Page 70 of A Stranger’s Kiss

A most excellent idea. “And perhaps on to Paris,” she continued, pleased.

“Have you no shame?”

“Odd.” Olivia slowly set down her spoon. “That is a question I believe you should be answering rather than asking.”

Again, to her surprise, the duke’s eyes gleamed.

A movement near the door caused them both to turn as Nicholas strolled into the room, his cravat hanging slightly to one side and with a cut gracing his chin.

“Forgive my late arrival,” he said with an easy grin.

Olivia smiled. “Lord Randall?”

“An unexpected emergency called him away.” Nicholas took a seat in the middle of the table.

The duke peered at him from under drawn brows but said nothing. Olivia didn’t mind. With Nicholas in the room, the conversation took a happier turn, and for the remainder of the meal, she found herself quite forgetting the duke altogether.

Finally, after the last course had been served with still no Deborah or Lord Deveraux in sight, the duke turned to Nicholas.

“The library?” he grunted.

Nicholas’s lip quirked. “Surely, it is a crime to leave Olivia unattended in the drawing room?”

Olivia let her gaze linger on his mouth. Such a sensual mouth. She couldn’t wait to feel his lips on her skin again.

“You well earn your reputation, Blair,” the duke commented dryly.

Feeling her cheeks heat, Olivia rose from her chair.

The men followed suit.

“Then we shall break convention, and all retire to the drawing room,” the duke snapped. “No doubt, Deborah is there already. I expect to hear welcome news.”

His words puzzled Olivia as they headed toward the drawing room once again, but she said nothing.

Deborah was there, seated on the settee, her face aglow. Lord Deveraux sat by her side, holding her hand in his and speaking softly. As they entered, both Deborah and Lord Deveraux rose.

“And?” the duke prompted, stalking back toward the fireplace.

Lord Deveraux turned toward Deborah with a smile. “I am pleased to announce, Deborah has given me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Olivia could only stare. Surely, the man knew she expected a child? He had to. Deborah looked so relaxed.

“Come, Olivia,” Deborah hurried toward her, beaming from ear to ear. “I have a gift for you.” She turned to the men in the room. “We shall return in but a few minutes.”

“Allow me, first, to offer my congratulations,” Nicholas stepped forward to catch Deborah’s hand.

“I can never thank you enough, Lord Blair,” Deborah whispered as he politely kissed her hand. “Frankly, I owe you my life.”

Olivia turned to him in wonder. So, he’d solved Deborah’s problem, as well?

Deborah pulled her out of the drawing room and up the stairs to her bedroom.

“I can’t believe it, Olivia.” Her cousin’s eyes shone as she shut the door and leaned against it. “Lord Deveraux has returned. He still loves me.”

“I…I am so happy for you,” Olivia whispered.

As if possessed by some devil, her eyes dropped to Deborah’s expanding waist before she caught herself and quickly yanked them away.