Counterfeit Earl
Page 20
Brutus behind the ears. 'Shall I set the arrangements in hand?'
Olivia placed her brush back on top of the dressing-table and turned to look at him. She hesitated
for a moment, then got to her feet and walked to the bed, shifting Brutus a few inches to make room
next to Jack.
'You should not indulge him so,' she scolded, her eyes alight with mischief.
'He takes no notice of me these days. He will only go to his own bed when you tell him.'
Olivia gurgled with laughter. 'Oh, my poor Jack,' she murmured and bent to kiss him on the lips.
'Shall you mind very much if we postpone our trip? Only Beatrice wants us to go to her at
Ravensden for Christmas.'
'I care not where we are as long as I have you.' He raised his brows. 'I thought you wanted to
travel?'
'Perhaps one day,' Olivia agreed. 'But I think it might not be wise just yet...' She smiled at him
lovingly. 'You see, I believe I may be carrying the child your father longs for so much.'
'My child?' Jack sat up suddenly, causing Brutus to look at him reproachfully. 'Truly, Olivia?'
'Does that please you, Jack?'
'You know the answer,' he replied, reaching out to touch her cheek. 'Of course I want our child—
but it is a little soon. Do you mind?'
'I am very happy,' she said and tossed back her hair. She traced the line of his mouth with her
finger. 'I think it may have happened that first afternoon...'
'Thank God we did not know it before my father told me the truth,' Jack said and drew her close to
him.
Olivia responded to his embrace, then got to her feet.
'Come, Brutus,' she said, opening the door to the dressing-room. 'Time for your own bed.'
Brutus obeyed instantly, licking the hand she used to give him his last caress of the day, then went
into the dressing-room.
Olivia closed the door and returned to her husband's arms.
Document Outline
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven