Page 65 of The Duke of Pain

Olivia was not going to resume her Mistress Birch routine. That much she had concluded. Perhaps with James’s assistance, she could find a position in the country somewhere. Do wealthy widows still have companions or was that from another age altogether?

What to do?

Stay strong, remain calm, and take charge of her life. No more hiding, no more avoiding the future.

And if that future did not include Gideon, then so be it.

Chapter 19

Gideon pounded on the door, yelling obscenities until finally, the peep window slid open and blue eyes stared back at him.

“Lord Craven. We are not open for business until three o’clock. Come back then.”

He recognized Pan’s smooth, dulcet tone.

“Sidle, Stop calling me by that ridiculous moniker. Open this door, or I swear I will smash it down. Olivia!”

“Calm yourself, Your Grace. She is not here. Olivia is running an errand.” He opened the door, and Gideon tried to push past, but two gigantic men stopped him. “Do not make a scene. We will talk here. She doesn’t wish to see you. And why should I allow it? Explain to me, convince me that you deserve another chance.”

“Explain what?” Gideon snapped. “My feelings for Olivia are not your business. I don’t care that she considers you a friend.”

“I consider her far more than that; she is like a sister. And if she asks for my protection, I will give it. Why should I encourage Olivia to talk to you?”

Gideon exhaled, trying to gain control. “When I departed for Essex, we were fine. All was well. Now I come home to find her gone with no explanation? I just want to talk to her. Ask her what happened.”

“You know nothing of why she left?”

“No!” More calmly, Gideon said, “We kissed goodbye. Olivia slept in my bed last night. The servants stated she was in high spirits when she had tea and biscuits before retiring. None of this makes sense.”

“Then return tomorrow morning at ten, and I will encourage Olivia to meet with you. It is patently obvious the two of you need to talk. About your feelings, most of all. Now, will you leave peacefully?”

Gideon took a step closer. “Very well. I will. For now. But I will be back tomorrow morning, and you will allow me to see her. Or I swear I will bring a battering ram and gain entry that way.”

“My,” Pan tittered. “Such passion. Tomorrow morning, then.”

The door slammed in his face.

Gideon stepped back. Dare he head around the rear of the property toward the residence? He knew his way in, considering he had been here with Olivia. But the outside door was locked, blast it all. Olivia had used a key to gain entry.

Frustrated and at a complete loss as to what had ensued, Gideon stood by the side of the building, mulling over his next move. If Olivia was indeed out on an errand, she would be returning here at some point. He could wait, approach her, and demand to speak to her.

That was the old Gideon.

Be damned if he would force her to see him.

His mouth quirked. But isn’t that what he had just done? Pound on the door and demand that he be let in?

Emotion had carried him away, and that strange impulsivity had reared its head once again. Best to be civilized about this and return tomorrow morning.

* * *

Olivia returned to The Velvet an hour later. She almost expected Gideon to be waiting by the door, but he was not. Olivia wasn’t sure if she should be disappointed or relieved.

James operated his business as a nocturnal venture. During the day, The Velvet was cleaned stem to stern. Everyone pitched in, seeing to the changing of linens and the scrubbing of the floors and walls. James gave them their own rooms, fed them, shared in the profit; it was not too much to ask everyone to keep the place clean and running smoothly.

Olivia started to climb the stairs to do her part when James called her into his study.

A tea tray sat on the table. He motioned for her to take a seat and then poured.