Love Reacquainted (Loves of London Book 1)

by Kate Rolin

  “Something not too expensive,” Olivia said giving the man a knowing look with a nod to her son.

  “Ah, yes, well we have quite a few things you may like to choose from.” He bent behind the counter and pulled out a tray. “Let’s see what we have here.” He lifted a small gold ring from the tray. “A simple wedding band, but it appears you are not in need of this after all.” He looked from her to Cyrus.

  Olivia blushed, “Oh no, sir. We are not…that is, I am not married.” She felt embarrassed and quickly added, “That is, I am a widow.” Why did she always ramble?

  “Ah, my apologies my lady.” He couldn’t help his curiosity now as to who this gentleman was accompanying this beautiful woman and child. Hoping to gather some more details from her he added, “How kind of your, uncle is it, to escort you today.”

  At the jeweler’s words, Cyrus stiffened. He knew he was older than Olivia, but did not appreciate the reminder. Besides, he’d always taken care to maintain his physique and did not think he looked that old, at least not his actual age.

  Olivia was too ready to change the conversation and did not correct the man. “May we see something else, sir?”

  “Why, certainly, my lady.” The jeweler, disappointed she apparently would not satisfy his curiosity, lifted a thin silver bracelet.

  He knew he was a terrible busybody, but he couldn’t help himself. Besides, in his business it helped to know as much as possible about all of the well-to-do in London and he didn’t remember seeing these customers before.

  As Olivia tried on the bracelet and Josef ooh’ed and ah’ed, Cyrus’s mood began to dampen. Why did Olivia not correct the man? Did she really just see him as an uncle to her? Despite the fact he had been her father’s friend, his growing attraction to her left him hoping he was more to her as well. Not to mention her request for him to kiss her last night—dream or no dream—but he thought she’d looked at him at times not how one would look at an uncle.

  Perhaps his desire was blinding him. He’d do well to remember to guard his head around her—and his heart.

  He was brought out of his thoughts by Josef pulling on his coat sleeve. Olivia was holding a tiny glass pin of a peacock. The jeweler assured her it was lovely and would go well pinned on her hat or clothing. He added, “And just the price for little boys.”

  Josef none-too-subtly asked, “Do you like it Mutter?”

  “It’s very lovely.” Olivia smiled at her thoughtful son.

  Watching the two of them, Cyrus realized how special they were becoming to him even after such a short period of time. He had been hoping to find something perfect to give her for Christmas, but every time he thought about it, he came up short.

  Then he had an idea.

  “Since we’re here, why don’t we see what all kinds of masterpieces you have created. Olivia, you should try on anything you’d like.” She did not notice the knowing look Cyrus gave to the jeweler.

  “Why, yes, of course.” The man took a moment to study Olivia. His gaze went to her eyes and he brightened. “I believe I know just the thing!” He disappeared behind a curtain.

  “Cyrus, we can’t look at something we have no intention of buying!” Olivia looked at him incredulously.

  “He doesn’t mind, see? He’s found something already. Just enjoy it.”

  The man had returned holding a bracelet that had blue sapphires all around. Each stone was surrounded by tiny white diamonds. He held it up to Olivia’s face. “It is stunning with her blue eyes, is it not?” He looked to Cyrus.

  Yes, indeed. Cyrus was instantly drawn to it and nodded. It matched her beautiful blue eyes perfectly. “Try it on, Olivia.”

  She was shocked, she knew they weren’t buying it and couldn’t imagine the jeweler would indulge them so. They’d come here for Josef after all, but the man in the wig slipped it around her wrist and clasped the ends. It felt delicate, yet the weight of the stones reminded her just how costly something like this must be. It felt cool on her skin and complemented her creamy color. She turned her wrist over, watching the stones catch the light.

  “Oh, it’s so beautiful,” she said breathlessly. She stood there admiring it and then after a moment more added, “Very well, we’ve had our fun. Thank you kind sir for indulging us. You have quite the talent with jewelry.”

  He bowed as he removed the bracelet. Cyrus said, “Josef, why don’t you escort your mother to the next shop? I’ll be along in a minute.”

  Olivia knew he meant to purchase the pin for Josef to give her. She made a mental note to make sure Josef repaid him from his funds.

  As soon as Cyrus saw that they had walked out the door, he turned to the man and said, “I’ll take the pin.”

  “And the bracelet.”

  ~

  Cyrus caught up to them quickly and they continued to make their way through St. James when Josef pointed to a wooden sign hanging above a door across the street. “Look Mutter, a store of musical instruments! Maybe they have a pianoforte you could play!”

  Olivia, unable to resist, bit her bottom lip. She’d missed playing music so much these past few weeks. “Perhaps we could look. I’d like to find one for once we are settled after Aunt Elizabeth returns, so I do have intentions to purchase one eventually.”

  “Well, what are we waiting for?” Cyrus checked the traffic, then led them across the street, making their way among the hustle and bustle.

  They entered into a large shop smelling of various kinds of wood and housing different types of musical instruments. A tall, spindly man with a brown wig and thin mustache approached them. “Ah, m’sieur, madame, welcome to Frederic’s House of Music. I am Frederic. What may I assist you with today? Perhaps m’sieur would like to learn the harp?”

  He had a heavy French accent and was very animated when he spoke, reminding Olivia of Madame Marguerite.

  “Actually, the lady here enjoys playing the pianoforte. Something, I regret to say, I have not had the pleasure of hearing in many years.”

  “Ah, very good. Right this way. I have one just completed two days ago. We use only the best materials. Please, madame, sit. Play, if you will.

  Olivia sat where he indicated and breathed in the wood aroma. She ran a gloved hand along the smooth polish of the wood. As she sat admiring the instrument, memories came flooding in. “My husband, he was a music instructor of the pianoforte. He was an excellent teacher and always said he longed to hear me play.”

  Turning to Cyrus, Frederic asked, “Oh m’sieur, you were a teacher of la musique?”

  Cyrus groaned inwardly. Here we go again.

  This time it was Josef who spoke up, “My Vater died, but Mutter plays the best of anyone I know!”

  “I see, well then, madame, you must play. I insist!”

  Cyrus was relieved there was no mention this time of his being her uncle or any other family relation.

  Olivia had removed her gloves and, after pausing just long enough to savor the feel of the ivory keys beneath her fingers, she began to play.

  What she played, Cyrus had no clue, but his thoughts were immediately captivated. He was mesmerized watching her fingers gracefully glide along the keys. She played with such feeling and appeared to be carried away with the music herself. He travelled with her, inwardly rising and falling with every crescendo and decrescendo.

  The melody had begun a happy tune, then changed to one of turmoil and, finally, sadness. When it was over, Olivia sat still, a tear running down her cheek partly from the emotion of the song and partly from realizing just how much she had missed playing. She looked up to see Cyrus staring, his gaze dark and full of some emotion she couldn’t read.

  They were both held captive in each other’s eyes. Olivia’s chest rose and fell with each breath, exertion from playing so vigorously, but also as a result of Cyrus.

  He had been so moved by the music, by Olivia, that his own breathing was labored. When she’d played, he’d felt as if he were looking into her very soul.

  A moment late
r, their trance was broken when Frederic and Josef both clapped. “Bravo madame, bravo! Your husband, he may have been an excellent teacher, but you have a talent like I have never heard. I’m sure all the musicians in London could not do you justice!”

  “Thank you, you’re very kind.” Olivia tore her gaze away from Cyrus and pink tinged her cheeks at the man’s praise.

  “Madame, with a talent like yours I could not sell you a pianoforte without asking a fair price. This one, it deserves to be played by one of your talent and I would consider it an honor for you to have it. I will discount it greatly.”

  “That’s very kind of you, but I am unable to make a purchase now. Perhaps in a few months, then I will be settled into a new home.”

  “Very well, Madame, but please return when you are ready. My offer, it will still stand.”

  Cyrus, still rendered speechless by her playing, simply stood there. He wished now more than ever that he had a pianoforte at his townhome.

  ~

  Having quit the music room, Cyrus confirmed their plans to meet at Wilton’s Oyster Rooms later for luncheon at one o’clock. He gave directions and excused himself to attend to his business, leaving Olivia and Josef to browse more shops in the meantime.

  In truth, he’d concluded his necessary business yesterday, and as was typical for this time of year, did not anticipate being required of again until after the new year. But he’d needed a ruse to circle back and make a few Christmas purchases of his own, and that had been the perfect excuse.

  He returned to the bookstore and made a purchase for Josef. A stop by the toy-maker resulted in another gift for the boy as well. He may love books, but every eight-year-old boy enjoyed a new toy. He’d already purchased Olivia’s bracelet and pin, but returned to pick them up from the jeweler.

  Cyrus wished there was something else he could get her as well. When they’d been in Harris’s Apothecary, He’d smelled several of the perfumes with Josef, but none compared to the lovely scent of Olivia herself. He couldn’t bring himself to purchase something that would mask the superior original.

  Cyrus still had ample time to kill until one o’clock. What else did he need to do? He’d always provided his staff with generous bonuses at Christmas, but perhaps he could get a little something extra for Charles, William, and Cook. They had been faithful servants for his family since he was a boy and always were fond of Lydia, and now it seemed of Olivia and Josef as well. With that idea, he went off in search of the gifts, careful to avoid being seen by Olivia and Josef.

  ~

  One o’clock found Olivia and Josef entering the front of Wilton’s Oyster Rooms. The man at the front showed them to a table where Cyrus was already seated, waiting. He gave them a wave as they approached.

  Olivia sat and removed her mantelet and muff. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long. Did you get everything taken care of?”

  “What’s that? Oh, yes, yes. Business as usual. Tell me about where you two have been since I left.”

  Josef proceeded to tell Cyrus all about their late morning’s adventures and how he’d seen the most grand chocolate house, but his Mutter had not allowed him to go in. He didn’t understand why because she knew he loved chocolate and it sounded like a merry place.

  “Merry indeed. Methinks your mother was right, White’s Chocolate House is no place for a little boy and his lovely mother.”

  When a waiter arrived to take their orders, Olivia said, “We’ve never eaten oysters before. Cyrus, why don’t you order for us?” Their drinks were brought out momentarily after he placed their order.

  Later, when their food had arrived, Cyrus picked up a shell to demonstrate how they should eat the oysters. Taking his fork, he moved the oyster around to dislodge it. Then he set his fork down, lifted the shell to his mouth and slurped out the oyster. “See? Nothing to it!”

  Josef scrunched his nose, saying, “Ewww!”

  Olivia had to admit they did not look appealing, but not one to cower from trying new things, she picked one up and did the same. “Actually, that is very good! Josef, try one. I think you’ll like it.”

  Josef took one that Cyrus handed him and after loosening it with his fork, he closed his eyes, plugged his nose, and slurped out the oyster. “It’s so slimy…can I try another?”

  Laughing, they continued with their luncheon of oysters and good company. Cyrus could not remember the last time he’d spent a day in this way.

  He realized, with a start, that he was utterly happy.

  ~

  Later that afternoon, as the carriage drove them home, Olivia couldn’t help but think the same as well. Josef had insisted this time on sitting next to Cyrus. Worn out from the day’s excitement, he promptly fell asleep, leaning on his shoulder. Cyrus did not mind at all, except for the fact he wished it was Olivia sleeping on his arm instead. He knew he was growing fond of the child. He’d once wanted a house full of children and after that had proved impossible, he found most other children intolerable, especially in his grief. But not Josef. Cyrus felt that the boy trusted him with that complete faith that could only belong to a child and he found he felt very protective of him as a result.

  As Olivia watched this sweet scene, something inside her middle warmed at the sight of them. It was a shame Cyrus had never had any children, for she couldn’t help but think that he would have made a wonderful father.

  Looking up, Cyrus caught Olivia watching them. He suddenly felt anything but fatherly. He refused looking away, and he watched as a blush began in her face and made its way down her neck and further still, in stark contrast to the white fur trim of her mantelet.

  Maybe they shouldn’t have eaten oysters for lunch. He hadn’t even thought about the fact that they were considered a food that induced attraction when he’d suggested the place. As he was realizing more and more, he did not need any help in that department where Olivia was concerned.

  Olivia finally turned to look out the window, trying to calm her racing heart. What was happening between them? She was sure this time it was not in her head. What she used to think was a glare of disdain, she was beginning to realize may actually be more of…desire.

  Unable to think of any topic of conversation, or to even put a coherent thought together at all, they rode along in silence.

  But she felt his dark eyes on her the remainder of the way.

  Chapter Eight

  The next few days were a flurry of activity for Olivia, mostly related to preparing Cyrus’s townhouse for Christmas. She found she thoroughly enjoyed the task. In Austria, she had decorated their humble home every year, but it did not compare to the size of this townhouse.

  It wasn’t that she’d been poor in Austria. Karl had been an excellent instructor to the elite and as a result they were welcomed into that circle of society, but they’d never lived in a house as grand as this one. She hadn’t lived in one nearly this grand since she was a child.

  Yes, Olivia was enjoying her task of having a large house to decorate. Cyrus insisted on covering all expenses and told her to decorate at her heart’s content, cost would not be an issue.

  She also kept busy by working on the scarves she was knitting for some of the servants—Mary, Edith, Charles, and Cook in particular. She wanted to show her gratitude for their kindness and attentions to her and Josef during their stay. That day at St. James, she’d come across the most perfect colors of yarn and had set to working on them right away.

  Then, two days before Christmas, her ball gown and other items arrived along with the mantua-maker herself to see to it personally that Olivia was pleased with the final results. Packages of new clothing lay strewn about her sitting room as she inspected and tried on multiple items. The ballgown was breathtaking and she found her excitement growing for the upcoming Christmas ball. She still couldn’t quite believe she would be dancing with Cyrus.

  When Madame Marguerite lifted out the new nightgowns, Olivia gasped. She reached to gently touch the material. They were beautiful, soft, delicate
,…and so sheer they were practically see-through. She’d chosen the material herself, but did not remember it being so…so bare.

  Well, what did it matter anyway? No one would see her in them. After that first night and her trip to the library, Olivia had not dared to venture out again. And if she did so in the future, she would simply slip on her dressing gown over it. Heaven knows those frills could hide a litter of kittens or any number of creatures. It was terribly out of fashion, but the dressing gown had belonged to her mother and she was loathe to part from it.

  Verifying her purchases and praising Madame for her talent and speed with which the order was completed, Olivia asked how she needed to settle her account. “Oh, Mademoiselle," it was how she always referred to Olivia, “Monsieur le Duc, he has already taken care of everything!”

  “What? I don’t understand. These were my purchases and I am responsible for them, not he.”

  “Oh, that day of your fitting, when we were done, he asked to see me before I left. He wanted to make sure everything was in order for you. I was not aware he was not to be involved. He reviewed every item listed.”

  Goodness, no! That means he saw… “Every item, Madame?” Olivia squeaked.

  “Yes, Mademoiselle, and I must say, when he saw three new boudoir gowns were to be made, he was very insistent to cover all costs immediamente! He is a man after all, no?” A glint appeared in Madame Marguerite’s eyes and she smiled slyly at Olivia.

  Olivia gulped. She would have to discuss this with Cyrus and repay him. But that meant facing him, knowing he knew of every detail of her order. “Very well, I shall take it up with him. Thank you Madame Marguerite for your exceptional service.”

  With the now expected clap of her hands, Madame Marguerite and her assistants left.

  ~

  Christmas Eve arrived a bright and clear, cold day. The house was beautiful with garlands of holly and ivy throughout, and a customary kissing bough was hung at the entrance to every room on the main floor. Just for tradition, Olivia had told herself.