AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 10
Alexander loitered outside the parlour door. He had not intended eavesdropping on the private family conversation. He had just been walking past on his way back to the Earl’s study, which he should never have left in the first place. He was a stranger in this house, and he felt uncomfortable even walking around without permission. Especially after what had just happened in the garden.
But the sound of Lady Olivia’s impassioned voice had stilled his footsteps. She was not happy. In fact, he could hear her crying. She was saying that she would not marry him. That she wanted to marry for love and choose her own husband.
The earl had reassured her that he would not force her, but the lady still sought his word that she could choose her own husband if she found someone she loved. Alexander heard another feminine voice, soothing Olivia. It must be her mother, who he had not even met yet.
He felt awkward and uncomfortable. What was he evendoingin this house? How could he have ever entertained this madness? He did not belong here. He did not belong in this world at all. And he most certainly did not belong in this family. He had lost his temper with the beautiful, spirited Lady Olivia and he still thought that she was far too uppity for her own good, but he did not want to cause her such distress.
The earl was so charming that he had allowed himself to be swept away with it. Who would not entertain the idea of being gifted a lofty title and riches beyond his imagination? He was only human.
It was like he had discovered Aladdin’s lamp and been granted three wishes. The temptation to never have to worry about working or coin for the rest of his life was strong. It would also mean he could give Lucy a better life. It would open doors for her that were firmly closed now.
He exhaled slowly. He should leave Essington Manor now. The family were clearly having an emotional time and he was just in the way. Leaving would also mean he did not have to face Lady Olivia again, at least for the time being, and that could only be a good thing. The lady was incensed and frankly he did not blame her. He had let his temper get away from him and riled her. But then, she riled him, too.
And only a day ago I was secretly hoping that I might run into the luscious lady from the park, he thought wryly. The irony of it.
He smiled grimly. At least he and the Lady Olivia were on the same page about a marriage between them. He would not be forced to marry her to inherit all this. The earl had given his word to her that he would not force her. It was up to her to decide.
Whether the earl would still gift him the inheritance without the marriage was another question. But he had never considered he would become an earl and inherit a palace and wealth anyway, so it did not matter. He was still Captain Alexander Fletcher, with his own life. A seafaring life. A successful business of his own. He would do just fine.
***
Olivia walked down the hallway towards the staircase. She felt drained and weary. All she wanted to do was lie down upon her bed and mull over the extraordinary events of the day in peace. But as she passed the library, she heard a cough from within. Curious, she tiptoed to the room, pushing open the door.
Captain Fletcher was standing at a bookshelf, selecting a book. She watched him open it, flicking through the pages, in an idle fashion. It was a harmless enough scene, but for some reason, it angered her deeply. He really did think that this house and its contents were his already and that he could help himself to anything.
“That book is priceless, you know,” she said, in a sharp voice. “A first edition volume of Shakespeare’s plays.”
He jumped, almost dropping the book. Olivia felt a surge of triumph. It felt good to have him at a disadvantage for a change.
Hastily, he put the book back in its place. Then he exhaled slowly, turning to her.
“You are angry with me,” he said, his blue eyes flickering. “I hardly blame you.”
She glared at him. “Of course, I am angry with you,” she said. “You waltz into this house and take over as if you already own it. My mother and I were completely ignorant about all of this. And on top of all of it, you are insufferably rude.” She drew a deep breath. “I do not want to marry you. The thought of it makes me ill to my stomach.”
She kept glaring at him. The words had just spilled out of her mouth, but it felt good to say them. How was he going to respond?
***
Alexander’s heart flipped and he had a sour taste in his mouth. He knew it was only wounded pride, but he was stung by what she had just said to him. Womenalwaysliked him. He had never had to persuade a woman to his bed. They came willingly and they did not want to leave. He had to extricate himself from quite a few affairs where the woman had not wanted him to leave.
So, listening to this angry, beautiful lady tell him that the thought of marrying him made her feel ill was insulting, to say the least. He would make a good husband. He always treated women well.
“I do not want to marryyou,” he shot back. “Believe me, my lady, marriage is the very last thing upon my mind. I did not suggest it, I do not seek it, and the thought of such imprisonment with an overindulged princess such as yourself doesnotfill me with joy, either.”
Her eyes widened in shock. Clearly, she thought that anyone would kiss the hem of her gown for the privilege of marrying her.
“Good,” she said, raising her chin defiantly. Her ice blue eyes flashed. “At least we agree upon something, Captain Fletcher.”
He slowly walked up to her, gazing down upon her. She stared up at him, her face full of scorn. And now, his anger was melting away again. Being so close to her was doing wild things to his equilibrium. He knew he still wanted her, even though she seemed to antagonise him in every way. But she remained stony faced, staring at him with contempt.
His blood pounded in his ears. He reached out a hand, trailing it down the length of her face. Her skin was as soft as he imagined it would be. It was as velvety as a ripe peach.
He watched the pupils of her eyes dilate sharply and a shiver run through her body. Her pearly pink lips fell open. He could just see the tip of her tongue within her mouth. And now, she was unconsciously swaying towards him.
He felt a surge of triumph and lust.
