Page 32 of An Earl’s Path to Passion

“Then it is settled,” said Olivia, feeling a rush of unexpected affection for the bright-eyed girl, who was so awestruck by everything happening to her. “You should both accompany us to the ballet one night, too, while you are here. Have you ever been?”

Lucy shook her head, looking a bit overwhelmed.

“We have a private box at Covent Garden,” continued Olivia. “My grandfather takes me often when we are in London. I am certain he would be thrilled to have you along.”

Before the girl could respond, Captain Fletcher walked into the room. All the ladies turned to him. Olivia felt her heart start to thump uncomfortably in her chest. So, evidently he was in the house or had just returned. She did not know what to think at all.

Her eyes swept over him covertly. He was wearing a smart green jacket, white britches, and high black boots, looking every inch the country squire rather than a sea captain. His close cropped dark hair had grown slightly since the first time she had met him, and to her surprise, he had curls. She had not noticed yesterday at the garden party as he had been wearing a hat. He fixed those impossibly blue eyes upon her.

“Milady,” he said, bowing perfunctorily. “You came.”

“I did, Captain Fletcher,” she said, in a slightly breathless voice.

There was another awkward silence. Miss Oakley rushed in.

“Do sit down, Alexander,” she said. “I shall pour you some tea.”

He did his aunt’s bidding, sitting beside her on the sofa. Olivia noted his first name. Alexander. She had never heard it before. It suited him somehow.

Abruptly, the man stood up again. They all looked at him. What was he doing?

“How about we go for a walk through Hyde Park?” he asked, in a brusque tone. “It is too lovely a day to sit in this stuffy drawing room drinking tea.” He stared at Olivia, his blue eyes challenging. “What do you say, milady? Would you be up for a walk in the park?”

Olivia was taken by surprise. “Well, I suppose so…”

He grinned. “Yes, youdolike the park, do you not? I can tell you would.” His eyes had a teasing light in them now.

Olivia felt herself redden. He was, of course, in his usual mischievous manner, subtly reminding her of the first time they had met. If only his aunt and sister knew aboutthatescapade they probably would not think she was the prim and proper lady they clearly thought she was.

But he knew. He knew she had a secret wild side and it seemed he did not want her to forget it. How maddening he was. Still, a walk in the parkwouldbe lovely. She could do with some fresh air, she told herself. It was nothing to do with wanting to be near him. And it would be nice to get to know Lucy a little better. Against her expectations, she liked the girl. How she had grown so charming with a brother like him was a mystery.

***

Alexander glanced at Olivia sideways as they walked down the path. Lucy and his aunt were a little ahead of them, twirling their parasols. It might be the only opportunity he had to speak with her privately.

She was looking very cool and elegant today in pristine white muslin and a matching white bonnet, blue silk ribbons securing it beneath her chin. A far cry from the rough boy’s clothing she had been wearing the first time he met her.

He could not help grinning, thinking of the look upon her face when he had told her he knew she liked the park. It was just too damn irresistible to give into the temptation to tease her when she always reacted so visibly.

His eyes lingered on her lips, thinking about that kiss. He wanted to kiss her again. How would she react if he suddenly pulled her into his arms and did just that?

That was a tempting thought, too. But far too dangerous, of course.

He had been surprised when he had heard her in the house. Part of him had been expecting she would cancel the house call. And to his shock, he felt inordinately pleased. He wanted to see her again. He really did. But he had bided his time. He knew how much joy Lucy would get from talking with her without him in the room.

He could not resist eavesdropping on their conversation, however. He had lingered outside the drawing room door. To his surprise, Olivia was being very kind to his sister. And generous. Offering to teach her to ride at Essington and take her to the ballet at Covent Garden. It was a whole other side to the lady that he had never suspected. She always seemed so imperious and snooty, playing the grand lady to the hilt. When she was not pretending to be a boy, of course.

“You are being very kind to my sister,” he said, in a hesitant voice. “Why? I thought you despised me.”

“I do despise you,” she said quickly. “But I am not unreasonable, Captain Fletcher. I judge people on who they are, not their associations.” She hesitated. “Your sister seems quite charming and it would be good for her to have a mentor now that her position has changed. That is all.”

He sighed. “Look, could we call a truce? I know we got off to a bad start. But we are stuck with each other now, you know.”

She hesitated. He waited, his breath caught in his throat, for her reply. He had no idea why it suddenly meant so much to him.

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