Evander must have sensed her hesitation because he gave her hand a gentle pat. “Just breathe,” he murmured.
She obeyed, drawing in a deep breath.This was her choice. Her decision. Her marriage.
The door opened and Gillingham bowed politely. “My lord. Lady Olivia.”
Evander led her into the entry hall as he revealed, “Lady Olivia and I are now married. She is to be addressed as Lady Westmere.”
If Gillingham was surprised, he masked it with professional grace. “Yes, my lord.” He turned to Olivia with a respectful nod. “My lady, welcome home.”
Home.
The word clanged strangely in her mind. This was her home. Now, and forever.
But before she could reply, a voice boomed from the corridor beyond. “You married her!?”
Lord Everwyck, red-faced and formidable, stormed into view. Olivia dipped into a graceful curtsy. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
He ignored her entirely, rounding on his son. “What in the blazes were you thinking?”
Evander held his ground. “This should not come as a surprise. You knew I intended to offer for her.”
“Yes, but I thought I had time to dissuade you!” his father roared. “To make you see sense!”
Evander’s expression hardened. “Which is why I secured a special license. I wanted to be married before Mother…” He faltered slightly. “Before she passes.”
The mention of Lady Everwyck softened the elder man’s face for a fleeting moment, but it was gone as swiftly as it appeared.
“It was a mistake,” the earl said tightly.
“I disagree,” Evander replied. “Now, shall we not properly welcome your new daughter-in-law?”
Lord Everwyck’s eyes snapped to Olivia. “I am well acquainted with her.”
“Excellent,” Evander said with a thin smile. “That will spare us formalities. I’ll take my wife to her chambers now.”
But his father wasn’t finished. His eyes narrowed on Olivia. “I trust you won’t ruin our family’s reputation as easily as you did your own.”
The insult struck like a slap, but Olivia refused to let it show. Her spine straightened, her chin lifting.
Evander interjected, “That is enough, Father. You will speak to my wife with respect.”
Lord Everwyck gave a derisive snort. “You’re both fools. You’ll regret this hasty marriage. Mark my words.”
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the entryway, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Evander turned to her, his expression laced with apology. “I’m sorry.”
Olivia shook her head. “Don’t be. Frankly, it went far better than I anticipated.”
He gave a dry chuckle. “I suppose it bodes well for me that your expectations are so blessedly low.”
Together, they ascended the sweeping staircase, Olivia’s eyes lingering on the polished balustrade, the gilded sconces, and the thick carpet beneath their feet. At the end of the corridor, Evander paused before a carved wooden door and pushed it open.
She stepped inside and drew a breath. The room was warm and elegant. A four-poster bed draped in ivory silks, a velvet settee before the hearth, and lavender curtains framing tall windows. It was lovely. Far lovelier than anything she’d ever expected.
Evander leaned against the doorframe. “Does it meet with your approval?”
She turned to him, a smile touching her lips. “It is more than I expected.”
