Page 43 of A Stranger’s Kiss

Then, he turned on his heel and she drew fully back behind the mausoleum. Her grandfather was difficult as it was. She harbored not a single doubt that he would be beyond displeased to discover she’d witnessed his private moment.

As the duke approached, she inched around the tomb, keeping out of his line of sight. He didn’t even glance her way. He strode out of the cemetery with a purposeful step and disappeared around the corner of the kirk. For a moment, she was tempted to dash after him. Why had he come? Why now? Why acknowledge her mother now? After so many years?

Anger warred with confusion. Then, the ephemeral scent of bluebells reminded her of her true purpose for being here. She wouldn’t dishonor her mother’s memory. Shoving all thoughts of her grandfather aside, she turned her feet to her mother’s grave.

* * *

“As I have said a dozen times before, it is unseemly for a man of my position to discuss business matters with a…a…a…”

Olivia sat across from the banker, but she no longer listened. Husband. Again. The banker never failed to remind her that he wished only to do business with her husband. He had only dealt with her so far out of courtesy and respect to her father, but such courtesy could only last so long.

“Do we have an understanding?” the man asked.

Olivia stood. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Trent.”

There was no use in prolonging the displeasure for either of them. Without a word more, she swept out of the bank and marched across the street.

For the first time, she felt the sharp pang of visceral fear. What if she couldn’t make Mr. Pitt’s last payment? She would have to sell every sheet of music she had, and at a discount, to come up with the money needed…but what if it wasn’t enough? And what if Louisa didn’t return? What if her dream of revealing her father’s music to the world remained only that…a dream?

A man stepped into her path.

“Pardon me, sir,” she muttered, sidestepping him.

A hand dropped onto her arm. “Olivia?”

She looked up, startled.

It was Nicholas.