Page 25 of The Duke of Pain

“Help yourself. I believe there are cranberry and orange scones and ham and cheese.”

Olivia took a cranberry one and split it with her knife. “I almost didn’t come here today.”

“But you did,” he murmured silkily. “And I am thankful. You’ve made my day. Nay, my week. Perhaps even the month.”

She laughed lightly.

“Why did you come?” Gideon asked as he reached for a ham and cheese scone.

Olivia spread butter on her scone then heaped a teaspoon of orange preserves on it along with a dollop of clotted cream.

“Why did you ask me?”

“Because I yearn to be in your company. I wanted us to see each other in an everyday setting. I suppose I picked a tearoom because I thought you would enjoy it.”

“You have chosen wisely as I am enjoying it. I suppose I came because I yearn to be in your company as well. But we cannot continue with this. Deep down, you know it.”

Her words were like a sharp spike to his heart.

“I know that this hotel was started by James Brown. He was Lord Byron’s valet. Mr. Brown and his wife, Lady Byron’s maid, ran it together. With a little financial help from his lord and ladyship.”

“You’re very good at changing the subject,” Olivia said as she took a dainty bite of the scone.

“I am, that. Do you know that the first phone call in Britain was made from this very hotel in eighteen seventy-six? And by none other than Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.”

Olivia smiled. “My, you are a font of knowledge.”

Hell, she’s gifted me with another warm smile.

“In all manner of subjects, no matter how trivial. Try a sandwich next,” he coaxed. “I requested my favorite, ham and egg. I believe there is shrimp paste, and the standard cucumber.”

“You planned the menu?”

“I chose the type of tea, as well. A favorite of mine.”

Olivia sipped her tea. “It’s lovely. Do I taste blackberry?”

“Yes, indeed. After we are done here, we can stroll along Bond Street and take in the shops. If you like.”

“Perhaps.” Olivia finished her scone then reached for a couple of sandwiches.

“We can catch an omnibus or walk it. Or, we can go to my townhouse on Hyde Park Corner, about a mile from here.”

Olivia’s hand, holding her teacup toward her lips, froze. She frowned, then placed the cup on the saucer.

“Is that why you chose the Brown Hotel? For an afternoon assignation, either here or at your house? How convenient.”

“No, it is not why. Blast it, Liv, if it entered my mind at all, it was of brief duration, and I dismissed it immediately. This is not some sly plot to seduce you.” Damn it all, he was annoyed and heard it in his voice.

“How am I to guess at your motivations? I don’t know you, Your Grace. It took every ounce of courage for me to come here. And I didn’t come alone. I never venture out alone. Not anymore.”

She pointed to the front window. Standing off to the side was a large man in a brown suit, trying to look inconspicuous.

“And he is?” Gideon asked, still aggravated.

“My protection, when needed. I think I should leave.”

Gideon gently grasped her hand. The thought of her leaving him filled him with dread.