Page 48 of This Marquess of Mine

Olivia’s small smile was tight. “I know. I’m sorry, too. If I had accepted your offer last Season, maybe things would be different.”

“I wish you had.”

“So do I.”

Paxton’s gaze flicked nervously to the corner where Emmy sat, and then he reached out and gripped Olivia’s hands in his. “It isn’t too late. I’m not married yet, and no marriage contract has been signed.” His brown eyes were fervent, more fervent than she’d ever seen them. “Please, Olivia. Give me time. That’s all I need, a little more time to bring my mother around to my way of thinking.”

She dropped her gaze to her lap and shook her head. “I don’t think—”

“Please,” he repeated. “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but my heart does not care. My heart wants only you. Will you wait for me? Will you wait just a little while longer before you accept another man? Lord Keswick is a good prospect, I know, but—”

“Lord Keswick?” Olivia’s head came up, her brows drawn together. “What does he have to do with this?”

Paxton’s smile was sheepish. “He is the reason I am here. I saw him earlier at the club and he spoke of you. He was rather tight-lipped with his intentions, but I read between the lines and came straight here.” His cheeks flushed. “I had to see you. I had to ensure you were not lost to me.”

Olivia’s lips parted, confusion fluttering in her chest. Griffin had discussed her with Paxton? But why?

She dropped her gaze to her lap and plucked an imaginary piece of fluff from her gown. “What did the marquess say to you?”

“Not much. I asked him if he intended to court you and he said he hadn’t decided yet. But he left no doubt as to admiration for you.”

Now she was more confused than ever. It was difficult to imagine Griffin, her severest critic, singing her praises to anyone, let alone to Paxton. So why had done it? Why had he—oh.

Of course. That explained it.

Griffin’s snide remarks and veiled insults had made his opinion of the duke more than obvious, specifically his relationship with his mother. Any compliment Griffin might have paid her earlier was simply his way of pranking Paxton for giving in to his mother’s demands.

Olivia parted her lips, intending to set the duke straight and assure him Griffin had only been teasing him. But the words stalled as a thought occurred to her.

Paxton was jealous. The possibility that Griffin might court her, that she might welcome his courtship, had upset the duke so much he’d appeared in her drawing room unannounced and declared his intentions.

What possible benefit was there to setting him straight now?

It was only a small deception, after all. A little white lie, really. Where was the harm in letting him think it was true? Why shouldn’t she use Griffin’s prank to her advantage?

The marriage mart was not an even playing field, not for women. Only a fool would throw away an opportunity like this one, and she could not afford to be foolish.

She still wanted her duke.

“Lord Keswick is a fine gentleman,” Olivia said lightly, her fingers toying with a loose thread on the sofa. “His good opinion is of great importance to me.”

A long beat of silence passed before Paxton spoke again, his tone hesitant. “Are you…considering welcoming his suit?”

She met his gaze. “I think I should, don’t you? He is a wealthy marquess, and you might marry another. I think it would be foolish not to consider him.”

Paxton nodded, though his lips were set in a grim line. “I understand,” he said quietly. “But please, promise me one thing? Promise me you will not rush to accept him. Please, give me a little more time before you do.”

She dropped her gaze to her lap, as if considering his words, and then she nodded. “I will be patient, Your Grace. For as long as I can.”

He excused himself then, determination shining in his eyes as he bowed to her and then quit the room.

Olivia listened for the sound of the front door closing then she slumped against the sofa with a sigh.

“There, you see?” she said to Emmy as she sat down beside her. “Your brother is helping me with the duke. He’s hardly likely to do that if he hoped to marry me himself, is he?”

Confusion creased Emmy’s dark brow. “No,” she said slowly. “I suppose not.” Her voice was thoughtful, but there was a distinct note of disappointment there, as well.

Olivia sighed. Welcome to my life.