Olivia immediately stiffened her back. He sounded so serious and she wasn’t ready to lose the glow of the evening quite yet. She viewed him with raised eyebrows.
“Don’t look so suspicious, love. I merely wanted to ask you to take a trip with me to Coventry Manor.” He straightened and clasped both her hands in his. “Before you say no, hear me out.”
She tried to tug her hands back, but he held firm.
“It is necessary for me to travel to Coventry to meet with my steward as there are some issues he cannot deal with himself. When I made a visit to Coventry a few weeks ago, I found the staff and tenants had fallen under your spell. I need someone to call on the tenants and meet with the staff to solve any issues that need handling. Since everyone there seems so fond of you,” he grinned, “I thought it might be nice for you to visit with them.”
“Oh, I don’t think so.” Olivia shook her head.
“It wouldn’t be for long. I plan to leave early the morning after next, and stay maybe two days. We’ll be back before the week’s end.”
When she continued to shake her head, he winked. “I don’t think I could face my staff if I arrived without you.”
“No,” she said. “Definitely not. And nothing you can say will change my mind. It’s not a good idea.”
…
Olivia covered her mouth in an attempt to stifle a yawn as she settled in Lord Coventry’s coach. Attending the Underwood ball last evening had not been one of her better decisions. When Jason had said that they would leave early for Coventry, she had no idea he meant before the sun rose. It would have been wise to just stay up, since the two hours of sleep only made her feel worse.
The air still held the night’s chill and she rubbed her palms over her arms while she waited for Jason to give final instructions to the driver. A light drizzle added to the misery of the morning. Giving in to her body’s demands, she yawned widely, glad there wasn’t anyone to witness her unladylike behavior.
Even though a little miffed that he’d coerced her into making this trip, she looked forward to revisiting the tenants she had grown so fond of. And she would play the pianoforte to entertain the staff who’d been her only friends after Jason had abandoned her.
A cool dampness announced Jason’s arrival as the door swung open and he entered the carriage, his large body seeming to take up all the space and air. She shivered as much from his overpowering presence as from the cold.
He reached under the seat and pulled out a fur blanket. “No offense, love, but you look like you could use a bit more sleep.”
“I’m fine, I got some rest.”
“Olivia, please. This trip will be tedious, and I prefer for both of us to be comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.” He shook out the blanket as the carriage started. “You’re shivering and your eyes are bloodshot.” Grasping her hand he pulled her forward, and taken by surprise at the movement, she ended up sitting next to him.
“Now stretch out alongside me, and get some sleep. It’s what I intend to do.” He turned her shoulders, ignoring her open-mouthed stare. Tucking her head against his chest, he arranged the blanket about their bodies, and put his arm around her waist.
“Go to sleep, love, the journey won’t be so tiresome if you sleep away part of it.”
Olivia was still in shock. One minute she had been viewing Jason across the carriage, and the next minute he’d gathered her against his massive warm chest, with a blanket over the both of them. This would never do. His forearm was much too close to her breasts. As soon as she felt warmer, she would move back to the other side of the carriage, and let Lord Arrogant know his machinations were unwelcome. As far as she was concerned, nothing had changed. Once the Season had grown to a close, she would be off to Italy.
She opened her eyes to see the sun high in the sky. She had fallen asleep, and apparently from the position of the sun, for several hours. She was still up against Jason’s chest, and mortified to find his hand cupping her breast.
“My lord!” she said, sitting up abruptly, adjusting her dangling hat.
“What?” Jason jerked, obviously waking from a sound sleep.
“You were touching me most inappropriately.” She smoothed her dress, then threw the blanket aside. Heat rose to her face and her heart pounded as she skittered to the other side of the coach.
Jason stretched lazily. “My regret is I was doing it in my sleep. I don’t suppose you would care to demonstrate exactly how I touched you?” He held out his hand, smiling wickedly.
“Indeed not.” Olivia sniffed.
Jason grinned while he folded the blanket and returned it to the storage bin under the seat. The day had cleared and now a weak sun shone through the carriage window.
He used his cane to tap the roof of the carriage, the signal for his driver to stop at the next coaching inn. “It would be a good time for us to stretch our legs and have something to eat.”
“Yes, I believe I could take something. I had only a cup of tea this morning.” She continued to straighten her clothes, fussing with her hair and trying to calm her heart.
His hand was on my breast! Was it truly an accident, or was it just another of the rake’s ploys?
She regarded him through slitted eyes, and he returned her stare with a beguiling smile. Definitely not to be trusted. No, best to keep her person far from this man. Her mind might know what he was, but it seemed her body was bent on ignoring the message.
But what glorious feelings the misbehaving had created in her. Her heart still pounded, and a soft fluttering had settled into a spot between her legs. What would it be like to allow him all the liberties a husband could demand from his wife? She glanced at him under lowered eyelids. He continued to study her, like a scientist viewing a specimen under glass. She breathed a sigh of relief as the coach came to a halt and the driver opened the door.
The inn was a pleasant one, with excellent food. Jason procured a private dining room for them, and they enjoyed a lunch of thick creamed cod soup, roast beef with vegetables, and fresh bread.
After her long nap and the hearty meal, Olivia felt quite restored, especially as she sipped her tea. The slight headache she’d awoken with had vanished and she now looked forward to seeing the countryside and visiting with the tenants once again.
“How much longer will our journey take, my lord?” Olivia patted her mouth with her serviette.
“Not more than a few hours if all goes well. We should be there in time for a late dinner, although after this repast, I can’t imagine being hungry again anytime soon.”
“We agree on that point, my lord. I too feel as though I may never desire another meal.”
Jason clasped Olivia’s hand. “Please, I ask you again. I prefer if you address me as Jason. Surely you can allow me that one indulgence?”
“Very well, my lo . . . sorry—Jason.”
Jason ran his thumb lazily over her knuckles. Olivia stared at the warm hand covering hers and could feel the heat move its way through her body and up to her face. She must learn to control her reaction to him. His methods had been well-practiced and she was not going to fall under his spell.
Pulling her hand from his, she stood. “I need to avail myself of the necessary before we leave.”
Jason rose and moved away from the table. “I will check on our carriage. Come back here to this room and wait for me when you are finished. I don’t want you out in the other room. I’ll summon the innkeeper’s wife to accompany you to the facilities.”
“Is that really necessary?” she said, amused.
“Believe me, you do not want to expose yourself to the patrons in the common room, and I insist you wait for the innkeeper’s wife.” He left the room, giving Olivia no chance to dispute his dictates.
Well! It appears Lord Arrogant has spoken.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Jason spent part of the time riding Apollo, who’d been tied to the back of the carriage. Olivia enjoyed the sight of the beautiful rolling hills and sk
y that got bluer and clearer as they left the city farther behind. Without the distraction of his presence, she was able to relax and enjoy the ride.
Even though she’d been miserable when she was last there, she had loved Coventry Manor. When she’d first arrived, the way it had arisen majestically from the ground as one came over the hill and around a bend in the road, had taken the breath from her body. Miles and miles of grass and trees surrounded the house, with a perfectly appointed garden encircling the building, which now would have an array of flowers bursting with color and scent. She couldn’t wait to see it once again.
Olivia sighed and leaned her head against the coach. If only Jason wasn’t a rogue. She could be comfortable at his estate with no trouble at all. The tenants were friendly and cheerful, Jason’s steward having built a good relationship with them. Dakin had spent time with Olivia, enthusiastically describing the new farming methods Jason had allowed him to introduce. He was certain it resulted in a huge increase in production, which in turn made the tenants quite happy.
The tenants, and especially the children, had captured her heart. They had openly welcomed her and had always expressed sincere thanks for the visits. She’d also been impressed by how often they asked after Jason. Of course when she was last at Coventry Manor she had had very little information about her husband to share with them.
But it was best to stop those thoughts. They only darkened her mood.
She looked out the window when she felt the carriage slowing down. It wasn’t Coventry Manor, but an inn emerging from the darkness, its windows lit with an inviting presence.
The door opened as soon as the coach came to a complete stop. “We’re not very far from home.” Jason rested his arm against the open door. “But it seems one of the horses threw a shoe, so the driver is going to take care of it here, rather than making the poor animal suffer.”
“Are we getting out for a bit?” She edged forward on the seat.
“Yes. Even though we were well satisfied after our last meal, perhaps you could use a hot cup of tea? I’ve been to this inn before, and the food is acceptable.” He put his hand out to help her down.
Jason escorted her to the private dining room and went in search of the innkeeper to have a fire lit in the cold room. The door to the common room he’d left ajar to allow heat from that room to warm her. Olivia walked around the space, giving her stiff muscles a bit of exercise.
“My lord!”
Olivia turned toward the open door to see a young serving maid rush toward Jason and throw herself against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. At first, Jason held his hands by his side, but then quickly pulled her arms away.
She looked up at him, smiling brightly. “You said you would be back. I’m so happy to see you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Jason darted a glance toward the partially opened door. “Mary, I have my wife with me.”
“Oh, sorry, my lord, I didn’t know.” She gave him a broad wink. “Next time, eh?”
“Ah, can you see that a fire is lit in the private dining room?” His voice squeaked.
The tavern maid curtsied slightly, and ran her tongue around the outside of her mouth in a most suggestive manner. “Of course, my lord.” She turned and walked away, her hips swaying seductively.
Olivia’s hand flew to her chest where her heart almost stopped, and then sped up. That rake! That absolute lecher! She mentally fumbled trying to think of the worst things she could use to describe the despicable man.
The girl came into the room, carrying wood to start the fire. “Good evening, my lady,” she said sweetly. Jason had disappeared out the front door of the inn after the eager greeting by the girl. Olivia didn’t know whether to pull the trollop’s hair out or go find Jason to slap him. Neither reaction seemed very ladylike.
Why did I ever for one minute think I could give him a chance to start over? The man is a cad of the worst type, a scoundrel, a roué.
The girl finished laying the fire and left the room. Jason entered from the common dining room, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah, I assume you saw that.”
Olivia drew herself up. “I saw absolutely nothing that surprised me.” She smoothed her hair back. “You give me no reason to assume that young lady is not one of a parade of others with whom you have had a dalliance.” Walking past him, she added, “If you will excuse me, my lord, I will wait for you in the carriage.”
Jason reached for her and wrapped his arms around her in a tight grip. “That girl is not one of many, and my dalliance with her, as you call it, was before we married. I haven’t been a saint, that’s true. But I have done nothing improper since the day we said our vows.”
“Ha!” She wiggled to release herself from his strong arms. Even now she felt the butterflies taking flight in her stomach. Despite her shock and anger, her body betrayed her by its reaction to his closeness.
“You don’t even remember our vows, my lord.” Twisting in his arms, she snapped, “Let me go. I have nothing to say to you and I don’t want to hear any more lies.”
He reluctantly freed her and after a moment followed her out. “Are we ready to go?” Jason growled at the driver as he slammed the door of the inn.
“Yes, my lord. I left the horse here and borrowed another one from the innkeeper.”
“Good, let’s finish this blasted journey.” He climbed into the carriage and sat across from Olivia. She averted her face and gazed into the total darkness.
It was a strained couple who arrived at the front door of Coventry Manor. Olivia wouldn’t even take his arm, but ascended the stairs herself, practically running from him. Malcolm opened the door and greeted them warmly.
“It’s a pleasure to have you both here, my lord, my lady,” he said, bowing.
“It is good to be home, Malcolm.” Jason pulled off his gloves and handed them to the butler. “Please see that Lady Coventry receives a bath and a light meal in her room. I’ll be in the library. Please have Cook send something for me in there.”
“Certainly,” Malcolm said.
Olivia retired to her room, sorry now that she’d had her things moved into the Countess’s bedchamber next to Jason. She quickly moved to the door that separated their rooms and wedged a chair under the latch.
She collapsed on the bed, angered to find tears in her eyes. One would think she would have learned by now. Once a rake, always a rake. Before she had too much time to dwell on this latest debacle, a soft knocking on the door interrupted her. Her bath had arrived, and soaking in hot water held a great deal of appeal.
…
Jason sat in an armchair and braced his feet on the edge of his desk, morosely staring at his boots.
The pain and anger in Olivia’s eyes had practically brought him to his knees. Just when he thought they had been making progress, that chit from the inn had appeared. In all honesty, he couldn’t lay the blame totally at her feet. He had been an absolute arse the night before his wedding, and knew at the time he shouldn’t have trifled with the girl.
It was probably best to let Olivia be for tonight. Hopefully a good night’s sleep would temper part of her reaction. He surely would not get much sleep himself, since his guilt had not diminished the desire to view her sprawled across his bed. In fact, her angry flashing eyes only made him more determined to see that same intensity from passion.
He ran his hand down his face and stood. What a mess!
Jason was sitting at the breakfast table when Olivia entered the next morning. It didn’t appear she’d had any more sleep than he. Out of curiosity, he’d tried the door between their rooms last evening and found it stuck. Since there wasn’t a lock on the door, he assumed she had placed something there to keep him out. The vision of her in his bed disappeared like a puff of smoke.
“Good morning, love.”
He rose as she entered the room.
“Good morning, my lord,” she said softly, taking a seat.
Back to “my lord” again. He sighed.
&
nbsp; “Would you care for some tea?” He reached for the teapot.
“Thank you.” She pushed her cup over, but refused to meet his eyes as he poured the steaming liquid.
“I’ll be meeting with my steward this morning. I believe Mrs. Watkins would like to spend some time with you to go over the household accounts.”
Olivia put her teacup down and looked directly at him for the first time since the visit to the inn. “What is the point, my lord? I intend to return to Italy once the Season is over. If you won’t seek an annulment, then it will be necessary for us to live as a separate couple.”
Jason threw his serviette down and ate up the distance between them. Leaning down, he braced both hands on either side of her chair. “Understand this, my lady. There will be no annulment and no returning to Italy. We will both live here at Coventry Manor once the Season ends.”
Olivia’s eyes flashed with anger, and she drew herself up. “You cannot force me to live here.”
“I can and I will. If I have to tie your wrist to mine, then so be it. You stood in the room right down that hall and spoke the vows that made you my wife.”
Unable to rise, she pressed against the back of her chair and stared him in the eyes. “And of course you remember the occasion so well, my lord.” With shaky hands she smoothed the sides of her hair. “And now you’re a bully on top of everything else.”
“What everything else?” he growled.
“A rake, a lecher, and a scoundrel.”
He moved aside when she pushed with both hands on his chest, then jumped to her feet and skirted around him, heading for the door. “The type of man I would never accept as a husband. I’ve seen the typical ton marriages, and that is not what I want for myself.” Her voice cracked and she quickly left the room.
He collapsed into his seat and took a large breath. By no means was he a monk, but he hardly qualified as a lecher. In fact, compared to some of his peers, he had been quite restrained.
Callie Hutton Page 14
