Page 48 of Waiting for Love

“And Crispin’s absence will be felt,” Jasper continued.

“I don’t see the captain’s involvement mattering one way or the other,” Benjamin protested. “The objectives are matrimonial, not military.”

“You’d be surprised.” Jasper rolled back his shoulders. “Olivia deserves better. She has been so patient. She ought by rights to be the diamond of the Season. I want her to enjoy this, Benjamin. This is her time to bask in the glow of all the ton has to offer. It shouldn’t be a trial by combat. And I fear I have made it so.”

Benjamin could well be wrong, but it seemed to him Olivia would not be overmuch impressed by the glow of the ton’s offerings. All she wanted was a strong horse and an open field.

He groaned inwardly. Maybe that was what she wanted, but what she needed was a husband. The right husband. A handsome, young, titled lord. And she would have one.

“Iversley, you worry too much. Lady Olivia will have the ton eating out of her hand.”

Chapter Seventeen

Benjamin was making himself scarce again, Olivia mused. Naturally, he was doing it to be noble. Since he was burning with ardent desire, simply seeing her might drive him to take her into his arms and cover her with kisses. He was so passionately in love that he must escape to London.

Ha! She could only wish.

Hazard had arrived four days ago and would be leaving in another four days. He was taking Benjamin with him. They both had business in the city. There was nothing noble or romantic about it.

Jasper had tried to convince them to stay longer. He might have succeeded, but yesterday Georgiana began experiencing “discomfort.” Mrs. Cooper, the midwife, was summoned. She dismissed the discomfort as false pains, then promised Georgiana’s time was near.

Hazard was positively aghast and threatened to leave at first light. He said he adored children and dogs, but babies and cats made his skin crawl. Although it was a rude thing to say, he was so droll saying it that the duchess spit her tea and laughed. The duchess did!

Rather than bemoaning the impending loss of Hazard’s company, Olivia determined to make the most of it while she could. She convinced Hazard and Alice to join her for a midday ride. The sun had finally come out and the day promised warm. Warm for January. The folly beckoned.

Had she wanted a race, Hazard alone would have been a better companion than the two of them. They dawdled. And for company, either one of them alone would have suited Olivia better than both. No matter how carefully they tried to keep to neutral topics for her sake, they kept falling back into an argument about the American War. As best Olivia could tell, they agreed more than they disagreed, but they kept finding fine points to sharpen even finer. They were making her head hurt. But Alice seemed so…alive, and Hazard…so much less droll. It was strange.

By the time they neared their destination, she was riding a few lengths ahead, having given up on the conversation. Sunlight filtered through the barren trees. The cold-muted scent of slowly rotting leaves sweetened the air. Olivia was first to see the folly was already occupied. She slowed Oatmeal and signaled to the laggards to slow and to quiet down as well.

The scene made her smile.

Benjamin helped Hannah clamber up onto one of the broken walls until she was chest-high to him. Then she spread her arms and shouted, “Look, Papa!” before leaping into his outstretched hands. He set her down gently. Then he helped her climb up again. They repeated this at least ten times. Benjamin was laughing as though he hadn’t a care in the world.

He was the same man he’d always been. More serious, perhaps. More mature. More conscientious. But still caring and kind. Protective. And he could still enjoy life. She’d been right to adore him when she was a child. Helplessly. And she was right to love him now. Hopelessly.

Hannah’s coat flapped open, and her hat had evidently fallen into the trampled, melting snow. Benjamin had taken off his coat and gloves. They were draped across another of the walls. It was the type of play that would cause palpitations in any nanny, but Miss Jamison was nowhere in sight. Alice and Hazard murmured and chuckled quietly, watching.

And then, perched on the wall, rather than fling out her arms, Hannah pointed and yelled, “Olly!”

Benjamin stretched out his hand to hold her in place before looking over his shoulder. Then he wrapped an arm around Hannah and swooped her safely to the ground. He turned.

“Hullo!”

“Sorry to disturb you,” Hazard called out, dismounting.

“You rescued me. My arms are about to give out.”

Hannah darted toward them, but Benjamin was quicker. He caught her by the shoulders, then took her hand and said sternly, “No. Hannah, what did I say about horses?”

“Wait.”

“Yes. You don’t approach horses unless you are holding my hand.”

“Horsies now?”

He nodded and began walking very slowly, letting her lead. It was the most precious thing. Olivia felt an almost painful glee building inside of her. When Benjamin and Hannah stopped three feet in front of Oatmeal, Olivia could contain herself no longer. She stepped high in her stirrup, threw out her arms, and cried, “Look, Benjamin!” And then jumped.

He caught her. She knew he would. His chest was rock hard and his arms steady as he set her feet down. He was laughing, very softly.