find some other skirt to chase other than my future wife,” Edward teased.
“Indeed, I shall need a new obsession… perhaps I’ll cast my interests toward Alaina once more, though rumor has it that she’s taken with Lord Durham. Ah, well. Other fish in the sea, you know. Hmm…” Curtis nodded. “With so many options, how could one possibly choose?” He winked grabbed his coat then nodded to his friend. “I’ll be seeing you.” With a quick wave, Curtis took his leave.
Edward relaxed into the chair. As much as he was loath to admit it, Curtis had given some sound advice.
All that was left was the implementation.
Heaven help him.
CHAPTER TEN
SEDUCTION. IT WAS THE only way Olivia could think of that could possibly work in securing Lord Langley’s affections. Of course, the whole idea would be much easier if she knew, precisely, what one did to seduce.
Blast her innocence.
Olivia rolled her head, releasing the tension in her shoulders as she paced about her room. It had been three days, and she hadn’t seen Lord Langley. In only a few days she would be wed, and she had yet to see her groom!
This did not bode well.
If he cared for her, wouldn’t he have wanted to see her?
Rather, she felt like some forgotten princess, locked in a tower and waiting for her final demise.
The suspense was making her overly dramatic.
Irritated with herself, but primarily with Lord Langley, she left her room in a flurry of exasperation, slamming the door too hard and stomping in a way that was unbecoming of a lady.
She made her way down the hall. As she came to the stairs, she lifted the hem of her dress and trotted down them quickly, the rapid movement lifting her spirits.
Movement! That was what she needed. Too long she had been waiting, hoping for Lord Langley to make the first move.
No longer.
Rather, she spun on her heel and ascended the stairs quickly. Changing into her riding habit, she took the servants’ stairs to the back and exited the house quietly, with no one the wiser. The freedom felt delicious, like the first dip of refreshing bath. Inhaling deeply, she refused to let the lingering stench of London pollute her newfound happiness.
After entering the stables, she quickly had the groom saddle her mount, and she was on her way. She started toward Hyde Park then paused. There would be far too many people there. What she wanted, craved, was somewhere she could ride freely.
Curse London.
She wanted a country road, a path through the woods where the hard-packed earth was surrounded by a canopy of leaves.
Hyde Park would have to do.
Riding slightly faster than was ladylike, she made her way to Rotten Row. Thankfully, it was just before the fashionable hour, so she took shameless advantage of the freedom afforded on the dirt track. Her mount effortlessly transitioned into a lope, then galloped as she took the bend of the trail, overjoyed at the exhilarating feeling of freedom. All too soon, the path ended. Pulling up her horse, she slowed his gait till he could turn, and she repeated the path, only this time she pushed slightly faster.
She might be the source of gossip tomorrow, but the unsavory thought didn’t act as any sort of restraint. Heart pounding, her horse panting, she halted his progress as she reached the end of the track once more.
Patting her horse’s neck, she thought over her dilemma again. While seduction seemed the only option, she was quickly reconsidering it. Why would Lord Langley need her to seduce him? She was going to be his wife. He could take whatever he wanted. She shivered at the thought, not sure if she was delighted or terrified. Truthfully, all she had control over in the entire situation was her response to anything, to everything. How could she use that? She patted her horse again, absentmindedly. Her eyes wandered to a nearby tree. Two sparrows were hopping on a branch. One pursued the other, while the other hopped lightly away. It was a dance of sorts. The one would take a step closer, tilt his head, and chirp brightly. The other would glance briefly and hop away, almost as if teasing.
Luring.
Heavens.
That was it!
What did men love? The chase! If she simply seduced him, there was no effort on his part. Granted, he might not want to put forth effort to win her affections regardless… but if he even held a slight regard for her… tempting him… flirting… keeping just enough distance might work.
It had to work.
It was her last hope.
Her only hope.
As soon as she was able, she’d start her plan — with a wink, with a smile, with a dangling of the carrot just out of reach.
What could possibly go wrong?
“Curtis, blast it all, it’s just a visit,” Edward grumbled as his friend continued to stare at him, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Edward continued to scowl at the man as he had since the moment he’d walked into the room.
“No, it’s never just a visit.” Curtis shook his head.
Truth be told, Edward knew it was far more than just a casual conversation. This would be the first time he’d see Olivia since their betrothal. “I’m sure it will go well,” Edward replied with false confidence.
“Ah yes, true. What’s the worst that could happen?” Curtis flicked his fingers dismissively, his eyes full of sarcasm.
“The worst?” Edward sighed. He knew his friend meant the question rhetorically, yet he knew he needed to talk it out, plan it. “The worst that could happen is that she believes I’m after revenge, not her.”
“Ah, then you are more aware of the situation than I gave you credit for!” Curtis lifted his teacup to his friend and toasted.
Edward offered a wry grin.
“Next?”
“Next? I’m not sure I gather your meaning?” Edward replied, taking a soothing drink of the hot and bittersweet tea.
“Please tell me you’re not making this up as we go along.” Curtis’ expression was one of jest.
Edward didn’t smile.
Curtis’ expression slowly fell as understanding seemed to dawn. “Bloody hell. You haven’t a clue about what you’re doing, have you?” he asked, his tone slightly panicked.
“Er, no. Which is why I was quite thrilled to see you—“
“That was your way of displaying thrilled?” Curtis stood and strode about the room, pacing and running his hands over his chin. “You’re still scowling!” He shook his head. “We have so much work to do that I don’t even know where to begin,” he mumbled.
“I didn’t realize I was such a lost cause,” Edward grumbled.
“Now you do,” Curtis shot back.
“It was a rhetorical question.”
“There are no rhetorical questions.” Curtis spun, facing him fully.
Edward shifted nervously in his seat at the slightly crazed expression on Curtis’ face. “Pardon?”
“With women, there are no rhetorical questions. Understand that. What you say you can never take back. They will remember it, store it, take it to heart and run. You must understand this.”
“I understand.” Edward was quick to agree.
/> “You very well better understand,” Curtis shot back. “Now. Let us go to step one; allay her fears. Women are irrational creatures who—“
“Curtis?”
“Hmm?”
“Must I remind you to whom I was married?” Edward asked darkly, the blackness of thousand tormenting memories leaking into his soul.
“Forgive me.” Curtis paused mid-pace, offering an apologetic glance to his friend.
Edward waved him off.
“Now after, speak with her about your intentions.”
“I thought I was simply allaying her fears.”
Curtis swore. “Am I going to need to hold your hand through the entire conversation?”
“I should hope not. I am not that type of gentleman. Sorry to break it to you, my friend,” Edward remarked with a wicked laugh.
“Not amusing.”
“I sincerely thought it was.”
“Back to the issue at hand…”
“I think I can take it from here. Though I must say I am very grateful for your assistance. You’ve pointed me in the right direction however…” Edward released a breath. “…however, I believe that things shall work themselves out. First and foremost is the truth. And after that, we’ll take it slow. I’ll not have unrealistic expectations.”
Curtis studied his friend. “Very well, but remember what I said. Guard your words, my friend. They can be life-giving, or life-taking. You, more than anyone, know that to be true.”
“Indeed I do.” Edward nodded solemnly.
Curtis shrugged and relaxed his posture. “When will you meet with the lucky lady?”
“Lucky?” Edward chuckled. ”I believe I’ll call on her first thing tomorrow.”
“I’ll look forward to hearing about it.”
“I’m sure you will,” Edward replied, his tone thick with sarcasm.
“Ah, they grow up so fast.” Curtis smiled sarcastically then shook his head. Grinning in a genuine manner, he collected his coat and hat and took his leave.
Edward glanced at the clock, willing it to move forward faster, wishing for it to be the next day, the next week even. At least then he’d know how everything had transpired.
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