The Elusive Wife (20 page)

She drew circles on his chest, contemplating his words. Where once she thought their joining would make her much too vulnerable, his words and reassurances soothed her, allowing some of the shield she’d placed around her heart to crack.

“Now, since you’ve worn me out, I must sleep.” Jason yawned loudly, and settling her on his chest once more, he tucked her head into his shoulder.

Within minutes, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and deep breathing brought her peace.

Could this man—this rake—really be the faithful husband she’d always wanted?

It was her last thought before all hell broke loose.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jason bolted upright as the door to his bedroom slammed open, accompanied by the wail of a female voice. “I tell you my little girl is here in this very room. She is ruined. Ruined, I tell you.”

Lady Lyons stood at the door in her night rail, a flowered night cap on her head, holding a candle upright. Behind her, peeking around her shoulder, stood Lord and Lady Markwick, and Lord Lyons. Jason shook his head to clear it, sure the champagne had muddled his brain.

“What in God’s name are you all doing in my room in the middle of the night?” He quickly glanced at Olivia as she stirred, to make sure she was completely covered before he faced the invaders.

Lady Lyons stepped over the threshold, her cohorts behind her. “Sir, I have reason to believe my daughter is in that bed with you, and I demand you do the honorable thing.” She sniffed into a handkerchief.

“Have you taken leave of your senses, madam? Your daughter is not in bed with me, has never been, and never will be. Now leave my room immediately.”

Lord Markwick stepped forward. “I hate to be a bother, old man, but Lady Lyons insists her daughter is here.” He glanced briefly at the bed, his face flushing. “And it’s obvious that you are not alone, my lord.”

“Who I have in my bed is no one’s business but my own. I can assure you, however, that Lady Cecily it is not.” He roared at the group as his jaw tightened and eyes flashed the arrogance that had stood him well for years. “Now I demand you all leave me in peace.”

“Don’t let him get away with this, my lord,” Lady Lyons cried as she addressed Lord Markwick, and dabbed at her huge cheeks with a handkerchief. “I am certain my Cecily is in bed with him. She is absent from her own bed, and Lord Coventry has obviously been paying court to her. My daughter will be ruined when word of this leaks out.”

Lord Markwick inhaled a deep breath. “Coventry, again I apologize, but Lady Lyons is most upset, and quite adamant that her daughter is in your bed. As her host, I must insist you allow her to speak with the girl.”

Jason attempted to climb out of the bed until both ladies screamed and turned their heads when his feet, below naked legs, landed on the floor.

“By God, naked or not, I will escort you all out the door, even if it must be by the scruffs of your necks. If Lady Lyons wishes to speak with her daughter, I assure you that conversation will not take place in this room.”

“Albert,” Lady Lyons screeched, turning to her husband. “I demand you go right now to that bed and rescue your daughter from that man’s lecherous clutches.” Lord Lyons winced as his wife shoved her elbow into his stomach. “You must require him to do the right thing and marry our Cecily.”

“Cease!” Olivia yelled as she popped up from under the sheet, clutching it to her chest. “As you can all see, I am
not
Lady Cecily.”

The four people crowded in the room all dropped their mouths at the same time. “Lady Olivia!” Lady Markwick gasped.

Jason dropped his head in his hands and groaned.

“Mama?” In the silence an annoying voice called from across the room.

“Cecily!” Lady Lyons rushed over to her. “Where were you?”

“I was hiding in the wardrobe, Mama. I was waiting for Lord Coventry to come to his room, but she,” the young girl pointed at Olivia, “came in, so I hid in the wardrobe.” She hesitated and wrung her hands. “I must have fallen asleep. I’m sorry, Mama, I did try.”

“What is she talking about?”

Lord Markwick glared at Lady Lyons, his eyes narrowing.

Lady Lyons waved a dismissal. “Nothing. Nothing at all, the girl is obviously overwrought at being invited into a gentleman’s bedchamber in the middle of the night.”

She turned to Lord Coventry. “However, sir, my daughter is in your room inappropriately dressed. She is positively ruined. You must rectify this situation by marrying her.” The woman drew herself up, her impressive bosom heaving.

“Amanda, are you completely out of your mind?” Lord Lyons spoke for the first time. “The man has Lady Olivia in his bed, why would he marry Cecily?”

Lady Lyons turned on her husband with a vengeance. “It’s obvious
that woman
is of questionable virtue. Her reputation doesn’t matter. But our daughter is a young innocent. He needs to marry her.”

“Madam, if you were a man I would call you out for that statement.” Jason moved to get up, but Olivia grabbed his arm.

“Perhaps we should all go to our own rooms and discuss this tomorrow.” Wiping his brow, Lord Markwick attempted to usher everyone out.

“No. I demand satisfaction for my daughter.” Lady Lyons pushed her husband forward, closer to the bed. “Albert, tell him if he refuses, you will meet him on a field of honor.”

Lord Lyons blanched and swallowed several times.

Feeling at a complete disadvantage sitting naked in his bed with idiots discussing him as if he weren’t there, Jason growled in the direction of the crowd “Everyone out of here immediately!” Then in a softer tone, he looked directly at Lady Lyons. “My wife and I would like to go back to sleep.”

“Your wife!” five voices all said at once.

Olivia popped back up again and nodded. “Afraid so.”

“That’s preposterous,” Lady Lyons sputtered. “Everyone knows he isn’t married. He’s just saying that to get out of doing the proper thing.”

“He can’t be married to her,” Lady Cecily wailed, “she’s so old.”

Jason wrapped his arm around Olivia’s shoulders as she growled and moved to get up. “No, my dear, you are naked.”

“Lady Lyons,” Lord Markwick sighed, “I doubt very much Lord Coventry would concoct a story that can be so easily disproven. I suggest we all return to our beds.” He bowed slightly toward the couple. “I apologize, Lady Coventry. This debacle has been a complete misunderstanding and will not go down in my memory as one of my better nights.”

Lady Cicely scooted away from the wardrobe and joined her parents, her father nodding as his lady continued to rant in his ear. Lord Markwick held open the door until they all passed through, then nodding to Olivia and Jason, quietly closed the door.

Jason ran his fingers through his hair and looked over at Olivia. She lay on her side, her back to him, shoulders shaking.

Damnation! The entire episode has brought her to the point of tears. Someone will pay dearly for this.

He reached over and gently touched her shoulder. “Sweetheart, don’t cry. Everyone would have soon found out, anyway.”

Olivia turned, wiping tears from her eyes. She gasped for air and held her stomach, laughing until Jason found himself going from a frown to a smile, to a roar of laughter.

“Hiding in the wardrobe?” Olivia wheezed.

“Lord Lyons would meet me on a field of honor? That had to be something Lady Lyons read in a bad novel,” Jason gulped.

She sighed, wiping at the last of the tears on her cheeks. “I’ve heard of young ladies doing such a thing to trap a gentleman into marriage, but never thought to witness it.”

Jason regarded his wife, her body flushed from laughing, hair tangled around her beautiful face. His manhood rose to attention as he reached for her and gathered her soft warm body against his. “Since we’re both awake anyway…”

“My lord, you are truly decadent,” she whispered.

“You have no idea.”

…

Elizabeth grabbed Olivia’s hand as she entered the breakfast room. “Come to the library.” She turned abruptly and Olivia followed.

“You and Coventry seemed determined to keep the party lively,” she said, her eyes gleaming with mirth. “Do tell me what happened in the middle of the night. I have heard stories this morning that have my ears burning.”

Olivia strolled further into the room and they both relaxed on the settee. She filled her friend in on the events of the previous night.

“Oh, no.” Elizabeth covered her mouth with both hands. “Do you think Lady Cecily and her mother planned to set a trap for Jason?”

“Oh, most definitely. The little brat hid in the closet, apparently ready to leap into his bed the minute he was asleep. Her mama would come along with the requisite witnesses and the betrothal announcement would be sent to the newspapers.” Although they discussed a serious event, neither she nor Elizabeth could keep a straight face.

“That is completely outrageous. Poor Coventry. I dread to think what would have happened had you not been there.”

“You will be interested to know the Lyons family departed very early this morning.” Elizabeth stood and smoothed her skirts. “Lord Markwick told us there was an emergency that necessitated them returning home.” She giggled. “But by then the entire story had circulated among the guests.”

Olivia gave a very unladylike snort. “Let us get breakfast. All this drama has given me an appetite.”

Already seated at the breakfast table, devouring a plate full of sausages, eggs, and herring in cream sauce, Jason stood when the women entered the room, indicating Olivia should sit next to him.

As she settled in her seat, she said quietly, “It seems the Lyons family has made a rather hasty departure.”

Jason raised his eyebrows. “Indeed?”

“Yes, the story’s been put out that they had a family emergency to attend.” She unfolded her serviette and placed it on her lap.

“That will probably be the best news I receive all day.” He cut into a sausage. Chewing carefully, he added, “Since our marriage is no longer a secret, may I prevail upon you to wear your wedding ring?” He regarded her with lifted eyebrows.

“Indeed, my lord, I would be most happy to do as you wish, but alas, it seems my errant husband neglected to give one to me.”

Jason was taken with a fit of coughing. Olivia continued to nibble delicately at her toast while her husband attempted to recover.

“What did we do at that part of the ceremony?” He wheezed after taking a sip of water. “Never mind,” he added at her cool glance. “We will resolve that issue straight away.”

“Lady Olivia!” The Dowager Duchess Edmonstone entered the breakfast room, leaning heavily on Lord Markwick’s arm. “I understand we should not be calling you that at all.” She lowered herself into the seat across from Olivia. She waved a footman over to fill a plate for her, all the time watching Olivia carefully. “So Lady Coventry it is? And may I ask why, my lord,” she pointed her fork at Jason, “the big secret?”

Olivia turned and smiled at Jason.

“Your Grace,” he dipped his head slightly, “there were various reasons for discretion, but they no longer exist, and I am happy to present Lady Coventry as my Countess.”

“Balderdash, young man. I don’t believe that for a minute. But I suppose that’s the story you will be sticking to, so let it be.” She accepted a cup of tea from the footman and was soon engrossed in her breakfast.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jason knocked on Olivia’s bedroom door shortly before dinner. She opened the door herself, the maid having already departed. He suddenly found it difficult to swallow. Her ice blue silk gown, shot through with silver strands, was exquisite. A thin band of silver ran under the low cut bodice, with off the shoulder small cap sleeves. She wore a silver locket and simple diamond earrings.

Her glorious black hair swept up from the sides to the top of her head, with a cascade of curls tumbling down her back. Small wisps of silky tendrils rested along her temples.

“You look stunning,” he said, his dry mouth unable to say more.

“Thank you.” Olivia curtsied gracefully, fluttering her silver and blue fan under laughing eyes. “If you’ve come to escort me, Lord Coventry, I am ready.” She stepped over the threshold when Jason shook himself.

“No, wait. I have something for you.”

He guided her back inside and closed the door. Never taking his eyes off her, he fumbled in his pocket until he found the ring. He held her hand in his, and slid it on her finger. “I apologize once more for my crass behavior at our wedding. You don’t know me well enough to realize that entire performance was out of character. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and go forward from here, I will be ever at your service.”

Olivia stared at him for a moment. “I no longer hold animosity toward you, but as far as going forward from here, we shall see.” She lifted her chin. “I still don’t trust you, my lord. I’m sorry to have to say that, but there it is.”

He frowned and raised her hand to his lips. “What are your reservations?”

“Time will tell.” She smiled slightly and glanced down at the new ring sparkling on her finger.

Jason placed her hand on his arm and they proceeded to the drawing room where the dinner guests had gathered. He had a suspicion of what she meant by not trusting him. He’d earned his reputation as a rake, and truth be known, it was something he never thought much about. Single, wealthy and titled, most men of the
ton
with his recommendations, who were not leg-shackled, possessed the same moniker.

Could he stay faithful to one woman? He certainly desired Olivia, and besides that, enjoyed her company. He derived pleasure from talking with her, much relieved to discover she had more to discuss than ton gossip and fashion. He’d lost interest in his last few lovers after a short time. Would that happen again? To quote his lovely wife,
time will tell.

There was no doubt Jason and Olivia were the center of attention, due to the recent revelation of their marriage. Men converged on Olivia the minute they entered the drawing room, and the ladies swarmed around Jason.

His stomach clenched as he regarded Lord Garland and Lord Wesley gazing down at the tops of Olivia’s breasts. Didn’t she realize that gown also needed more material in the bodice? Did he have to go to the modiste with her, and approve her gowns? And why in heaven’s name did she encourage the fools by flashing that bright smile? Frowning, he glared at Lady Lawrence who was asking him a question.

“Isn’t that true, my lord?”

After having gotten into quite a bit of trouble the last time he agreed to a question he hadn’t heard, he smiled. “I’m so sorry, Lady Lawrence, I seem to have been woolgathering.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “I stated, my lord, that you will surely be returning to London after the party, will you not?” She leaned up against him, her breasts brushing against his arm. No accident, that. He studied her for a moment. There was no attraction there, even though he had occupied her bed several times when Lord Lawrence had been otherwise engaged. Most likely with his mistress.

Jason bent over her hand and kissed it lightly. “I believe
my wife
wishes to finish the Season out. But given the choice, I would prefer to return to Coventry Manor.” Nodding at the rest of the ladies, he left their circle and headed toward the group surrounding Olivia.

Just as he arrived at her side, a footman announced dinner. Lord Garland, Olivia’s dinner partner, extended his arm to escort her, while Jason strolled along with Lady Atherton, a matron he’d known for years. Happily married to Viscount Atherton, the Viscountess made a delightful companion.

She regaled him with tales of her children, whom she unfashionably saw every day. No flirtation here. Lady Atherton was a woman content with her husband and offspring and wished the world to know it. She was plump, cheerful, and very pretty. Her husband adored her and she him. Jason felt a knot of envy listening to her and watching her animated face as she spoke so lovingly of her family.

Then his gaze slid to the other end of the table and his jaw clenched. Olivia held herself very erect, leaning back a bit, a look of distaste causing her to frown. Lord Garland on her left leaned forward, his chin practically in her bodice. If he sneezed his nose would land between her breasts.

“Ah, my lord, newly married gentlemen tend to be a bit possessive, is that not so?” Lady Atherton said, touching his arm.

He turned to her and saw the mirth in her eyes.

“You have no concerns, my lord. I’ve seen the way Lady Coventry watches you. She has eyes for no other, I assure you. ’Twas something Lord Atherton and I noticed from the first, even before we knew of your marriage.”

An interesting comment, that.
So, Olivia watches
me? Perhaps hope existed for their union after all. He frowned once more at Garland. The Marquess was a dead man.

…

Olivia grew weary of her dinner companion. If Lord Garland glanced down at her bosom one more time she would do something drastic. Both he and Wesley had been attentive since her arrival, but it seemed now they knew she was married, their interest had increased considerably—a sickening notion.

“Lady Coventry, I would love to call on you when we return to London. Perhaps we can go for a drive in Hyde Park?” Lord Garland delivered the entire message to her breasts.

“My eyes are in my head, my lord.”

He looked her in the eye and grinned—a true rake’s reaction.

“That is a lovely idea. My husband and I would be thrilled to join you in a ride.”

He winced. “Indeed?”

“Yes. I’m afraid he would insist upon it. You do understand, of course? Newly wed and all that.” She gave him a smile as she sipped her wine.

“Perhaps there would be a time when your husband is out of town?”

Apparently there was no discouraging the man. She smiled benignly and tipped her wine glass into his lap. “Oh, dear, my lord, please excuse me. How utterly clumsy.”

The pompous arse jumped up, wiping at his front with his serviette. “It is no problem, Lady Coventry.” He smiled tightly and bowed to her. “If you will excuse me, I shall change and see you in the ballroom.”

“Not if I see you first, my lord,” she muttered.

Olivia gazed around the room from where she stood with Jason, Elizabeth, and Grif. The ballroom filled to overflowing. The local gentry, apparently wishing to show the Londoners they knew fashion here in the country, had dressed in their finest. Gowns of every color and hue adorned the ladies. The country gentlemen, all in superb evening clothes, even managed to draw the attentions of the London ladies.

Jason stuck by Olivia’s side, except when she danced with other gentlemen. She’d filled her dance card with the names of local men and thoroughly enjoyed dancing with her partners. They were quite different from the usual London set. The men respected that she was a married woman. Yes, life in the country would suit her quite well. If only Jason remained true to his word that he would enjoy such a life himself.

“You’re looking a bit distracted, love,” Jason said as he whirled her around the dance floor in a waltz.

“I think I’m just tired. It’s been a lovely party, but I believe I’m ready to leave.” She looked up at her husband who regarded her with concern. Could he really be the warm, caring husband he endeavored to portray? Or was this a game he played with all women until he lost interest? She sighed, and looked away.
Time will tell
reverberated through her mind.

Jason waltzed her over to the French doors and, placing his hand on her lower back, walked outside to the terrace. “If you would like to retire to our room, I would be happy to escort you. I, too, have had enough, and am ready to return to London.”

“Missing your companions and distractions, my lord?” She turned from him and moved a few steps away.

“No, dear wife. Just missing my own bed, with you in it.” He closed the distance between them, and lifting her chin with one finger, kissed her lightly on the lips. When she didn’t stiffen, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, the other around her waist, and pulled her closer. He nudged at her lips with his tongue, while his hand slid lower to cup her bottom. He shifted his mouth and nibbled at her neck, the proof of his desire nudging her.

He was definitely good at seduction, no surprise there. He hadn’t gained his reputation for naught. She loathed the thought of giving him her heart, only to be discarded when he tired of her. Nothing could stop him from leaving her in the country while he pursued various activities in Town. A dark cloud hovered over her. She must be certain to guard her heart. Lord Coventry embodied a serious danger to her emotional well-being.

The sound of voices drifted from the doors. She and Jason moved apart. Now that the waltz had ended, couples left the ballroom to enjoy the cool air on the terrace.

“I think it’s time to retire.” Jason studied her.

Unable to fill her lungs after his kiss, Olivia merely nodded and allowed him to walk her out of the ballroom and up the stairs to where the bedrooms were. As she started toward her room, Jason pulled her back. “No, sweetheart, a reason no longer exists for you not to share my room.”

They continued on to his room where he escorted her inside. “Would you care for a drink?” He headed to the dresser where the hosts had so thoughtfully supplied each guest’s room with glasses and liquor.

“If there is sherry, I’ll have one,” Olivia eased into the chair in front of the fireplace. Moaning softly, she removed her shoes.

Jason handed her a small glass of sherry, and sat in the opposite chair, swirling brandy in his glass. Her breath hitched as he removed his boots and tugged at his shirt. Muscles rippled under his golden skin as he pulled the shirt off and tossed it to the floor.

Oh dear, it’s getting very warm. And what was it we were discussing?

With the stealth of a seasoned predator, Jason moved to where Olivia sat, removed the glass from her hand and bent to whisper in her ear. “Why don’t we take up where we left off downstairs?”

Gently, he eased her up. He nuzzled her neck, nipping and licking, and she moved her head aside. Olivia shivered, her senses heightened as he traced the outside of her ear with his tongue, all the while unbuttoning the back of her gown. His warm breath wafted over her skin, starting the now familiar tightening in her stomach.

Within seconds the gown pooled on the floor in a rush of silk. Next he slid the straps of her chemise down, revealing her breasts bursting over the top of her stays. “You take my breath away.” He ran his hands lightly over her nipples.

She shivered as warmth spread from his fingers all the way to where she ached for him. Not to be left out, she slipped her palms over the warm, smooth skin of his back, scraping lightly with her fingernails.

Boldly she eased her fingers around the inside of his waistband, stopping in the front to unbutton the fall. Once his erection sprang free, she cupped him, enjoying the feel of satin on steel. Jason groaned and picked her up, walked the few steps to the bed, and placed her on it. Watching her through heavy-lidded, burning eyes, he quickly divested himself of his pants and joined her.

He soon had the rest of her clothes off and scattered on the floor. Olivia’s hands were everywhere, smoothing the skin on his muscular back, kneading his buttocks, pulling him closer to her. “Slow down, sweetheart, we have all night,” he mumbled into her neck.

Jason dipped his head and drew her nipple into his mouth. He suckled and then scraped it with his teeth. Olivia moaned and tossed her head, amazed at how quickly her body responded to his magical touch. His fingers moved down to the curls between her legs and began to circle and stroke. “You’re so wet, so ready for me,” he murmured. “I love your passion, I can never get enough of it.”

Her body burned for him. Now that she knew what to expect, and the wonderful explosion awaiting her, she grew restless. “Please,” she gasped.

“What do you want, sweetheart?” He released her breast, coming back to her lips. “Tell me what you want.”

Her brain muddled with desire, she arched her body against his. “Don’t make me beg.”

Jason laughed softly, and continued to tease her with light kisses, and strokes over her womanhood. “Are you still sore from last night?” he asked, smoothing back the hair on her forehead.

“No, I feel fine. I was a little sensitive earlier, but not now.”

“Good.” But instead of entering her, he continued to kiss his way down her body, taking his time, swirling his tongue around her navel. Then his jaw scraped her belly as he proceeded downward, until his lips rested
there.
Olivia gasped as his tongue circled her, then licked the piece of flesh that begged for his attention.

Her whole body jerked at the sensation. Certainly his mouth at her center was not proper. But it felt oh, so good. She moved her legs further apart, and he chuckled, sliding his hands under her bottom to raise her up. Her gaze met his as he looked up from his position between her legs, hair falling over his forehead. The man was a devil, and would drag her with him right into Hades.

Olivia moaned and reached down to grasp his head, holding him against her. He continued his naughty ministrations until lights burst behind her eyelids, and she tightened her fists as waves of pleasure rolled over her.

After the last ripple faded away, Jason climbed up her body. “Love, if you keep uttering those noises, I will not last long at all. You’re making it very difficult to love you properly.”