“I’ve got you, Lady Devereaux,” Carlton said. “Isaidyou’ve been working too hard.”
“Sweet tea, that’s what you need,” Mrs. Brougham said. “I’ll have Ethel take a pot to the morning room before luncheon.”
Olivia nodded her thanks, her heart rate increasing as she caught sight of her husband. He swung his legs out of the carriage, then climbed out, unfolding his huge frame with some stiffness. His valet followed, leaping out of the carriage, before he stopped to brush his hands along his master’s wrinkled sleeves.
Charles shooed him away, frowning, then turned toward the house, his eyes darkening as he fixed his gaze on her.
She motioned a greeting.
Welcome home.
He tilted his head to one side, studying her hands, but made no attempt to respond, then lowered his gaze to her waist. Carlton released her and stepped back.
“H-have I done it wrong, Mrs. Brougham?” Olivia asked.
“No, my dear—you were perfectly clear in your hand signs.”
“Then why isn’t he…”
Her husband’s frown deepened, then he moved his hands.
“I-I don’t understand,” Olivia said. “He’s doing it too quickly. Charles, what are you trying to say?”
He stopped, hands in midair, turned to his valet, and gestured again. John let out a huff and responded, his movements more measured and precise. Olivia recognized some of the gestures that Mrs. Brougham had been teaching her, two words…
Wife, anddeceive.
“Are you accusing me of deceit, Charles?”
He gestured toward the steward.
“Lord Devereaux, I can assure you that your wife and I have not—”
Charles slapped his fist into his palm, and cold fingers clawed at Olivia’s stomach. “Exactly what sort of deception do you think I’ve been engaged in, husband?”
Charles gestured again, and Mrs. Brougham let out a huff.
“Foolish boy!”
“What did he say?” Olivia said. “John—won’t you tell me?”
John opened his mouth to reply, and the housekeeper stepped forward.
“Pas devant les domestiques, Mr. Richards,” she said.
“Which means what?” Olivia asked.
Mrs. Brougham clapped her hands. “Return to your duties, all of you,” she said. “Ethel, take some tea to the morning room. Colin, have luncheon ready in the dining room in fifteen minutes.”
The servants dispersed, whispering among themselves.
“Enough ofthat!” the butler said. “Anyone caught gossiping, I’ll dismiss them immediately without a reference.”
The servants replied with a chorus of “Yes, Mr. Reynolds.”
“Lord Devereaux,” Carlton said, “it’s not what you think.”
Charles’s gaze darkened further. He made a series of gestures, then nodded to his valet.
