by Darcy Burke
“They didn’t leave together. Lord Saxton departed by himself,” Olivia said, not at all appreciating Lady Lydia’s innuendo.
Lady Lydia’s laughter tinkled like tiny shards of glass bouncing upon the wood floor. “Audrey, I do believe Olivia might be as cognizant of Saxton’s movements as you are.”
Olivia hoped her embarrassment didn’t reflect in her face. Lady Lydia had her flustered. First she wanted Olivia to share what she knew of Jasper then mocked her for noting his exit.
“Really, you have no idea who Saxton plans to marry?” Lady Lydia asked. “Surely you must know something. At least a tidbit that might encourage or,” her lips made an exaggerated frown, “dissuade dear Audrey.”
How could Audrey call this harpy her dearest friend? “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” She directed this at Audrey, injecting as much sympathy as possible into her tone.
Audrey smiled shyly. “It’s all right. The most I was hoping for was perhaps a dance. If Saxton paid me just a bit of interest, it might stir others.”
How…sad. And manipulative. And clever. But really, what else did these girls have to do besides find a husband? Clearly the primary objective was to snare the best mate possible, with a title and wealth at the top of the list of requirements. The entire endeavor was incredibly mercenary. Olivia wasn’t certain she wanted to participate, but neither was she certain her dream of a dress shop was enough anymore. Life with Louisa had shown her something she’d been missing: the love of a family.
“Well, here comes our answer.” Lady Lydia gestured toward the door with her fan.
A beautiful young woman with dark brown hair and the most exquisite ball gown Olivia had yet seen entered. Seed pearls were stitched into the bodice of the dark yellow silk and the skirt hung in a graceful drape to the floor. This was an example of excellent fashion on a splendid form. “Is that Lady Philippa?”
“Yes, and her mother.” Lady Lydia sighed rather loudly. “I suppose that means she’s not been caught in some scandalous tryst with Saxton.”
Olivia nearly choked.
Audrey elbowed her friend. “Saxton would never do that! Haven’t we already established his behavior is without reproach?” The speed with which Audrey leapt to Jasper’s defense was sweet, if not a tad misguided. Olivia couldn’t disagree that he was extremely well-mannered, but ‘without reproach?’
A very tall, slender man with graying brown hair approached them. “Lydia, I’d wondered where you’d gotten off to. It’s time to pay your respects to your grandmother.”
Lady Lydia rolled her eyes—clearly one of her favorite expressions, Olivia was quickly coming to note. “Grandmother won’t know if I’ve paid my respects or not.”
The gentleman smiled placidly. “Nevertheless, it makes me happy.” He tilted his head toward Audrey. “Good evening Miss Cheswick, and…” His voice trailed off as he looked at Olivia. His eyes widened briefly. “My goodness, you’re the image of…oh, never mind, pardon me.” The barest hint of color swathed the high arc of his cheeks.
“Father, this is Lady Merriweather’s cousin, Miss Olivia West. Does she remind you of someone?” Lady Lydia asked, the inner tips of her faint blonde brows nearly touching.
Lord Prewitt scrutinized Olivia for a moment. “Miss West, you say? Pleasure to meet you, Miss West.”
Something about his intrusive gaze troubled Olivia. She felt certain he’d been about to say she looked like the infamous actress Miss Scarlet. She hadn’t considered her resemblance to her mother and she really ought to have done.
“Come along, Lydia,” he said. “Time to appease your grandmother.”
Lady Lydia tugged at Audrey. “You have to accompany me.”
Audrey blinked, looking as if she’d rather do anything but. In the end, however, she offered Olivia a sheepish smile and followed her friend.
Mr. Lyle was making his way toward Olivia. Her stomach sank past her knees. Not only was she about to dance with an absolute reprobate, she might be in danger of becoming tonight’s latest on-dit.
Mr. Lyle stopped before her. “Shall we take to the floor, Miss West?” He grinned, revealing rather crooked teeth.
Because there was nothing to be done to solve either of her problems, Olivia did the only thing she could, the thing she most recalled from her upbringing at the vicarage: she held her head high.
And prayed.
Chapter Ten
THE FOLLOWING day, Olivia and Louisa traveled to Benfield, one of the Duke of Holborn’s many estates. Just a short distance outside London bordering Hampstead Heath, Louisa declared it her favorite place aside from Merriweather Hall, which, of course, was no longer hers, having passed to the new viscount.
Apprehension twisted Olivia’s nerves in anticipation of her first riding lesson, but more importantly because of her designated instructor: Jasper.
They turned onto the long, oak-lined drive. Olivia surveyed the gorgeous parkland surrounding the manor. She’d never seen an estate so grand, let alone visited one. “Benfield is beautiful.”
Louisa tipped her head up to look at the large house at the end of the drive, and blinked her eyes against the brilliant sunlight. “We spent every summer here—Holborn and me. It’s hard to imagine now, but we filled many afternoons rolling down that hill there.” She gestured to a slope leading away from the manor.
Olivia could see Louisa playing among the manicured lawns, but the duke? She scarcely believed he’d been a child at all.
Louisa laughed softly. “You’re thinking Holborn couldn’t possibly have frolicked. His instep is much higher now. Our father had little tolerance for frivolity. Much as my brother in his adulthood.”
Olivia wondered if Jasper had been a playful child, and like his father, no longer indulged his lighter side. “I imagine the responsibilities of a duke are great.”
Louisa waved her hand as if swatting at a fly. “Bah. Greater perhaps in Holborn’s mind than in reality. Yes, he has duties. Yes, a vast number of people rely on him, but I don’t believe his title is his most important role.” Her smile was regretful. “I suppose that’s because I don’t have children of my own. I should think being Jasper’s and Miranda’s father would be the most important thing, especially since James died.”
Olivia looked at her with sharp curiosity. “James?”
“Oh, of course, you wouldn’t know, dear. Jasper’s elder brother. He died of fever when he was nine and Jasper just seven.” She paused a moment in which her eyes dropped to her lap, and her lips pressed together as if she recalled a somber memory. “Holborn never recovered from losing him. I suppose, in a way, Jasper may not have either.”
Olivia had noted the tension between Jasper and his father. Was it because of James? She felt a pang of sorrow for Jasper. To lose a brother, particularly so young, was heartbreaking.
The open carriage drew to a halt before Benfield’s warm sandstone façade. A footman helped them down.
“Are you ready for your riding lesson?” Louisa asked.
Not particularly.
They walked around the house to the stable, Olivia’s new riding boots crunching in the shell-mixed dirt. A decrepit old man shuffled toward them. “Louisa, dearie.”
“Carter!” Louisa hugged the tiny man before turning back to Olivia. “Carter has been working in this stable since I was a child. He put me on my first pony.”
“Aye, that I did. Boots was a fine animal.” He grinned, revealing nearly toothless gums. “We’re saddling Tilda up for ye now.”
“Carter could catalogue every horse in the stable over the past sixty-some years.” Louisa tossed a wink at Olivia. “Tell us, who do you recommend for Miss West? She’s never ridden before.”
Olivia, however, did not feel so carefree. Though outfitted in a brand new riding habit—the only garment she’d consented to have made for her—she was harboring second thoughts about getting on a horse.
Carter tugged his chin a moment. “Tulip, I think.”
A horse called Tuli
p? She certainly sounded docile. Carter made his way back into the stable, presumably to notify whomever was readying the horses.
Louisa adjusted her jaunty hat against the glare of the sun. “If you and Tulip get on well, perhaps I’ll ask Holborn if we can take her back to Town with us. That way you’ll have a mount for the park.”
Olivia doubted she’d be ready for a ride across the drive—let alone in the park—any time soon, but didn’t voice her concern. More than that, despite her extremely brief acquaintance with the duke, she had little faith he’d allow them to take his horse anywhere.
“I’m a bit nervous, Louisa.”
“Don’t worry, dear. Jasper will be back soon and there’s no finer horseman, including the duke. Though he’d bitterly dispute that.” She chuckled.
Was Jasper a willing participant in today’s lesson? Olivia didn’t think he’d refuse his aunt’s request, but he still didn’t trust her. And, of course, she’d given him no reason to.
She feared the investigator he’d sent to Newton Abbott would discover the lie she and Louisa were perpetrating. Lord Prewitt’s near-recognition at the Faversham Ball had set her even more on edge. She was only waiting for someone to point at her and call out, “Charlatan!”
She’d put off asking Louisa about sharing their secret with Jasper because she hadn’t wanted to presume too much. Despite the speed with which they’d formed a close bond, Olivia didn’t know Louisa that well. But the time had come for Olivia to voice her query. “Might we tell Jasper that I’m Merry’s daughter?”
Louisa shook her head. “I’m afraid not. It’s best only you and I know.”
Olivia would feel much better if Jasper knew—and accepted—the truth. She much preferred him as an ally instead of an enemy trying to thwart her. Perhaps if Louisa understood why Olivia wanted to tell him, she’d change her mind. “I don’t think he trusts me.”
“Oh, ignore him dear. Sometimes he’s more like his father than he realizes—look at how he reacted when he first met you. I love my nephew very much, but he’s been schooled to keep himself from scandal. I’m not at all sure he’d accept you into the family if he knew you were Merry’s bastard.” She paused a moment, her brow furrowing. “He hasn’t been cruel to you, has he? I shall speak to him at once if that’s the case.”
“No.” Olivia didn’t want Louisa to talk with him unless she planned to disclose the truth. Any other encounter might incite him to reveal Olivia’s background, particularly that she’d tried to trick him. Better if she just continued to weather his distrust.
Louisa gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. Her gaze moved past Olivia. “Ah, here he is now.”
Olivia turned. A lone rider crested the hill behind the stable. He raced down the slope, his thighs hugging the animal. They seemed to move as one.
“Such excellent form,” Louisa remarked with pride. “But then his father made certain he is the best.”
He reined his horse to a halt in the stable yard and dismounted. The actions were fluid, as if he’d performed them thousands of times. Dressed in buff riding breeches and a forest green coat, he looked every bit the charismatic country gentleman.
Jasper moved forward with a dazzling smile. Olivia couldn’t keep her stomach from flipping in response. “Good morning, ladies. You’ve chosen a fine day to enjoy Benfield.”
Carter led a horse from the stable. A dark brown that was nearly black, the animal held its head high, presenting a regal air. Another groom led a second, smaller horse. This one was the color of caramel with a flowing dark mane and sweet brown eyes.
Louisa patted Jasper’s arm. “Carter’s saddled Tilda for me and recommended Tulip for Olivia. You will, of course, instruct Olivia since she’s a novice.” Hadn’t Louisa notified Jasper of her plan to have him provide the riding lesson?
Jasper arched a brow at Olivia. “I see.”
She couldn’t tell if he wanted to participate. Suddenly self-conscious, she said, “Unless you’re busy…”
“Oh no, dear.” Louisa chuckled. “You aren’t getting out of it. Jasper’s delighted to share his skills. Riding is one of his very favorite things. Perhaps his most favorite, in fact.”
He looked at Olivia, his clear blue eyes vibrant in the morning sun. “Indeed. It’s no trouble. I look forward to teaching you.”
He helped his aunt—currently sporting a cheeky grin—mount Tilda, which she accomplished with absolute grace. In spite of her youthful advantage, Olivia couldn’t hope to emulate the elegant movement. She fingered the bulky skirts of her riding habit trying to imagine how to get everything situated while angling her legs just so.
“Don’t be frightened,” Louisa said. “Jasper will help you up, dear.”
He went to stand at Tulip’s nose. “Come, Miss West. Tulip’s as gentle as the day is warm.”
Olivia walked up beside him and looked into her horse’s eyes. The animal blinked, but her regard was steady.
“You ought to greet to her.”
Olivia started. “Oh.” What on earth did one stay to a horse? “Uh, good morning, Tulip?” She looked at Jasper who nodded encouragingly. He didn’t seem the sort who would talk to his animals. “Do you converse with your horse?”
“I do. I believe it fosters a close, trusting relationship between man and beast. Or in your case, woman and beast.” He said the latter with a sparkle in his eye. Was he flirting?
Olivia was glad to see this side of Jasper again. She turned back to Tulip. “Pleased to meet you. I’m sure we’ll get on quite well together. I hope we’ll get on quite well together.” She smiled at the horse, who nodded her head as if she agreed with Olivia’s sentiments.
“Jasper, Tilda has missed me,” Louisa said. “Do you mind if I go along with one of the grooms?”
And leave her alone with Jasper so he could interrogate her again? No, thank you. “I’m still nervous, Louisa.”
“You’ll be much better off with Jasper than with me, dear.”
Jasper gestured to one of the grooms. “Go ahead, Aunt. I’m certain Miss West will prefer to take things slow.” He turned to Olivia. “You don’t want to deprive Louisa of an invigorating ride, do you?”
Now she had no choice but to be alone with him. “Of course not.”
After a jaunty wave, Louisa and her horse took off up the hill, followed by one of the grooms. Deciding to put all of their arguments and her shameful attempt at trickery out of her mind, at least for today, she asked, “Is that cantering or trotting?”
“Cantering. Would you like to try it?”
Olivia was relieved he seemed to want a pleasant interaction, too. His kind demeanor, however, didn’t alleviate her fear of cantering. “No. I mean, not today. I’ll be satisfied if I can manage to sit on the horse.”
He smiled and it seemed genuine. Careful, Olivia.
“Sitting’s the easy part. Are you ready to give it a go?”
She nodded, thankful for this easy conversation. He guided her to Tulip’s side. “We could use a mounting block, but I’ll help you this first time.” His hands clasped her waist, the contact jolting her even through the layers of her costume. She made herself focus on the saddle in front of her.
“I’m to sit on this sideways, like Louisa?”
His breath tickled her ear and she startled. “Yes. I’m going to lift you up. Your right leg will go around that pommel.” He pointed at a round protrusion at the front of the saddle. “And your left foot will go in this stirrup here.” He indicated a loop hanging down the side of the horse.
She looked back at him. A mistake. He was so close. His jaw was freshly shaven and smelled of evergreen. His eyes reflected the sky and his expression hovered near cheerful. The bruise beneath his eye had faded. She wanted to ask him why he was being amenable today. But the morning was so lovely and his concern so divine, she couldn’t bring herself to shadow the moment with such talk.
“Ready?”
She nodded. He put his hand under her behind and boosted her. She was
not prepared for such an intimate touch, but up she went until she sat on the saddle. Her cheeks were probably scarlet, but she stayed facing forward and hoped he didn’t notice.
“Now position your right thigh on the saddle in front of you and bend your knee around the pommel.”
She did as he instructed.
“That’s right. Don’t lean forward even if it feels like you should. Try to position all of your weight on your thigh.” He laid his hand there briefly, eliciting another jolt of awareness.
Seemingly unaffected, he picked up the reins and handed them to her. “These are the reins. Don’t be afraid to use them to steer. It will be difficult for you to hurt her. I tell you this because every horse is a bit different. Tulip is very responsive, so you won’t have to work too hard. Finally, this is the lead rope. I’m going to give it to the groom who will walk with you.” He wasn’t going to walk with her?
She gripped the reins. “What are you going to do?”
“Ride my horse beside you.” His gaze flicked to her hands. “Don’t hold them too tightly.”
She loosened her grasp. “This is a lot to remember.”
“No more than memorizing a script full of lines, I imagine.” He winked at her and she was again bewildered. Was he actually joking about her being an actress? As if it wasn’t a key point of conflict between them?
He handed the lead rope to a groom, but thankfully not Carter. Olivia doubted the ancient man could walk around the house, let alone control a horse if it decided to run off.
Jasper swung himself up onto his horse, a much larger animal than Tulip. A long scar marred the flank.
