*
They spent mostof the day in easy conversation with each other. Oliver told her stories of his days in the army, many of which she found hard to believe, and she found herself horrified that he had been in so much danger while de-coding messages. He had a knack of making most of them sound implausible and she found herself laughing more than she had in a very, very long time.His stories had not all been humorous. Oliver recounted many a dirty campaign in the field, but he did not give too much away. He’d seen men die—many had been friends—and she sensed a deep sorrow within him for those who had lost their lives.
They did not talk of Nathaniel. That she had been grateful for. She had no wish to think of him ever again. They did not discuss Oliver’s brother Henry either. He was not ready, and she would not push.
Eating breakfast together was a… novel experience. Lisbeth couldn’t stop blushing and Oliver kept winking at her between sips from his teacup. She tried to keep up a serious façade for the sake of the servants, but it was nearly impossible. They moved to the parlor and finally they were alone and she could relax.
Oliver was obviously enjoying himself. He looked so relaxed sitting back against the chair and idly reading the newspaper. Nathaniel had never taken any meals or tea with her. She had always been alone.
“So, my dear Lisbeth, are you going to give me my copy of your schedule?” he asked behindThe Timeshe was reading.
Lisbeth gasped, surprised. She had been debating on whether to give it to him or not. She still felt its comforting pull but had tried to fight the urge to carry on as normal. In the end the schedule had won.
Still behind his paper he laughed, then bent the paper in half, top to bottom and looked over the top half. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice you leaving my bed in your bare feet?”
“I did not want to wake you. And it is my bed, thank you very much.” She felt the blush return to her cheeks.
Oliver ignored her attempt to censure him. “I assume you have the whole twenty-four hours planned out, although I don’t recall having your wicked way with me last night being on your precious schedule.”
She blushed again.
“Nor this morning,” he said with a wink. “I can’t imagine what trials and tribulations you have in store for me.”
“Not nearly as torturous as you deserve,” Lisbeth replied, sipping her tea to hide her smile.
“In that case I must confess to being a little disappointed. I’ve become quite attached to your particular form of torture.”
Sighing loudly for effect, she put down her cup went out into the hall and returned with his schedule in her hand. She passed it to him and resumed her seat.
He laughed as he unfolded it. “Now, let me see…”
He took his time reading it. She waited for the inevitable snide remark or blusterous comment, but he said nothing. He refolded the schedule and slid it into his coat pocket.
Still, he said nothing. He picked up his cup and took a sip.
Nothing.
Lisbeth raised her eyebrow, wondering what he was doing. After a few more seconds he looked up and raised a brow too.
“I take it you don’t find fault with any of our appointments, then?” Lisbeth watched him, warily.
He smiled. “Why would I?”
“You know very well why.”
“I have no aversion to Hyde Park. I do not harbor allergies for grass, bees, or ducks.”
“But? Last night…”
“Last night taught me to listen to my intuition and to be prepared. You have no need to fear. I will keep you safe. However, I do find it fascinating that a woman such as you would want to put herself through such a ritual in the first place. A pretty and petty procession through Hyde Park at the fashionable hour is, according to what I’ve heard, a painfully slow process with very little… procession about it.”
“You’ve never ridden in the park, have you?” Lisbeth put down her cup and studied him.
“Ridden, yes, promenaded like a fool, no. Sorry to disappoint you but I was a little too busy dodging lead shot, cannon fire, and sabers, I’m afraid.”
She smiled. “I promise you will not have to dodge anything more alarming than a few stares and fakery.”
“And we are doing this because?”
