“I’llsay so,” a new voice said.
The innkeeper’s wife stood in the doorway, hands on hips.
Devil’s breeches, was poor Olivia’s discomfort to be witnessed by every soul in this cursed inn?
“Betsy, what have I told ye about making bawdy remarks? Heavens, girl, ye’d think we’ve not had newlyweds here before! We all know what the wedding night entails, so there’s no need to giggle about it like a child fresh out of the nursery. Be off with ye, unless ye want a lick of the strap.”
The maid’s face reddened. “Beg pardon, Mrs. Smith,” she mumbled, then fled.
“I also beg pardon, yer ladyship,” the innkeeper’s wife said, and Olivia flinched as the woman patted her arm. “It’s always the same when we’ve newlyweds here. Betsy means no harm. She’s just not used to serving such fine folk. But we’re all right pleased for ye and wish ye a happy marriage.”
Olivia gave the woman a bright smile that almost, but not quite, reached her eyes.
“Thank you, Mrs. Smith,” she said, the ghost of a tremor in her voice. “I understand. Please don’t treat Betsy too harshly. I’m sure her remarks were delivered with kindness in mind.”
“That’s very good of ye, ma’am. Now, would ye like a cup of tea? I’ll make it nice and sweet.”
The woman fussed around Olivia, pouring tea and spooning eggs onto her plate, then she patted her shoulder once more and exited the parlor, promising to leave the newlyweds in peace.
As soon as the door closed, Charles gestured to John.
Tell my wife I’m sorry for last night. I didn’t realize she was…
Fuck—how could he express that?
John tilted his head to one side and responded,Had you thought her a whore?
Charles drove his fist into his palm.No!
Olivia flinched and glanced up.
Tell her yourself,John signed.You cannot expect me to say such a thing, unless you wish me to humiliate her more than you have already.
Charles let out a huff.Just do it. It’s what I pay you for.
“You don’t pay me to dothat.”
“To do wh-what?”
Bugger.John had spoken aloud. Olivia stared at him, a determined set to her jaw. Despite the moisture in her eyes, she straightened her back and met his gaze unflinchingly.
Brave little soul.
“Please…John,” she said. “Tell me what you’re speaking of—at least until I can understand your hand gestures. After all, I am in the room.”
Tell her I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to frighten her last night. Had I known she was a…
Charles paused, hands in midair.
Bloody hell!How could he say it?
…that she had not lain with a man before, I would have been gentler.
John colored, then nodded.
“Lord Devereaux wishes to apologize, ma’am, for”—he hesitated—“for the events of last night.”
Charles raised his eyebrows.Continue.
