Page 11 of An Innocent Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

He allowedhis gaze to turn hard and cold. “What would you know of loss, my lady? You are barely out of the schoolroom. In truth, I doubt that the most difficult thing you’ve had to do was decide between the blue or yellow muslin for a Sunday afternoon stroll.”

Her mouth went slack, and he heard the sharp intake of her breath before she got up from the table without a single word of farewell.

Miles watched her rush away with a sick twisting sensation in his gut. He told himself it wasn’t guilt, since he quit feeling that emotion long ago, during the days on the battlefield when he was still left standing when death was rampant around him.

He never understood why he had been spared when so many good men had perished. They had all fought proudly, and yet, the Grim Reaper had chosen to pass him by and take another.

He frowned as he drained the last of his ale, and then he slammed it back down on the table and got to his feet.

He needed some air.

* * *

Olivia quickly driedher tears as anger started to replace her hurt. She didn’t know why Mr. Stone had to be so cruel when she had thought they were having a nice, civil conversation. For some reason, he’d decided it was important to drive a wedge between them. But did it have to be on Christmas Day? Granted, she had made the decision to leave London and spend the holiday alone, but that didn’t give him the right to be so cold. It was supposed to be a season of giving and forgiveness.

Olivia expelled a heavy breath on that thought.

Although nothing gave him the right to treat her so harshly, they had been speaking of a subject that was obviously very sensitive. He had witnessed the violence of battle firsthand, and she couldn’t ever fathom what he had endured. It would also explain why he had dismissed her so thoroughly, even if she didn’t feel as though she deserved it.

Nevertheless, she decided that she wouldn’t spend the day bemoaning her own upset, but she would see if the locals had something festive planned, since it was apparent she would be in Gillingham another night.

She lifted the lid of her trunk and pondered what she might wear. Most of her best dresses she’d left behind in London, because she didn’t find the need for them in the country. Even if her father’s heir did choose to do some entertaining, she would most likely decline to join the festivities.

Pulling out a slightly wrinkled, green velvet gown, Olivia gave it a firm shake and decided that it would be just the thing. It had a simple cut and was warm enough in case she dared to venture out into the cold. She doubted she would, but just in case, she wanted to be prepared.

After changing her clothes and brushing her hair and re-pinning it into place, she pinched her cheeks to bring back some of the color that had waned earlier. She went back downstairs prepared to encounter Mr. Stone once again, but he was nowhere to be found.

She told herself it was for the best, that wherever he’d gone, she prayed it would put him in better spirits. She was gracious enough not to wish anyone a distressing holiday.

“Mrs. Stone!”

It took a moment for Olivia to realize that she was being addressed, but she quickly fell into her role as the devoted ‘wife’ and turned to bestow a tentative smile on the innkeeper. “Mrs. Evans.”

“My dear, I saw your husband leave the inn earlier with quite a scowl on his face.” Her face was wreathed in concern as she wiped her hands on her apron. “I do hope that you haven’t had a falling out on Christmas.”

Olivia didn’t want to worry her further, so she shook her head. “Not at all. Just a slight disagreement, but what married couple doesn’t have those?”

“Indeed,” she said with a weary nod. “It is all too true.” She studied her for a moment and then said, “All the same, I should hate for you to spend the afternoon alone. Would you be averse to coming with me?”

Olivia was grateful for her kindness. “Of course. Is there something I can help you with?”

There was a twinkle in her gaze. “As a matter of fact, I think you would be a lovely addition.”

Olivia could only guess what the lady had in mind, but curiosity spurred her to follow.

Chapter Five

It had been weeks since Olivia had enjoyed herself quite so much. Any earlier concern that had weighed on her mind had lessened greatly the moment she’d walked into the local assembly rooms. The scent of evergreen filled the air and lanterns flickered all around, giving the space a cheery, holiday glow.

Although Olivia had never been one to engage in many activities with people she didn’t know well, she was content to assist Mrs. Evans, who told her that every year the villagers came together for a modest, Christmas Day ball.

“That sounds lovely,” Olivia noted, as she assisted the lady with some last-minute decorations. She had brought Olivia along to string cranberries to add even more of a festive feel. “I’m sure it will be better than anything London has seen.”

The innkeeper had chuckled at this. “I doubt that, as there won’t be any gentry present this evening.”

Olivia had to bite her tongue to keep from replying that she was the daughter of a duke, but then, it would rapidly unravel the story Mr. Stone had concocted, for her true identity would be revealed and word of her ruined reputation would be certain to reach the new Duke of Marlington, thus losing any hope that she might make a favorable impression. Reluctantly, she kept silent, but she vowed that someday, she would return to this village during a future Christmas Day celebration and surprise Mrs. Evans and the rest of the villagers.

Perhaps she might even bring her family.

---