Callie Hutton

by The Elusive Wife

  “My offers. Do you suppose I’ll get another two so I can live up to Mama’s expectations?” She giggled and blushed.

  Good heavens. Is this the sort of choice young gentlemen have?

  “I am sure you will do your mama proud.”

  The soup already eaten and removed, the servants now offered the diners turkey, beef, peas, asparagus, salad, anchovies, and other various dishes. A footman poured a heavier wine for the guests to complement the second course.

  “Who’s the new gel?” The Dowager Duchess of Northumberland said in her loud voice, nudging Jason’s elbow. He looked up and saw the older woman indicating Olivia’s end of the table.

  “That is Lady Olivia, Your Grace. She’s visiting with Lord and Lady Lansdowne for the season.”

  “La. Pretty little thing, but she needs more fabric on that gown.” She regarded Jason with a humorous expression. “I notice you seem to be looking quite a bit in her direction. Caught your eye, eh?” Her voice resonated a little too loud for Jason’s comfort.

  A drumming on his arm caused him to turn and find Lady Cecily tapping him with her fan.

  “My lady?” He leaned toward her.

  “I wonder why I haven’t seen you at Almacks?” She moved her lips in what he suspected was a well-used pout.

  “I haven’t been this Season.” He shifted to adjust his breeches as he watched Olivia run her tongue around the outside of her mouth.

  “Well I would certainly save you a waltz if you did, my lord, since I have been permitted to participate in that most scandalous dance from the patronesses.” She batted her eyelashes.

  Good grief. Is the chit flirting with me? She can’t be more than seventeen.

  “If I am ever there, my lady, I would be honored to waltz with you.”

  Lady Cecily’s lips tightened as he gave her the automatic response before he turned to look at Olivia once again. His stomach clenched with annoyance as a fan tapped his arm again. “Lord Coventry, I am feeling a bit faint, I think I need some air. Would you please escort me to the garden for a short walk?”

  “Of course.” He placed his serviette on the table and rising, pulled the girl’s chair out. He glanced briefly at the dowager, who gave him a knowing smile.

  He extended his arm and the chit put her hand on it. “I think before we leave, you should ask your mother to accompany us. I don’t wish to cause any problems.” He had more than one acquaintance who’d been snared in the parson’s trap by a young lady needing a breath of air. He wasn’t about to let himself be caught in the garden alone with this barely out of the schoolroom girl. Particularly since he wasn’t free to do the honorable thing anyway. Thank God for already having a wife.

  A wife, he noticed, who needed to have the front of her gown pulled up. Good grief, didn’t she know she shouldn’t bend over like that? Fairfax eyed Olivia’s bosom with a silly smile on his face that Jason longed to smash.

  Lady Cecily clamped her mouth in a firm line. “Of course, my lord, how thoughtful of you to suggest it.” With a stiff smile, she turned to the older woman with a dark green turban on her head. “Mama, would you please accompany Lord Coventry and me to the garden?”

  “Of course, love, is everything all right?” Lady Lyons rose.

  “The gel needs a bit of air,” the dowager duchess said, smirking. “And Lord Coventry has offered to accompany her.”

  Lady Cecily had the entire table’s attention now, which didn’t seem to disturb her in the least. She smiled in Olivia’s direction and took Lord Coventry’s arm once again, preening, as the three of them left the dining room.

  …

  Olivia breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Jason leave with the young girl and her mother. He had glared at her the entire dinner, to the extent that it had become noticeable. She blushed furiously when she heard the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland question Jason on the attention he focused on her. And she would definitely pack this gown away, never to see the light of day again. Not because Jason commented on it, of course, but she was truly tired of her dinner partners ogling her.

  Lord Garland on her one side was getting slowly drunk and his comments were becoming more and more outrageous. Poor Fairfax on her other side kept trying to make conversation with her, but was constantly interrupted by requests from his mother. She needed the salt handed to her. She would like some more of the beef. She would prefer more water and no wine. Get her shawl, she was too cold, take it away, she was too hot. All of these requirements should have been directed to a footman, but it seemed only her son could satisfy her. Poor man.

  She smiled to herself at the quandary Jason had gotten himself into. While he was busy watching her, she laughed to herself at Lady Cicely trying her best to get his attention. Jason being a young, handsome, wealthy, titled man of the ton put him in the path of every marriage-seeking debutante and mama in town. And his reputation as a rake attracted the attention of all those women looking for a skilled lover to warm their bed while their husbands were otherwise occupied—in most cases with their mistresses.

  It was what she loathed about Society. So few married for anything other than position and wealth. Once the heir and spare occupied the nursery, husband and wife went their separate ways. It was sad, actually. If she couldn’t have a husband who adored her as Grif did his wife, then she would have none at all. She would be happy when this tiresome Season was over and she could escape to Italy where worthwhile endeavors would take up her time, instead of day after day of frivolous activities.

  The footmen laid platters of sweets, fruit and cheese in the center of the table as Jason, Lady Cecily and Lady Lyons returned to the room. The young girl hung on Jason’s arm, chattering away. Jaw tightened and his lips in a thin line, he did his best to smile at her. Olivia bit her lip to keep from laughing.

  After dessert the ladies retired to the drawing room for tea, leaving the men to enjoy their port. Lady Cecily went on and on about Lord Coventry, and how attentive he’d been during dinner, and so thoughtful to escort her to the garden when she felt faint. Then Lady Lyons seized center stage to regale the ladies with tales of the numerous offers her lovely Cecily had received so far, and what an impression she had made on the ton since her coming out.

  Thankfully, the gentlemen returned and conversation turned from Lady Cecily and her conquests to general ton news and gossip. Jason spoke briefly with Lord Stafford and then headed directly for Olivia. He touched her briefly on her elbow, but before he could speak, Lady Cummings stood. “Lady Olivia, we have heard so many accounts of your wonderful talent on the pianoforte. I wonder if you will play for us?”

  Olivia flushed and glanced at Jason, surprised to see a look of encouragement and pride in his eyes. Confused, she made her way to the front of the room.

  She sat and breathed deeply for a moment to clear her mind, then began Beethoven’s Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, another of her favorites. Again quiet descended on the room as her playing captivated her audience.

  When she finished, Lady Lyons applauded briefly, then addressed the group. “That was lovely, Lady Olivia, but I must insist that my daughter also play for us. She has so much talent, it is always remarked upon.”

  Olivia quickly made her way to the back of the room as Lady Cecily settled on the pianoforte bench. Jason headed toward Olivia when Lady Cecily said, “Lord Coventry, will you please turn the pages for me?”

  Rolling his eyes in Olivia’s direction, he turned to Lady Cecily. “Of course, my lady, I would be honored.” The young girl simpered and shifted on the pianoforte bench.

  It was really quite funny to watch Jason pretend to be “honored” to turn pages for Lady Cecily.

  Too bad these manners were not on display on the day we married.

  The girl did play nicely, Olivia had to admit, which was a relief since so many young ladies who really should never be allowed near an instrument were forced to play at gatherings.

  When Lady Cecily finished, Olivia hurried to Elizabeth who waved in
her direction.

  “Grif and I are leaving, dear, I’m not feeling quite the thing.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, Elizabeth.” Olivia slid her arm through her friend’s and walked toward the door.

  “No, dear, you must stay and enjoy the rest of the evening, Lord Coventry has offered to escort you home.”

  Olivia raised her chin. “That’s most gracious, but I’m ready to take my leave. There’s no need for his lordship to go out of his way.”

  “’Tis no trouble, my lady. I insist you stay. I would be honored to see you home.” Jason had come up behind her, lightly grasping her elbow. Her skin sizzled where his hand rested. She could smell the heady scent of Bay Rum and leather and feel the heat radiating from him. Her body responded immediately, her heart speeding up.

  Grif appeared with Elizabeth’s wrap. “Please Olivia, allow Jason to accompany you home. Elizabeth and I would be distressed if you cut the evening short on our behalf.”

  “Lady Olivia, you must stay,” Lady Cummings approached the group at the door. “We are about to play whist and we need an even amount of players.”

  “Very well, I would enjoy a game of whist myself.” She smiled at her hostess.

  Jason’s deep voice cut into her. “Excellent, we will form partners and get started.”

  “Lord Coventry, Mama and I would love for you to be our fourth with Lord Phillmore.” Lady Cecily came to stand next to Jason, putting her hand on his arm.

  Jason smiled brightly at the young girl. “I’m so sorry, Lady Cecily, but I just now promised to partner Lady Olivia.” He looked in Olivia’s direction with pleading eyes.

  Why should I help the devil out?

  Then she made the fatal mistake of looking into those eyes and all rational thought fled.

  “Yes, I’m afraid I have just consented to partner his lordship.”

  Lady Cecily smiled tightly. “Some other time, perhaps.”

  “Yes, indeed,” Jason bowed in her direction. He took Olivia’s arm and walked her in the direction of the game room. “Thank you so much for that.” He leaned close to her ear.

  Olivia shivered as his breath slid over her, and squelched the urge to move nearer to the warmth of his mouth. Then she stiffened at his audacity.

  “Don’t read anything into it, my lord.” She stared straight ahead as they headed to the card tables.

  …

  The tea cart rolled into the room after the last hand of cards had been played. Jason found Lady Cecily practically sitting on his lap on the settee while her mother busily traded on dits with the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland and Lady Fairfax. Jason’s annoyance increased as Olivia held a deep conversation with Drake. His friend’s gaze drifted more than once to Olivia’s bodice.

  Tomorrow he would shoot the man.

  Jason stood and bowed to Lady Cecily. “It has been a pleasure, my lady, and now I bid you good evening.”

  She raised her hand to Jason. “Mama would love for you to call on us some afternoon, my lord.”

  Is there no end to the chit’s forwardness? She is definitely headed for trouble if Lady Lyons doesn’t rein her in.

  “Perhaps, but my days are quite taken up right now.” With that he quickly turned and almost ran toward Olivia.

  She tensed as he touched her elbow.

  “I say, old boy, I’m having my carriage brought around.” Jason nodded to Drake, and taking Olivia’s hand tucked it into his arm.

  Drake smirked. “In a hurry, Coventry? It’s still early.”

  “Move back, Stafford, you’re standing too close to Lady Olivia. Give the woman room to breathe. And I see your sister trying to get your attention.” Jason glared at Drake.

  “So she is,” Drake smiled. “Good night to both of you.” He bowed and made his way to his sister.

  They were both silent as they descended the stairs and climbed into the carriage. Olivia moved to the corner of the coach, hugging the space. Her hands twisted in her lap and she kept running her tongue around the outside of her mouth.

  Jason stared at her and a wave of desire washed over him. Her touch, her smell, her looks, all drove him mad. Moving closer, he grasped her hands. “Olivia, we must talk.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Yes, my lord, it was a lovely dinner party, was it not?” She directed her comments to her lap.

  Jason put his finger under her chin and lifted her head. “It was lovely, and you know that is not what I wish to speak of.”

  He glanced away and then and cleared his throat. “We got off to a very bad start.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “Is that how you define it, my lord?”

  “All right. Let me say that again. I acted like a jackass at our wedding, and I want to make up for it.” He bent his head to study her. “Please, Olivia, let us start again.”

  Her eyes flashed with anger. “There is nothing to start, you have requested an annulment, and I have signed the notification papers.”

  “Forget the annulment, Olivia. I said there will not be one and that is the end of it.”

  She huffed her opinion, and looked out the window at the black night.

  Jason studied her in the darkness of the carriage. Taken separately, her features were not remarkable, but together they portrayed an intelligent, beautiful woman. With a stubborn chin. He never doubted in a contest of wills who would win, and the upcoming clashes excited him. As a matter of law, he could demand his husbandly rights. But when he brought Olivia to his bed, it would be with her consent and desire.

  The thought of her complete surrender, of her tresses flowing over them like a silk curtain as she rode him and called out his name at her release brought a sweat to his brow, and an uncomfortable tightness in his breeches. He shifted as the carriage drew up to the Lansdowne House and the driver jumped down.

  “Just give us a minute.” Jason reached to close the door the driver had opened. He turned to Olivia.

  “Excuse me, my lord, it grows late, and I am tired.” The wariness in Olivia’s eyes brought him no pleasure. He didn’t want her afraid of him.

  Relaxing his rigid stance, he gently moved her head toward him and cupped her face in his hands. “We didn’t have a proper kiss at our wedding.”

  “I do seem to remember you missing my face by several inches,” she whispered.

  He smiled and lowered his head. He lightly touched her lips with his, and then brushed them back and forth. When she didn’t resist, he pressed harder, coaxing her lips open with his tongue. She gasped and he slid in, his tongue exploring all the recesses of her mouth, leaving him no doubt she had never been kissed like this. He eased her body closer, feeling her breasts crushed up against his chest. She smelled of lavender and aroused woman, and he couldn’t get enough. Her mouth was nectar he sipped from, could become addicted to.

  His lips left hers to nibble on her earlobe “I want you, Olivia,” he said in a soft voice, “as my wife, in my bed.”

  “No, my lord, I have other plans.” She pushed him back, her voice shaking. Her chest rose and fell as she took in great gulps of air. “Please escort me to the door.” She continued to stare at him, her breathing erratic.

  Jaw clenched, he climbed from the coach and assisted her down. Together they walked silently to the door. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turned her to him. “Give me a chance, Olivia. I know I made a terrible first impression, but I want the opportunity to set things right.”

  She shook her head briefly, and turned from him to enter the house, softly closing the door. Jason stared at the spot where she’d just stood, before striding to the carriage, his lips in a grim line as he directed the driver to take him home.

  …

  Olivia sighed deeply, then wearily climbed the stairs. She touched her mouth where she could still feel the pressure of Jason’s lips. Her body hadn’t yet calmed from the kiss. The only sensible thing to do was to avoid him until the end of the Season. Her brain might be determined to ignore his touch, but her body didn’t seem t
o agree. She must teach it to behave itself.

  Having told her lady’s maid not to wait up, she quickly changed into her night rail and climbed into bed. She lay on her back, arms crossed over her chest. Perhaps Jason’s kiss had rattled her more than she’d realized. Drat the man for touching something in her she tried to deny. The attraction she felt tied her in knots. Aside from his behavior toward her on their wedding day, he was arrogant, controlling, and much too used to having his own way with any woman he crooked his finger at. Once he had his fill of her, he would turn his eye toward the next woman who threw him a smoldering glance over a painted fan.

  She’d seen enough of ton marriages to know Jason’s expectations. And hadn’t he already abandoned her to the country once? No, her decision to return to Italy and spend her life with music was for the best. If she gave her heart to Lord Coventry, he would undoubtedly hand it back to her in shreds.

  Lost in a book about Queen Elizabeth, Olivia didn’t hear the butler come into the room until Staunton cleared his throat. “Excuse me, my lady.”

  She turned and smiled.

  He held a large arrangement of flowers, the blooms almost hiding his face from her view.

  “These have arrived for you.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks. “Oh my, they’re lovely, aren’t they?”

  “Indeed they are, my lady. Where shall I put them?”

  Elizabeth came into the room and her hand flew to cover her mouth. “Oh, how beautiful, are they yours?” She eyed Olivia.

  “Yes, they just came. I was wondering where to put them.”

  Elizabeth glanced around the room. “I think right on that little table by the window, Staunton. They would look lovely there.” Resting her hands over her heart, she asked, “Which one of your many admirers sent them?”

  “I’m not sure. I haven’t looked at the card yet.” Olivia followed the butler and removed the small card attached to the vase. She examined it and shook her head slightly. Looking up at Elizabeth, she read, “With warmest regards, J.” She let out a sigh, and turned to gaze out the window, worrying the small card in her hands.