Chapter 6
Olivia removed her wrapper and turned to climb into bed. A small piece of parchment caught her eye, and she paused. She strolled across the bedchamber and scooped it up then turned it over in her hand. Someone must have slipped it under her door—and recently, for she was quite sure it hadn’t been there a moment before.
Her fingers shook a little as she unfolded the note, then read its contents. One masculine scrolled line followed by an initial.
Meet me in the library.
~W
She folded the parchment, unfolded it, then reread the words. What the devil did the duke want? More importantly, should she go? No, it would not be proper. The two of them alone. Besides, she had already donned her night clothes.
Olivia strolled to the fire and tossed the note into the low flame. As the parchment ignited, so to did her curiosity. She tossed open her amour and fished inside for a gown. Just this once, she told herself. Pulling out a plain pink frock, she turned to pull the call bell, then changed her mind.
She aimed to appear unladylike. To convince the duke that she wasn’t a fit role model for his sisters. Perhaps going to him in her wrapper would sway his opinion of her merits as a mother figure and societal guide. Her cheeks warmed at the scandalous idea.
Ignoring the rapid thumping of her heart, Olivia pulled on her wrapper and fastened it. She cracked her bedchamber door and peered into the hallway. All was quiet. No-one was about, and the passageway was dark save for a few flickering lamps.
She pushed the door open fully then stepped from her room. Her pulse hammered as she made her way to the library. Twice she contemplated turning back but ultimately continued on her way. By the time she reached the library, her cheeks blazed, and her breaths came in quick succession.
Olivia rested her hand on the library door as she willed her body to calm down. Perhaps she should return to her chamber? Surely whatever he wanted could wait for a more appropriate time. At the least, she should go change into proper attire.
The door opened, causing her to jump and tug her hand back.
William stood before her, a wide grin lighting his face. “Do come in.”
The time to flee had passed. Olivia swallowed back her objections, squared her shoulders, and marched past him. There was nothing for it now. She would have to remain on her course.
The door clicked shut behind her. Olivia pivoted to face the duke. “What is the meaning of this?”
He strode over to her, then indicated two chairs across from the hearth. “Join me?”
“I would rather not.”
“Why?”
Her eyes widened as she stared at him in shock. “It is quite late, Your Grace. Meeting in such a way is beyond the pale.”
“Call me, William.”
Olivia had no desire to address him in such an informal way, but more than that, she wanted to know what the purpose of this meeting was. To that end, she Gaven in. “Very well, William,” she ground out the final word. “Tell me why you have summoned me?”
“Sit, and then I shall.” He lowered himself into one of the chairs then stretched his long legs out in front of him.
Olivia could scarcely stop herself from studying the length of his muscular body. His breeches clung to his thighs and calves, revealing the corded muscle beneath. His waistcoat was unbuttoned, and cravat loosened, giving her a splendid view as well. Mercy, but he was an attractive man.
He locked his fingers behind his head and leaned back in the chair.
The dratted man clearly intended to wait until she did as he wished. Olivia released a breath and took the chair beside him. “You have my attention.”
The duke sat up and turned his attention to her, though his form remained relaxed like that of a giant cat basking in the suns warmth. Olivia wished she shared a measure of his calmness for her heart was still beating a tattoo.
He trailed his lazy gaze over her, then met her eyes. “I’m glad you came.”
She’d expected to find horror, or at the very least, distaste in his gaze. Instead, she saw something else. Something pleasant. Perhaps admiration or appreciation? Did the scoundrel approve of her attire? She averted her gaze to the fire, her cheeks burning just as hot as the flames.
The duke waited for a few heartbeats before he spoke again. Perhaps he’d been waiting for her to say something. Regardless, Olivia had no words. She hadn’t been the one to request this meeting. Didn’t even know why they were here. It was he who needed to do the talking.
“I have done you a great wrong. Now I intend to make it up to you, Olivia.”
