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Chapter 8
Alexander stood up, walking to the window in the Earl’s study. The old man had asked him to wait for him here while he talked to his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, who had returned to Essington Manor early, but he was growing restless. It had been over half an hour. He had never liked sitting still for too long.
He grinned slowly, thinking about the earl’s granddaughter. She had just appeared on a garden path before them, materialised like a pixie. Her grandfather had been surprised. And so had he. Very much so indeed.
For the Earl of Weaver’s granddaughter was none other than the girl who had been riding like a banshee through Hyde Park, dressed as a boy.
He had recognised her immediately. Her silky dark curls were properly contained in a low-lying chignon this time, not flowing with wild abandon down her back, but the ice blue eyes and beautiful face were just the same. She was taller than he imagined, with a willowy physique. The bodice on the lemon-coloured gown she wore showed just a hint of swelling bosom.
Lady Olivia Oakley might be young, not yet twenty, but she was the very essence of womanhood.
His body had responded to her immediately, just like the first time. What were the chances that he would ever see her again, never mind that she was the Earl’s granddaughter? Not likely. He discerned the fleeting fear on her face as she beheld him. She recognised him as well and was afraid he was going to reveal her secret to her grandfather.
He would not do it. Her secret was safe with him. It was just a harmless lark, the high spirits of youth. And it was only when he was walking towards her to be formally introduced that it struck him that she could be his wife if he agreed to it. And if she did as well, of course.
Alexander ran a hand over his face, as he gazed out the window. He just did not know. The earl had said the inheritance was conditional upon marrying her. But Alexander did not want to be married to anyone, even a beautiful noble lady like her. He was not ready. He did not know if he wouldeverbe ready. Marriage struck him as a cage. And he liked his freedom very much.
He cursed under his breath. The Earl had asked him to wait here, but the study was beginning to feel like a cage, as well. He needed to stretch his legs again. A quick walk in the gardens, and then he would return. He would probably be back here before the earl. Having made up his mind, he strode out of the room, heading outdoors once again.
***
Olivia clattered down the stairs, her heart beating fast. She had been sitting in her window alcove in her room when she had suddenly spotted the dashing sea captain striding over the lawn. Her grandfather was not with him this time. He was quite alone. Impulsively, she decided to go and speak to him. She might not get another chance. She had to have his assurance that he would not speak of her escapade in Hyde Park. That was all.
She lifted the skirt of her gown as she skipped along the path towards him. He was walking ahead of her but stopped abruptly. He turned around. Olivia stopped as well, gazing at him. How tall he was. How dashingly handsome. It was like it struck her in the belly every time she saw him.
“Lady Olivia,” he said in a dry voice. “We meet again.”
Her heart was pounding so hard it sounded like a drum in her ears. “Yes,” she said, suddenly feeling awkward. “I saw you walking alone, and I had to speak with you.”
“You did?” His voice had that same teasing quality. “And why was that?”
Olivia flushed. “Do not tease me, Captain Fletcher. You know why.” She lowered her voice, even though they were quite alone, “My ride through Hyde Park. I must have your word that you shall not breathe a word of it to my grandfather.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, you mean when you were riding recklessly at a thunderous pace, almost colliding with me, dressed in the garb of a boy? That time?”
Her blush deepened. “I was not riding so recklessly…”
“You were,” he interrupted. “And you were most definitely dressed as a boy. You cannot deny that.”
“I was not denying that part,” she said, bristling slightly. “Not at all.”
“Why?” he asked, his gaze quizzical. “Why did you do it?”
Olivia bit her lip, feeling mortified. “I like to ride alone. That is all. My family—my grandfather and mother—are overprotective of me. They are always so scared something will happen to me. It gets rather suffocating. A solitary ride is very… liberating.” Her face felt like it was on fire now.
“I see,” he said, scratching his chin. He had black stubble just along his jawline. “Yes, I can see why they might be a tad overprotective of you. After what happened.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. How did this man she had never met before know of any details of her life at all? Clearly, her grandfather must have told him, but why?
“Why are you here?” she blurted, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. “How do you know my grandfather?”
His face changed. He looked guarded. “I am not at liberty to discuss it,” he said. “You need to speak to him about it, Lady Olivia.”
Olivia gaped at him. “That is all very cloak and dagger, indeed! Why can you not just tell me? I am sure it will hardly affect me.”
He looked amused. “I really should not be speaking with you at all. Not until he talks to you first.”
Olivia kept staring at him. She was utterly baffled. But he obviously was not going to say a word about his mysterious business with her grandfather, nor how they were acquainted. It was maddening. And she did not like that patronising expression on his face, either.
