Callie Hutton

by The Elusive Wife

  “’M’sire wouldn’t be too happy about that, I’m afraid.” Drake regarded his sister fondly.

  “I don’t understand why men can go year after year without selecting a wife, but ladies are expected to accept an offer within a year or two. It doesn’t seem quite fair.” She directed her comments to Olivia, who nodded her agreement.

  “You’re fortunate the pater allowed you to finish last Season without accepting an offer. The Duke is swimming in modiste bills,” Drake said.

  Abigail wrinkled her nose at her brother. “And what of your gambling debts? And your tailor bills?”

  “I am the heir.” Drake regarded her with raised eyebrows as if that declaration said it all.

  Jason stood and pulled out Olivia’s chair. “I suggest we return to the ballroom where you two can continue to compare the Duke’s receipts.”

  “Coventry, darling, there you are. I haven’t seen you in absolutely ages.” Lady Sheridan wrapped her arm around his, and stroked his chest in an intimate manner.

  “My dear, I thought you were out of town.” He disentangled himself from her hold.

  “No, silly man, I told you Sheridan was going out of town. And anyway, that was simply ages ago.” Suffering Jason’s rebuff, she latched onto Drake’s arm and directing her comments to Jason, coolly assessed Olivia. “I saved the last waltz for you, darling. I know how much you enjoy waltzing.”

  “That was very kind of you, my lady, but I’m afraid I was about to take my leave.”

  “Another appointment, Jason?” She pouted.

  “You might say that.” He bowed slightly. Turning his attention to Olivia, he said, “It’s been a pleasure, Lady Olivia. Lady Sheridan,” he added, kissing his former mistress’s hand. “My regards to your husband.”

  “My lord.” Lady Sheridan inclined her head.

  “Lord Melbourne, you must introduce me to this charming lady.” Selena’s voice trilled behind Coventry as he made his exit.

  …

  Olivia bid a good night to her maid and climbed into bed. There were many things to be said about a London Season, and not all of them good. Already weary with the undercurrent of nastiness at almost every event she had attended so far, tonight’s introduction to the beautiful Lady Sheridan had rattled her. The woman had glared at her in such a manner Olivia had felt the need to step back when she made her acquaintance. She would have dismissed the entire encounter if it hadn’t been for the conversation she’d overheard later in the evening while in the ladies’ retiring room.

  Two women Olivia knew by sight, but not name, discussed Lady Sheridan in an unflattering way. When one of them had mentioned Coventry, Olivia’s ears had perked up.

  The older woman with a heavy bosom fussed with her hair. “I think he’s already turned her aside.”

  “I know Selena, my dear,” the other woman had said, “and if she’s intent on keeping Lord Coventry in her bed, then that’s where he’ll stay. You mark my words.”

  The blood drained from Olivia’s face, and she’d sat abruptly, breathless. So the lovely Lady Sheridan was Jason’s mistress? No wonder the woman had shown her such contempt.

  But, she doesn’t know we’re married to each other.

  But Olivia wasn’t finished being shocked. The bosomy woman lowered her voice. “Selena told me in the strictest confidence Lord Coventry married several weeks ago to some dowdy chit his father forced on him. He did the deed, but promptly left her to rusticate in the country. Trust me, Selena has no intention of giving up Coventry yet.”

  “Married? Lord Coventry? How did that all come about?”

  “The old Earl made it part of his will.”

  Olivia never did hear the other woman’s retort because the blood pounded so hard in her head it blocked her hearing. She had no idea how long she sat there staring into space. Certainly well past the time the ladies had left, still tittering with gossip.

  My God, is the entire ton privy to the embarrassment of my marriage?

  Maybe the time had arrived to give up the ruse, turn tail, and run. She had been lonely at Coventry Manor, but at least the staff and tenants were fond of her, and had shown her the respect she would never get here. And memories of the pianoforte also drew her. Her fingers itched to play again. Music had always soothed her when she felt abandoned and alone.

  Much like she felt right now.

  She shook herself from the distasteful memories, fluffed up her pillow and tried to empty her mind to get some sleep, but soon the moonlight shining through the window drew her to its allure. She leaned against the glass, her fingers spread against the coolness. As she gazed out over London, quiet and dark, the strongest sense of loneliness she had ever felt in her life washed over her.

  Why did the men in her life push her away? Although she’d always known her father loved her, he’d made her feel as though she’d died along with her mother. With his beloved wife gone, he had had no use for the person who reminded him of the one he’d lost.

  Now her marriage, what Father felt would be the best thing to secure her a future, was as empty as half the beds in the ton. Refusing to wallow in self-pity, she brushed her fingers over her wet eyes and returned to bed.

  Tomorrow she would tell Elizabeth she’d like to return to the country. Nothing had been accomplished coming here except to make her feel worse. At Coventry she could visit with the tenants again and lose herself in her music.

  It was hours before sleep overtook her.

  Chapter Nine

  A very tired Olivia joined Elizabeth at breakfast the next morning. It was a cool and rainy day, an exact match to her mood. Still wrestling with the question of returning to Coventry, she poured her tea and nibbled on a bite of toast.

  “You look like you haven’t slept well.” Elizabeth pushed aside her empty plate.

  “I had a lot on my mind last night.”

  Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak just as a footman delivered the morning post. Glancing through it, she extracted a thick envelope and handed it to Olivia.

  Wiping her fingers on a serviette, Olivia accepted the envelope and frowned when she saw the return address of her solicitors. She had visited with them shortly after arriving in London and had the last of her father’s estate business transferred to them from Italy.

  Blood drained from her face as her eyes darted back and forth over the lines, her horror growing. With a pounding heart and shaking hands, she looked up at Elizabeth, gripping the letter so tightly it crinkled.

  “For heaven’s sake, Olivia, what is the matter? You’ve turned deathly pale.”

  Olivia set the letter aside and inhaled deeply. “The reason I had a problem sleeping last night was because I thought about returning to Coventry.” She raised her hand when Elizabeth opened her mouth to object.

  “However, in light of this notice from my solicitor, I think I will remain here and make the most of what is left of the Season.” She smoothed out the letter and gave Elizabeth a tight smile.

  “Whatever is in that letter, Olivia?” Elizabeth frowned.

  “It seems my beloved husband has petitioned Parliament to grant him an annulment.”

  “Annulment!” Elizabeth said, her hand going to her mouth. “There are almost no grounds for such a proceeding. What does it say?”

  “He claims he was too drunk to know what he was doing.” She felt the flush start from her stomach and travel right up to her hairline.

  The absolute nerve of the man!

  “What are you going to do?” Elizabeth said.

  “I’m going to give his lordship, the Earl of Coventry, what he wants, of course.” She pushed her chair back and stood. “May I use your writing desk to sign this paper indicating I’ve been notified, and send it off?”

  Elizabeth rose with her and grasped her hand. “Maybe you should think about this, dearest. You’ve had quite a shock.”

  “There is nothing to think about, Elizabeth. I made a mistake. Once I saw Jason’s condition that morning, I should have cried
off. Father left me with enough funds to provide a comfortable life for myself. I shall be more than happy to be rid of Lord Arrogant.” She turned and left the room, crushing the letter in her hand.

  …

  Jason looked up as young Mr. Meyer entered the library.

  “Good morning, my lord.” He bowed slightly.

  “Meyer.” Jason nodded. He indicated the chair in front of his desk and the solicitor sat on the edge, clutching papers in his hands.

  “My lord, I have some papers for you to sign. They relate to the late Earl’s estate.” He shuffled through the papers in his hand and passed them over.

  Jason studied them carefully, and dipping his pen into the small jar of ink on the desk, signed them with a flourish, ending with his seal. “Is that all?” He handed them back to the solicitor.

  “No, my lord.” Clearing his throat, he continued, “I sent a letter to Lady Coventry’s solicitors in Italy advising them you would be seeking an annulment of the marriage between yourself and her ladyship.”

  Jason sat up abruptly, his eyes bright with curiosity. “Indeed, and what news have you?”

  “I’ve received a return missive informing me they no longer represented Lady Coventry, and they were kind enough to forward the letter to her solicitors here in London.”

  “London,” Jason said, tapping his pen on the desk. “Did they inform you who is now representing her ladyship?”

  “Yes, I have the name of the firm here.” The solicitor handed Jason a piece of paper he studied for a few minutes.

  “What have you discovered about my father’s will?”

  Meyer cleared his throat. “It appears the earl did not add any conditions to his request that you marry the Lady Jane, merely that you were to be wed within three days, should he pre-decease her arrival in England.”

  Jason snorted his opinion of the earl’s request.

  “It is the findings of Meyer, Johns and Meyer that lacking any instructions beyond your wedding, you are free to seek an annulment. With all due respect to the earl’s memory, we always felt the entire thing had been completed in too much of a hurry, and without due and proper thought.”

  The solicitor cleared his throat once more. “The annulment can be sought, provided, of course, the marriage has not been consummated.” He mumbled the last part of his statement, and a bright red flush rose in his face.

  Jason ignored the unasked question. “Thank you, Meyer. Please keep me informed of any further developments.”

  Young Meyer bowed and took his leave. Jason left his chair and walked to the window, shoving his hands into his pockets.

  She’s been notified.

  Was she upset? Crying? Angry? He felt like such a bloody coward doing it this way, but he soothed his conscience with the fact that he had attempted to speak with her in person, but she was the one who’d disappeared. So if she must be notified by post, then it was her fault.

  Why does that make me feel like a cad?

  He placed his hands on the window frame and rested his forehead against the smooth glass.

  And where the hell in London is the woman, anyway?

  Once more Jason located Lady Olivia by merely entering the theatre. Settling himself in his box with several guests he had invited for the performance of The Magic Flute, he spotted her almost immediately in the Lansdowne box. The pull of awareness between the two of them was a visible thing, and it pleased him to see her glance in his direction as soon as he settled in his seat.

  Then he frowned when his glance landed on Lord Carstairs who sat to her right, leaning down to say something in her ear. She laughed at whatever he’d whispered, throwing her head back. The sight of her long elegant neck where he wanted so much to put his lips caused his groin to tighten. He shifted in his seat to accommodate his reaction. With Carstairs leaning over her like that, the man could see right down the bodice of her dress. An urge to smash his fist into Carstairs’ leering face swept over him.

  “Darling, we’ve finally arrived.” Jason grimaced, his teeth clenching at the sound of Selena’s shrill voice. Pasting a smile on his face, he turned to greet Lord Jillard who apparently had invited the woman to attend with him.

  That’s the last time I invite that buffoon. He should have known better than to bring Selena with him.

  “Oh, look Jillard, there’s two seats right up front next to his lordship.” Groaning inwardly, Jason stood as Jillard and Selena joined him. He kissed Selena’s hand, and glanced briefly at Lady Olivia, who assessed him with raised eyebrows, then coolly turned to Carstairs, leaning close to him to say something that made him smile.

  Jason attempted to show interest in Selena’s ramblings, his hands fisted as she continued to touch him, displaying an intimacy he no longer felt. He breathed a sigh of relief when the opera finally began.

  Twice during the performance Selena rested her slim fingers on his thigh. Both times he moved in such a way that she had to withdraw. Not deterred, she used every opportunity to lean close to him, place her palm on his chest, or whisper in his ear. A few times he caught her glancing over to where Lady Olivia sat, a smirk on her beautiful face.

  The curtain closed for the intermission and Jason stood. “I find myself parched. If you will excuse me.”

  “I will join you.” Selena hopped up, almost upending her chair. “I find it most uncomfortable to sit the whole time, my lord, don’t you find it so?” She latched onto his arm possessively.

  Jason held himself rigidly, the muscles in his neck, shoulders and arms tense. He leaned down close to her ear, speaking quietly to her under his breath. “Selena, I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I would like it to stop.” He smiled and nodded as they passed friends and acquaintances.

  “If you won’t come to see me, my lord, then it seems I must seek you out.” Anger flashed in her dark brown eyes.

  “Let’s not discuss this now, my lady.” He received two glasses of warm lemonade from a footman and handed one to her.

  “When may we discuss it, my lord? It’s been quite some time since your last visit.” She regarded him over the rim of her glass.

  “I will call upon you tomorrow. Shall we say two o’clock?”

  “I will be waiting.” She inclined her head.

  They strolled the lobby in tense silence, and then returned to his box in time for the intermission to end. Jason immediately glanced across the way at the Lansdowne box, but it was empty, and remained that way throughout the rest of the opera.

  Jason never relished ending a relationship with a mistress, hating the tears, recriminations, and general drama that usually accompanied such encounters. No doubt his interview with Selena would not be any different.

  The Sheridan townhome sat in the Mayfair section of London, not far from Jason’s residence. With an uncommonly clear, sunny day, and slight breeze, he chose to walk. He bounded up the stairs, greeting the butler as the servant opened the door.

  “A most pleasant day, my lord,” the man said.

  “Indeed it is, Jasper. Please tell her ladyship I’ve arrived.”

  “She awaits you in the drawing room, my lord.”

  Selena lounged provocatively on a settee in a gown that should never have been worn outside her bed chamber. After a moment of posing, she gracefully arose and crossed the room.

  “Darling, it’s been so long. You have been a most neglectful lover.” She drew her full lips, that at one time he couldn’t get enough of, into a pout as she ran her palms up his chest to circle his neck.

  Jason removed her arms, walked to the sideboard and turned, resting against it. “Selena, you know why I’m here.” He studied various expressions flit across her face. “It’s over, my pet.”

  “It’s her, isn’t it?” She hissed, all attempt at playing the gracious lady vanishing in an instant.

  He shrugged, the motion clearly indicating he did not judge this to be important. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

  “Oh yes you do, my lord. That w
himpering houseguest of Lady Lansdowne. I saw you ogling her at the opera last evening. But you can forget her. She’s an innocent, and since you’re married, which you seem to have forgotten, she is far out of your reach.” She returned to the settee, and crossed her legs, which caused the dressing gown to open, revealing long slender legs, one of which she swung back and forth in agitation.

  “My marital status is not up for discussion.” Lord, how had he ever found this shrew desirable? Her body oozed sensuality, but beyond that she was a selfish, conniving bitch.

  Re-arranging her face into more pleasant lines, she sauntered over to him. “I’m sorry, Coventry, surely you don’t mean to end our relationship so soon?” She curled her hand around the back of his neck, and drew his head down to her mouth.

  Jason felt the desperation in Selena’s kiss, which only pushed him further away. He raised his head, and again removed her arms from around his neck. “I have something for you.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest, a mulish look on her face. “A goodbye gift, my lord?”

  He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a black velvet jewelry box. Selena’s eyes lit with pleasure when she opened it to reveal a beautiful sapphire and diamond bracelet. “Thank you, my lord. It’s truly a beautiful piece.” Considering him under half lidded eyes, she added, “Are you sure you don’t want to stay a little longer? I really need to thank you for such a thoughtful gift. We could retire upstairs.”

  “No, my sweet, I must be off.” He ran his knuckles across her cheek.

  Selena stood straighter and walked him to the door. “Then I will wish you good day.”

  Jason kissed her hand and left. He bounded down the steps feeling lighthearted, unlike previous liaison endings. This time he had something to look forward to. Once Parliament granted his annulment, he had every intention of pursuing the lovely Lady Olivia. Not for nefarious purposes, but with matrimony in mind. Had the old Earl only waited a few months to turn up his toes, both he and his son would have been satisfied.

  Whistling softly, he started off toward home.