A great deal of his reputation had been gained by rumor rather than fact. He and Drake had certainly had their share of willing young ladies while attending University, and since then he’d always kept a mistress, but only one at a time, and always discreetly. Perhaps some of his bed companions had been married, but that was a problem for the woman and her husband. And he’d never encouraged an innocent, in fact had stayed as far away from them as he could.
He leaned back in his chair and stretched out his long legs, crossing his ankles. It would take him some time to regain the ground he had lost last night.
After berating himself for a while, he rose to meet with his steward. A glance out the window revealed Olivia strolling in the garden, speaking animatedly with Mrs. Watkins. He studied her through the glass and noted her expressive face and the curves he wanted so much to run his hands over. A breeze picked up the curls escaping her knot, and tickled her face. As she raised her hand to brush them away, his groin tightened.
…
Olivia chastised herself once more. She never should have agreed to accompany Jason on this outing to visit the tenants. Only her love for the children, and the delight in their eyes when she gave them sweets, motivated her to ride alongside his lordship in the phaeton.
A glorious day, the warm sun relaxed her as they traveled along. Jason had dressed more casually, which he told her was his way when spending time in the country. He’d left off a waistcoat, and had his cravat tied in what could only be described as cavalier. Her gaze kept returning to his muscular thighs outlined in his tight breeches, causing her stomach to flutter. How could the man infuriate her to no end, but at the same time have her flushing at the memory of his hand on her breast in the coach yesterday?
Olivia inhaled deeply of the air fragranced with honeysuckle. Her light beige day gown with a deep green bodice blended in well with the various shades of green that Mother Earth displayed. Small flowers covered her straw bonnet, with a wide green satin ribbon tied pertly under her chin. On her lap she held a large basket, covered with a checked cloth, and packed with sweets, breads, and other goodies from Cook.
“I’ve decided to give a small dinner party toward the end of the week.” Jason’s deep voice broke the silence. “What are your thoughts?”
Abruptly, she swung her head from the enchanting image of a mother bird bringing worms to her little ones, to gaze at Jason with one raised eyebrow. “Indeed? I thought you said we were to be here only a day or so, and back in Town by the week’s end?”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “I find every time I come to the country, I am loath to return too quickly to the stress and strain of Town life.”
“You seemed to be in quite a hurry to return to Town the day after our wedding,” she said cheerfully.
He scowled. “Nevertheless, I would like to entertain a few of the local gentry while we are here.”
“As you say, my lord,” Olivia turned her attention to her lap, smoothing the front of her dress.
He placed both reins in one hand, and reached for her hand. “If you can’t find it in your heart to forgive me, at least let us call a truce while we are here. ’Tis a beautiful day, and I know you take pleasure in these visits. We will discuss the dinner party this evening. I want to enjoy the day and the sight of my beautiful wife charming my tenants.” He flashed the boyish grin that continued to do things to her insides, despite her determination to resist.
They drew up to a tidy house alongside well-tended fields. A hardy vegetable and herb garden occupied the space on one side of the house, while a riotous array of vibrant flowers swept across the front. Two small children played on a swing hanging from a large oak tree, the echoes of their innocent laughter causing her to smile.
“Good day, my lord, my lady.” A rather pretty stout woman holding a babe in her arms greeted them as they stopped the carriage in the front yard.
“Good day to you, Mrs. McFarren.” Jason jumped down and retrieved the basket from Olivia before turning to help her alight.
“Mr. McFarren is inside taking his tea. I would be most honored to have you and your lady join us.” The woman’s face flushed with pleasure.
“That would be delightful,” Olivia said, smiling brightly.
They entered the home and Olivia remembered the last time she had visited here, a few days after her disastrous wedding. She pushed the gloomy thought away and held her arms out for the baby. “May I hold your little one, Mrs. McFarren?”
“Oh, m’lady, she will spoil your lovely dress.” Mrs. McFarren frowned.
“Not at all, please allow me.” Olivia cuddled the babe in her arms and an overwhelming longing swept over her. Oh, to hold a child of her own! She ran her hands over the small warm body, and kissed the top of the child’s head. Her silky soft hair smelled of soap. Olivia closed her eyes and inhaled the scent.
When she opened her eyes, Jason was watching her, a delighted smile touching his lips. She quickly smoothed her features and turned to Mrs. McFarren. “We’ve brought some sweets for your children. May I call them in?”
“You have a seat and I will fetch them, m’lady.” She indicated a sturdy chair at the table where the woman had obviously put out her best tea things. Jason held her chair and once she was settled, pulled out another chair and sat.
“How is everything, Mr. McFarren?” Jason leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms.
The men launched into an intense conversation about planting, weather, and trials of farming. Olivia entertained herself with speaking with the children and plying them with the sweets Cook had packed. They were a happy family, the children well cared for and polite. The baby was a pleasure and Olivia found herself clinging so tightly to the baby, the little one began to fuss.
“Here, let me take her, m’lady,” Mrs. McFarren said. Olivia sighed and handed the babe over to the child’s mother. She looked around the warm, comfortable room, with handmade rugs on the gleaming floors, and the scent of something delicious bubbling over the fire. Every once in a while Mr. McFarren would reach out and pat his wife’s hand, or would look at her to gain her agreement on something he had just said.
Olivia felt a tightening in her chest. She would trade her status and money for a life such as this. All she ever wanted was someone to love her completely. Balls, parties, decorating elegant homes, shopping, and other pointless activities were all meaningless if there was no loved one to share her life with. It was far better to spend one’s life alone than to have someone make her existence miserable.
Soon Jason stood. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mrs. McFarren. Her ladyship and I must be on our way.” He shook Mr. McFarren’s hand and pulled Olivia’s chair out. She thanked them as well, and they made their way back to the carriage.
“You should have children, Olivia,” Jason said as he steered the vehicle away from the McFarren house.
“Children are not part of my plan, my lord.” God forgive her for lying, for children had always been a strong desire of hers. However, in her dreams their arrival followed a happy, secure marriage. Something Olivia did not have, and considering her circumstances, would most likely never have.
“You may lie to yourself, love, but the look in your eyes when you held that child back there was telling.” He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her over to him. “I would love to see your body swollen with my child. Just say the word, and we can begin that project.” He looked at her with smoldering eyes.
Olivia felt her insides melt and her nipples tighten. Lord, if just looking at her did that, what would happen if she ever allowed him to kiss her? She shook her head and took a deep breath. “Jason, I agreed to a truce, but with the way this conversation is going, the truce may come to an end.” She slid back over and stared at the passing scenery, discreetly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
…
Jason smiled to himself. She had slipped and called him by his name. Perhaps he was making progress. Then a shadow passed over him when
he remembered how far apart they were. Olivia still harbored bad memories of their wedding, so he needed to be very careful in how he dealt with her. Her introduction to society, with the laissez-faire attitude of so many members of the ton about their own marriages had convinced her he expected the same type of relationship. His reputation hadn’t been helped either by the debacle at the inn. He had to find a way to convince his wife his rakehell days were over.
He glanced at Olivia. If he were to pick the one woman who could keep him from wandering, it would be her. Of course, were he to fall in love, the question would be moot. Men in love did not visit beds other than their wife’s. What exactly did he feel for her besides desire? An intelligent, strong, well-bred, and personable woman, it was easy to imagine her smoothly running his household, supervising the staff, seeing to the children.
She also had no interest in the continuous round of parties and balls the London Season had to offer. Jason had to admit he’d grown very tired of it himself. Perhaps he had more of his father in him than he wished to admit. He could easily settle into a life in the country, overseeing his tenants, having small dinner parties, and enjoying his wife and children. But where his father had to contend with a very dissatisfied wife who longed for the pleasures of Town, Jason had the very wise Olivia who already admitted a disdain for Society.
Chapter Seventeen
The three days leading up to the dinner party Olivia had planned at Jason’s insistence flew by. In some ways she had found it terrifying, since her limited social exposure in Italy had not provided her with hostess skills. On the other hand, she had genuinely enjoyed planning the menu with Cook, and consulting with the gardener on which flowers to cut and arrange in vases for the table decorations.
Olivia spent a great deal of time going through china, silver, and crystal that Jason assured her hadn’t seen the light of day for many years.
“Didn’t your mother give dinner parties?” She and Jason sat in undignified positions on the floor, unwrapping delicate white and gold bone china.
He shrugged. “My parents were separated for most of their marriage.”
Olivia looked up and frowned. “Separated?”
“For all intents and purposes. My father spent his time here in the country, but Mother preferred London social life. After it became apparent there would be no spare to add to the heir, she moved to the London Townhouse and spent all her time either there or in Bath. She returned to the Manor for the holidays, but that remained the extent of her interest in the place.
She tilted her head slightly. “How odd. To think she had a beautiful home such as this, and preferred to spend her time in nasty, dirty London.” She shook her head.
Jason threw his head back and laughed. “You are so very different from my mother. She was only interested in expensive gowns, jewelry, balls, and impressing her friends.” He shook his head. “Nasty, dirty London indeed.”
“And what of your father? Was he content to remain here while your mother lived elsewhere?”
“Father was content with the arrangement. He had other things to occupy his time.”
“Such as?”
Jason regarded her for a moment. “Other things. Nothing important.”
“Women?” She raised her chin a notch.
He flushed slightly and cleared his throat.
“Never mind, my lord, ’tis none of my business anyway. I’m familiar with how much regard most members of the ton hold their marriage vows.”
Jason blew out a breath. “Just as you are not my mother, I am not my father. Nothing like him, nor do I expect to ever be like him. He was hardly my ideal.”
Olivia rose and shook out her skirts. “I need to see about tea. Will you be joining me, my lord?”
“Olivia, stop with the ‘my lord,’ for heaven’s sake. And no, I think I will go for a ride. I will see you at dinner.”
…
“Lady Coventry, it was so kind of you to arrange this dinner party.” Baroness Shaffer took Olivia’s arm as they began their stroll in the garden. The summer flowers had started to bloom. Yellow Columbine, white, blue, and pink Canterbury Bell, and an array of Hollyhock stretched before them, as a prelude to the exquisite rose garden. Olivia breathed deeply of the fragrant air as she and the Baroness sauntered along.
“And, of course, it is most pleasurable to finally meet you. Had the Baron and I known you were in residence last February, we would have certainly called.” She turned to Jason who walked behind her with Baron Shaffer. “And you, sir, didn’t deign to introduce your lovely wife to the gentry after your wedding?”
A flush rose up Jason’s face, and he stretched his neck, his eyes roaming as though seeking to escape.
“It was necessary to return to London shortly after our wedding,” Olivia answered smoothly. She called on years of breeding and training to make that statement. Jason flashed her a grateful smile.
“My lord, Lord and Lady Appleby have arrived,” Malcolm announced from the terrace above the garden.
Olivia guided the Baroness toward the house. “Since we are all here, we will retire to the drawing room until dinner is announced.”
As they entered the house, Jason brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you for that, madam.”
Olivia studied those mesmerizing eyes and her mouth dried up. “Good manners, my lord. Merely good manners.”
Pastor and Mrs. Dunn had sent regrets due to an emergency, which required a last minute change in the seating arrangements. Lord and Lady Appleby, the Baron and Baroness, and Olivia and Jason all settled in their seats.
“I must say we were most pleased to find Lord Coventry had married.” Lady Appleby eyed Olivia over the glass of light wine the footman poured for each diner.
Not sure that even required an answer, Olivia merely smiled and tilted her head slightly in the woman’s direction.
Her husband added, “Of course it is hoped among the villagers that his lordship will spend as much time here as his father did now that he’s settled.”
“Yes, indeed,” Baroness Shaffer gushed. “We hope to see many children filling the lordship’s nursery.” The woman blushed, apparently aware of her faux pas in discussing such a personal subject at the dinner table.
Baron Shaffer patted his wife’s hand, most likely to ease her distress. Another warm, loving marriage. Is it only in the country where comfortable marriages exist? Then she dismissed the thought, remembering Jason’s story about his parents. Apparently the county air had had no effect on his parents’ relationship.
She smiled as her thoughts drifted toward Grif and Elizabeth. Probably the only successful ton marriage she’d seen since her arrival. As much as she loved her friend, and wanted the best for her, Olivia couldn’t help the bit of envy that snuck in when she least expected it. Would that she could have such a marriage.
“My lord, can we expect that you will resume the practice of having a holiday ball?” Baroness Shaffer turned toward Olivia. “The former Lady Coventry always held the most wonderful Christmas parties.”
“Oh my, yes indeed.” Lady Appleby spoke excitedly. “Her ladyship would arrive from London, and have servants scurrying around decorating inside and outside the Manor. Then she hosted several parties throughout the holidays, ending with a ball for all the residents of the county.” She sat back and sighed. “They were wonderful days. Do you remember the parties, my lord?”
Jason’s jaw had tightened, but ever the gracious host, he smiled at the woman. “Most times I was away at school. But I understand they were happy times for the tenants and indeed everyone in the area.”
No one else seemed to notice, but Olivia saw the tension in him. Had his childhood been so miserable that his guests’ fond memories brought back bleak ones for him? Here they discussed the holidays and Jason said he had remained at school. She knew so little of his youth, except the few things he’d told her. Having been the center of her parents’ life while her mother was alive, she’d basked in their love
and devotion. Oftentimes she believed that affection had helped to soothe her during the years of her father’s neglect. No doubt Jason’s lonely existence had made him the man he was today.
After dinner, the ladies retired to the drawing room while the gentlemen enjoyed port. Olivia poured tea from the cart one of the footmen had set up for them.
“Lady Coventry, we would be thrilled to have you join our little sewing circle.” Lady Appleby accepted the cup from Olivia’s hand. “We make garments for the children of tenants who are having a hard time.”
“Really?” Olivia raised her eyebrows. “During my visits, the tenants all seemed to be doing quite well. Is his lordship aware some are in distress?”
The Baroness and Lady Appleby exchanged troubled glances.
“I don’t believe so, my lady. His lordship has been in London since his father passed, and I don’t believe the old Earl kept tabs on his tenants.” The Baroness sighed. “There is one family that needs our assistance. Mrs. Holland has a difficult time trying to keep up with the children and the farming. Consequently, there isn’t time for her to sew or do other household chores.”
Olivia waited for Lady Appleby to continue, and when she fell into an uneasy silence, she asked, “Mrs. Holland is a widow, then?”
Lady Appleby hedged. “Mr. Holland likes his drink.”
“Do you mean to tell me Mrs. Holland’s husband is allowing his wife to assume the burden for the entire family while he drinks?”
Both women nodded.
“Why do I sense there is something else?”
The Baroness lowered her voice. “Several times we’ve seen bruises on Mrs. Holland and her children.”
Olivia drew back, her eyes wide. “Well, I will certainly make sure his lordship puts an end to that.”
“Thank you so much, my lady. Something has needed to be done for quite some time, and I’m grateful you will see to it. But, we would still like for you to join our sewing circle.”
Callie Hutton Page 15
