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“Did you…did you see me there?” she squeaked.
His smile widened and his eyes sparkled like blue agate. “How could I? Surely, you would have been in disguise, along with everyone else?”
Olivia almost slumped with relief. It was not him. He just had a similar frame and physique to the highwayman, that was all. There were many tall men around. She had not pressed herself against him feverishly, yearning for more of his lips, like a shameless hussy. She had little doubt he would have told her now if it had been him. He would not be able to resist the chance to lord it over her, would he?
Desperately, she tried to regain her composure. “Of course, I was in disguise. It was a masquerade ball.” She tried to think of a way to change the subject. “My grandfather suggested I pay a call upon your sister at your new lodgings. Would she be available tomorrow?”
He kept staring at her without replying. The silence stretched on between them. She felt her face growing hot again. Why was he looking at her in that odd way?
“I am sure Lucy would be honoured,” he said in a dry voice. “I shall tell her to expect you. Morning or afternoon?”
“Morning,” she said, swallowing another lump in her throat. “I shall call around ten.”
He inclined his head. “Very good. We shall expect you then, milady.” He made to walk away, but turned back, gazing at her steadily. “I like the green gown you are wearing today. But I think turquoise might suit you better. It would bring out the colour of your eyes.”
Before she could respond, he walked away. Olivia gaped at him. Suddenly, she was not so sure that he had not recognised her at the ball, for her gown had been a quite startling shade of that exact colour. She shook off the uneasy feeling that had just abated. Hewas notthe highwayman. He could not be.
The man was just being his usual provocative self. And now she had committed to calling upon his home tomorrow. She kicked herself. Hopefully he would not be there. As she rushed back to the party, trying to compose herself, she knew that it was probably wishful thinking. But it was all too late now.
***
Alexander chuckled to himself as he walked into the townhouse after the garden party. He could not stop thinking about the shocked look on Lady Olivia’s face when he had told her that turquoise would suit her. Did she suspect he had been the one who had kissed her so passionately at the masquerade ball?
He knew he should not have teased her, but he had been unable to stop himself. For a moment, he could have sworn she knew it was him. It was good to keep her on her toes, he thought.
He walked into the parlour. Lucy was tinkling at the pianoforte while his aunt embroidered. He smiled. His sister was going to be as pleased as punch about Lady Olivia calling upon her tomorrow. He could not wait to tell her.
“Guess what?” he said, as he sidled over to the instrument. “You are going to have a caller tomorrow. A very important lady.”
Lucy gasped. “Is it her? The Lady Olivia?”
He nodded, enjoying the look of delight upon her face. “The very one. I ran into her at a garden party this afternoon. She promised to call at ten tomorrow morning.”
Lucy threw her hands up in joy. “Oh, what shall I wear? What gown shall be good enough to receive her in?”
“What about that new white gingham I bought you the other day?” said Alexander, a smile playing around his lips. “It is very suitable for a call from a grand lady. You shall look as pretty as a picture in it.”
Lucy dimpled. “Oh, yes! That shall be perfect! I shall get a maid to press it immediately.” Without another word, she raced out of the room.
Alexander laughed, sitting down opposite his aunt. “She seems happy at the thought of the call. And enjoying London life in general.”
Aunt Edwina nodded. “She is blossoming, Alexander. But I do worry about her. If she is to become a part of the ton then she shall need more lessons in etiquette, as well as pianoforte and the like. You know how they like their ladies to be polished and accomplished.” She hesitated. “I want Lucy to fit in, but I do not want her to change either. Will her head be turned by all this?”
Alexander sighed. “I suppose it is possible. She is so young and she is certainly dazzled by it all. But I shall guide her…”
His aunt looked at him. “Alexander, how do you see your life unfolding now? If you are the earl’s heir, are you still a sea captain? Do you intend to keep your company and sail around the world?”
Alexander sighed again. If truth be told, he had not really given it much thought. He had allowed himself to be swept away by it all, but his aunt was right. He would have to make some serious decisions about his future very soon.
He liked the earl very much and already wanted to please the man. But he also liked his seafaring, adventurous life. He liked his freedom. He had not discussed any of this with the earl yet. Alexander knew the man was grooming him to the position and might not take kindly if his heir decided to suddenly sail away for months at a time, for it was always a risky endeavour.
Life at sea was perilous—pirates, mutinies, the threat of the ship sinking, various dreadful illnesses. Would the Earl of Weaver be happy that his heir was taking such risks when he had only just secured him? Or would he start to pressure him to give up his old life entirely?
