Counterfeit Earl

by Anne Herries

  Olivia from this marriage. It would not be fair to her to continue this sham for the rest of their

  lives. He must let her go, as hard as that might be for both of them.

  Yet for a while he would savour her presence in his home. He would offer her friendship and

  kindness if he could give her no more—and if part they must, he would have her understand why

  he was sending her away.

  Unaware of Jack's thoughts, Olivia had begun insensibly to hope. His smiles made her heart beat a

  wild tattoo, and his nearness made her faint with longing. She smiled up at him, her lips parting in

  invitation of a kiss, and did not know how she tempted him, how it tore him apart to turn away

  from her teasing looks.

  And so they sat down to eat nuncheon together on their first day in their new home, and the huge

  dog that had unknowingly brought them together lay in the doorway and watched over them.

  Chapter Nine

  Jack knew that she had been in his room again; he could sense her presence, smell the perfume that

  seemed to trail behind her wherever she went. She was mistress of the house. He could not deny

  her access to his rooms. She came and went as she pleased, as was her right.

  He smiled as he saw the rose and the note on his pillow. She had left something for him every

  night of the three weeks they had been married, and he had come to expect it, to anticipate it, if the

  truth were told, with an eagerness he would not admit even to himself.

  He had discovered that the key to the dressing-room had disappeared from his side of the door on

  their second night at Briarwood. It had been placed on the chest of drawers in the room, which

  divided them, with a note asking if he was perhaps afraid she wandered in her sleep and might

  disturb him. She had promised faithfully not to do so and wished him sweet dreams. Jack had left

  the key where it lay. If this was to be a battle of wills then so be it. Yet it was becoming harder

  and harder not to go through that door and claim his bride.

  He smiled as he scanned her latest note and then placed it with the others between the covers of a

  poetry book she had recommended to him. Olivia was enchanting, a bright, intelligent companion,

  always ready to share his interests, never fussy or petulant, her smiles calculated to melt the

  hardest heart—and Jack's heart had long ago been won.

  He had hoped to have a reply from the Earl of Heggan before this, but there was still no word.

  God, how much he wanted to take Olivia in his arms, to kiss her and make love to her! His flesh

  felt as if it were on fire, and he knew that once again he would lie without sleeping for most of the

  night, until at last he was driven to leave the house.

  Brutus joined him on his nightly walks, but the dog had given its true allegiance to Olivia, and was

  a constant reminder that she had bewitched them all.

  Perhaps if they were to have guests...yes, that might help. They were spending too much time in

  each other's company. He would suggest they give a dinner for their neighbours, who must be

  waiting for some sort of sign that visitors would be welcome. Jack nodded to himself. Yes, that

  would make things easier. He would suggest it to Olivia in the morning.

  Olivia was in the parlour reading a letter when Jack entered that morning. He was dressed in

  russet coat and fawn breeches, his neckcloth tied in a plain knot, and had clearly been out riding.

  The sight of him made her heart leap as always, and she smiled up at him, showing him what she

  held in her hand.

  'Beatrice sent this on to me,' she said. 'It is from Lady Burton. She apologises for not having come

  to our wedding. Apparently she was unwell and was not given my invitation until it was too late

  for a reply.'

  Jack frowned. 'Do you believe that to be true, Olivia?'

  'I do not know,' she admitted. 'I think she may have been afraid of disobeying her husband—for it

  was he who forbade her to see me.'

  'But now she has written to you?'

  'She asks if she may come to visit me, and begs me to forgive her for her unkindness...'

  'Do you wish to see her?'

  Olivia looked thoughtful for a moment, then inclined her head. 'Yes, I think perhaps I do, Jack. She

  was a gentle, kind mother to me when I was growing up. A little over-protective perhaps, and

  nervous—but I believe she did care for me.'

  'And you care for her, despite what she did to you?'

  'Lord Burton gave her no choice.'

  'Then you must write and invite her to come,' Jack said. 'I was about to ask you if you would like

  to give a dinner for our neighbours. I think that perhaps it is time we began to see our friends. Do

  you not agree?'

  'I see no reason why we should not,' Olivia replied. 'What shall we do today? Shall we ride—or

  will you walk with me in the gardens? There is some planting I have in mind near that pretty

  temple at the edge of the wood. Would you like to discuss it, or shall I speak to the gardeners

  alone?'

  Every day these past weeks she had had some scheme to keep him bound to her side. Jack was

  well aware that he was losing this battle between them, that his will was growing weaker by the

  hour.

  'I have some business to attend,' he said. 'You will have to excuse me, Olivia. Please do as you

  think fit. You have no need to consult me if you wish to make changes.'

  'Very well, I shall speak to the gardeners this afternoon. And I shall write to Lady Burton this

  morning. If you are sure you do not mind?'

  'You may invite anyone you please,' Jack replied with a frown. 'This is your home, Olivia.'

  'Yes, of course,' she said, and for a moment the sadness in her eyes almost tore the heart from his

  breast, but then before he could speak or move she was smiling again. 'You must give me a list of

  your friends, Jack. People you want to invite to dine or to stay.'

  'You will find one in the desk in my study,' he replied. 'Choose as you will, it matters little to me.'

  'Very well,' she said and stood up. She came up to him, laying her hand on his arm. 'I am sure I

  shall like all your friends, dearest Jack. I think I shall invite a few guests for when Lady Burton

  comes to stay; it will be more comfortable that way.'

  'As you please,' Jack muttered, and turned away lest she see how her touch affected him. 'Excuse

  me now, I have things to do.'

  Olivia watched as he turned and strode from the room, her smile fading. It was so hard not to give

  way to despair sometimes, but she was determined not to give up. She would not let go. She

  would hold on until Jack was ready to tell her why he was keeping this distance between them,

  even though it was hurting them both so much.

  'Yes, milady.' The gardener touched his forehead respectfully. 'I agree with you, it would be better

  if that area by the temple was cleared and laid out with lawns and small bushes. Those old trees

  have grown too tall and cast a heavy shade.'

  'Then you will see to it?' Olivia asked. 'I should like to be able to use the temple in autumn as well

  as in summer.'

  She smiled and nodded then walked away, calling to Brutus to follow. It was a warm afternoon

  and she felt like walking further than she had previously, so she made no attempt to restrain the

  dog when he bounded into the woods ahead of her.

  It was pleasant in the woods, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of leave
s overhead. Olivia

  thought about the woods near her father's home in Abbot Giles. She had not liked to walk there

  because of the Marquis of Sywell, but she had often wondered about the Sacred Grove that was

  said to lie deep in its heart. She wondered if there was a sacred grove here, and whispered a

  secret prayer to the Lady of the Woods.

  'Make him come to me,' she whispered. 'Please, let him love me.'

  Olivia wandered for half an hour or more, lost in her thoughts.

  Just why was Jack still holding back from her? She had seen him looking at her sometimes when

  he thought she was not aware of it, and she had sensed that he was holding himself on a tight rein.

  Surely she was not wrong in thinking that he loved her? She could not be mistaken! She was

  certain he was as unhappy about their unnatural situation as she was.

  'Who 'ave we 'ere, my pretty?' a rough voice said from behind her. Startled, Olivia spun round to

  find herself face to face with a man who had stepped out from the trees, a man who by his garb

  and looks must be one of the gypsies Jack had once warned her about in these very woods. 'I

  reckon as you'll be 'is lordship's missus...and a right pretty piece you be, an' all.'

  Olivia swallowed hard, standing absolutely still as the man came nearer. She did not care for the

  way he was staring at her. She glanced over her shoulder, looking for Brutus, but she knew he was

  running on ahead of her.

  'What are you doing here?' Olivia found her voice at last. 'You should not be on my husband's

  land.'

  'Not good enough for the likes of you, that's what I reckon you and your 'usband think,' he muttered,

  eyes narrowed. 'Well, he ain't here now, is he? So I reckon as I'll just sample his wares...'

  'Do not dare to touch me,' Olivia said, taking a step back. She ought never to have come here

  alone! Jack had warned her of it that very first day. 'If you lay a finger on me, my husband will see

  that you are punished for it.'

  'I reckon as I'll take me chances on that...' The man licked his lips as if in anticipation of a treat.

  'No!' Olivia turned and began to run. She was terrified of the brute pursuing her. Somehow she

  must get away from him! She screamed out for help as she heard the crash of his feet behind her.

  He was gaining on her. He would catch her very soon. The thought filled her with horror. She

  gave a terrified cry and stumbled, then felt a lurching sensation as he threw himself at her and she

  was knocked to the ground. 'Help me!' She screamed wildly. 'Brutus! Oh, please help me...'

  The man was tearing at her clothes, forcing her skirts up to her thighs, his filthy hands pawing at

  her flesh. The stench of him was in her nostrils, making her want to retch as she struggled beneath

  the weight of his body.

  'Brutus! Help me...'

  Even as the despairing cry left Olivia's lips she heard a terrible growling and felt the impact as the

  dog landed on top of the man, biting and snarling in a flurry of blood, claws and teeth. For a few

  moments Olivia was trapped beneath them both as the man turned to fight off his vicious attacker.

  Then, as they rolled away together, she was suddenly free. She jumped to her feet and sped away

  into the trees, the sounds of the terrible fight following her, making her put her hands to her ears to

  shut out the horror.

  Olivia did not stop running until she reached the gardens of Briarwood House. There she suddenly

  bent over double, gasping, her breath coming in huge sobbing breaths.

  'Olivia!' She whirled round as she heard Jack's voice, then ran to him, throwing herself into his

  arms as he opened them to her. 'What has happened? What is it, my darling? You must tell me.'

  'He...he attacked me...' She was trembling, crying.

  'Brutus? I'll have the brute shot!'

  'No!' Olivia cried. 'We were walking in the woods...a gypsy tried to...' She gulped back her tears.

  'Brutus saved me. He attacked the gypsy and I ran.' She lifted her eyes to Jack in a desperate

  appeal. 'You must send men to look for Brutus. I heard him yelp as I ran away. I think the gypsy

  may have had a knife. Brutus may be hurt.'

  'I shall send someone as soon as I have you safe inside the house,' Jack said, and bent down to

  sweep Olivia up in his arms. 'I'll have the lot of them hanged for this!'

  'No, no, you must not blame them all for what one man did,' Olivia begged. Her lovely eyes were

  filled with tears as she suddenly realised what had almost happened to her. She hid her face

  against his shoulder, bravely holding back her desire to weep.

  'They shall not dare to come here again,' Jack said, his mouth hard, eyes angry. Once before he had

  been too late to help a woman in distress, prevented by illness and orders from his commander

  from seeking out the offenders and administering punishment. This time he would not fail! 'The one

  who attacked you must be made an example of—and the rest taught a lesson they will not forget.'

  Olivia made a murmur of protest against his shoulder. For once in her life she did not feel capable

  of arguing.

  Mrs Jenkins came out into the hall as Jack carried her in, the housekeeper's cries of alarm bringing

  Jenkins and other servants to see what had happened.

  'Lady Stanhope has been attacked in the woods by a gypsy,' Jack said, giving Jenkins a significant

  look. 'And Brutus may have been wounded. Send to the stables. I want every available man out in

  those woods. The dog is to be found and that wretch...'

  'Yes, milord,' Jenkins said. He glanced warningly in Olivia's direction. 'The men will know what

  to do.'

  Jack nodded. He carried Olivia up the stairs, one of the maids running on ahead to open the door

  of her bedchamber. The girl pulled back the covers so that he could deposit his wife gently against

  the pillows. He frowned as he noticed the mud and debris clinging to her gown and the cuts on her

  arms and cheek.

  'There is blood,' he said, touching her face. 'You were hurt, my love.'

  The concern in his eyes brought the tears spilling over. 'It is nothing,' Olivia said through her tears.

  'I may have been scratched a little in the struggle, but Brutus was in time to—to save me from

  worse.'

  'Thank God for that!' Jack said, a grimace on his lips. 'In future he can take his bone wherever he

  wishes. He shall never be far from your side, Olivia.'

  'If only he is not hurt,' she said with a sob in her voice, though the tears had ceased.

  'You leave her ladyship with me now, sir,' Mrs Jenkins offered. 'I'm sure all our minds would be

  set at rest to know that dog is safe—for the creature has been a hero this afternoon and no mistake.'

  'Yes.' Jack looked at Olivia. 'It is best I leave you now, my love. Mrs Jenkins will take care of

  you. I think that perhaps we should ask the doctor to call...'

  'Yes, milord. I'll send someone straight away,' Mrs Jenkins said, but a plea from Olivia stopped

  her from ringing for the maid.

  'No, please, it is not necessary,' Olivia said. 'It was just the shock, but I am better now. If I lie here

  quietly for half an hour I shall soon recover.'

  'We'll see how her ladyship feels in a little while,' the housekeeper said. 'I think what madam

  needs now is a nice wash and a soothing tisane.'

  'Yes, that is just what I need,' Olivia agreed. 'Will you have hot water sent up please, Mrs

  Jenkins? And if you would be so kind as to le
ave me alone—both of you?' Olivia lay back and

  closed her eyes.

  'I shall come to see you when I have discovered what has happened to your dog,' Jack said in a

  choked voice and went out.

  'The tisane will help you to sleep, milady.'

  Olivia sighed as the door closed behind them both. She turned her face to the pillow, letting

  herself weep for a few minutes. Then she sat up in bed and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her

  gown. This was so foolish! She had nothing to show for her fright but a few cuts and bruises.

  Weeping over it would do no one any good!

  She left the bed and went behind the painted screen to take off her clothes. A moment or two later,

  she heard the maid returning with, her can of hot water and waited until she had departed. Sure

  that she was alone, Olivia went over to her washstand and poured the water into a pretty porcelain

  basin. She washed herself from head to toe, rubbing the scented soap into her skin until she could

  no longer even imagine she could still smell the stink of that man on her flesh. She was fully

  dressed in a clean muslin gown when the housekeeper returned with the tisane.

  'Will you not lie down for a while?' Mrs Jenkins asked, looking concerned. 'It must have been a

  terrible shock for you, milady.'

  'It was a little frightening,' Olivia admitted. 'But I am over it now, thank you.' She looked at Mrs

  Jenkins anxiously. 'Is there any news of poor Brutus?'

  'Not yet, milady,' replied the housekeeper. 'Is there anything more I can do for you?'

  'You have already been very kind,' Olivia said. 'I think I shall take your advice and lie down for a

  few moments.' She took the glass of hot, spicy liquid from Mrs Jenkins and sipped it cautiously.

  'Oh, this is pleasant.'

  'You drink it all up,' the housekeeper advised. 'Rest for an hour or so, madam. I am sure you will

  be the better for it.'

  Olivia was anxious about her dog, but decided she would put her feet up on the daybed and rest

  for a little while. She had meant to go downstairs as soon as she was dressed, but there was really

  no point. Jack had promised to tell her as soon as he had news.

  She carried the glass to her comfortable daybed and sat down; continuing now and then to sip the

  drink Mrs Jenkins had prepared for her, she finished every drop. Setting the glass down on the