William surprised himself with the words more than anyone else. He could not say why he’d agreed, only that something in the way she pleaded tugged at his heart.
He had no wish to make her unhappy, that had never been his goal. In fact, he hoped that in time they would develop a care for one another. Regardless, he intended to be a good husband. He may not have chosen her, but he’d not make her suffer because of it.
If waiting for the banns to be read set her at ease, then that is what they would do. In the meantime, William would strive to win her over.
Chapter 3
Olivia wanted to kick herself, or better yet, him. Had she truly begged? Her cheeks heated at the knowledge that she had indeed. But then she’d have done anything to forestall their marriage. At least now she would have three weeks to figure a way out of it.
The Duke of Thorne stepped closer to her, his gaze locked on hers. “If we are to use the time gained from having the banns read to become better acquainted, I see no reason to delay the desired outcome. Do join me for a stroll through the garden?” His Grace proffered his arm.
Olivia took a moment to inspect him. She had to admit that he’d changed a great deal since she’d last seen him. No longer did his face appear pudgy nor did his midsection bulge. He was a great deal taller as well, though that was to be expected. What truly took her by surprise was how handsome he’d become.
Sandy-blond hair cut in the latest fashion framed his face, a wayward strand brushing against his temple drawing her attention to his eyes. He possessed bright blue eyes the color of a summer sky that captivated her as much as they sent alarm through her.
For heaven’s sake, she wasn’t supposed to find him attractive.
Begrudgingly, she wove her hand around his offered arm. Olivia found herself once more surprised by the mass of muscle she discovered in so doing. It seemed he had changed a great deal indeed. She’d be hard pressed to deny what a handsome man he’d grown into.
Still, she did not wish to marry him.
Would never want to become his wife.
She met her mother’s gaze as the duke led her from the room. Surely Mother did not intend to let him sweep her away without the benefit of a chaperone, and yet… “Mother?”
“Yes?”
Olivia gave her a friendly smile. “Should we not have the benefit of a chaperone?”
“You are to be married, darling. A chaperone isn’t needed in such situations.” Mother shook her head as though Olivia had said the most obtuse thing.
Olivia released a breath of frustration as they crossed the threshold.
The duke turned her down the hallway before leaning close, bringing his mouth close to her ear. “I promise not to ravish you…unless you want me to.”
A pleasant shiver spread through her as the warmth of his breath fanned her ear. Ignoring the odd sensation, she kept her gate steady and her attention on the path before her. What the devil was wrong with her? She did not want to find anything about him pleasant. Not his warmth, nor his muscular body, certainly not his bawdy flirting, and most definitely not his sinful good looks.
Perhaps one of her friends would take a fancy to him? Folly, the single word spun through her mind. Madame Zeta had said she’d find love on the wings of folly. Maybe if she attempted to match one of her friends with the duke, she could be rid of him.
The idea held merit for Juliet had seemed rather taken with the notion of becoming a duchess. Furthermore, she was beautiful. Surely if given the opportunity to meet and a bit of encouragement the two would take a fancy to one another. Olivia decided at that moment to see it done.
With an idea in hand, she felt far more relaxed as the duke led her into the garden. She didn’t yet have a plan, but that would come in due time. For now, she’d cling to the scheme and develop a way. If she gave it enough effort, she had no doubt it would work.
She slanted her gaze to the duke as they strolled past a hedgerow, the sun shining brightly down on them. “Why now?” The question left her mouth before she had time to consider it. The moment the words escaped her, she desperately wished to take them back.
What did she care why he’d come when all she wanted was to be rid of him?
“I find myself in need of a wife,” he answered.
His simple reply led to more questions forming in her mind, and she suddenly did wish for answers. She deserved them, after all, he had left her wanting for a considerable amount of time. Did she not have a right to know why? Of course, she did. Most other ladies would have broken the betrothal long ago. Yet she did not, and now she had a right to know what had kept him away.
She stole a glance at him then wondered, why hadn’t she called off? She should have appealed to Father. Attempted to reason with him. Requested the right to find a husband of her choosing. Anything would have been better than quietly sitting on the shelf and waiting…hoping he’d not come.
Nonsense, Olivia knew perfectly well why she hadn’t taken action. The Duke of Thorne had seemed safe considering that he completely ignored her. She’d had no cause to think he would honor the agreement and every reason to believe herself free. If she’d have broken the betrothal, Father would have expected her to find a husband, and that was the last thing Olivia wanted.
But then it seemed to be the last thing the duke had wanted too. What changed his mind? She gave him a questioning glance and said, “But you did not need a wife before?”
His eyebrows drew together as though she were testing his patience. “Before I didn’t have the responsibility of three young ladies to care for.”
