Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

" T hank you for joining me this evening," Olivia said as she mustered a polite smile for her guest, Lord Newley. "I do so appreciate when you make the time to sup with me because I find it terribly lonely to dine alone."

"Did you never dine by yourself when you lived at Tottingham Manor?" Frederick returned as he cut his fish into thin slices then took a small, elegant bite of one piece.

"My family liked to spend mealtimes together."

"You know," Frederick mused, "I often forget that you were a bit of a country mouse when you first arrived at the dowager's soiree. I… What? Did I say something to offend you?"

Olivia shook her head minutely. "It is only that Lady Abigail referred to me as a country mouse once, and I did not care for the moniker. Much as my husband did not like being the Charming Rake, I…"

Frederick choked on his next bite which caused Olivia to stop right in the middle of her sentence. He coughed loudly for a moment then, once he was fully recovered, he used a cloth napkin to pat his lips. When he was himself completely, he turned a set of baleful eyes on her. "What makes you think John did not like being the Charming Rake?"

"I just assumed…"

"Tut, tut," Frederick scolded lightly, "you know you should not do that."

"But…"

"But what?" he prompted. "Before my friend John tied himself to you, he lived a carefree existence. The two of us traveled as we wished, dined with whoever invited us to join them, and entertained ourselves with all the joys life can provide. We were blessedly happy and…"

"But that is not entirely true, is it?" Olivia interjected. "John has suffered through a dark period, not so very long ago, and it is only recently that he…"

"Ah…you wish to know more about Percy." The question was stated flatly as if Lord Newley was making a declaration.

"I do," she confessed. "John has told me some…perhaps more than he has shared with others, but I am convinced you know all, Lord Newley." She gulped. "I would never ask you to betray the confidence my husband has put in you, but…"

"If you would never dream of doing as much, then you should not," Frederick said, speaking over top of her. "Whatever John has told you is what he wishes you to know. And it is not my place to fill in the missing fragments of the story."

"But I only want to understand John better," Olivia pleaded. "I do not know why he is flirtatious and exuberant one minute and then sulky the next." She paused and sighed deeply. "Do you know that he is sending me away? Do you know why he asked me to leave this place?"

Lord Newley fixed her with a discerning stare. "I do not believe you are relaying the facts accurately, my lady. I know that you received an invitation to go to Dewsbury Manor, and John encouraged you to accept it gratefully, but…"

"But why does he insist on staying here? Why will he not go with me?"

Slowly, Lord Newley swiveled in his seat so that he was looking straight into Olivia's eyes. "Has it ever occurred to you that John has already given you all he possesses? He has shared with you all he has and all he is, and there is nothing more remaining?"

"How is that possible?" Olivia cried. "Before…when we were at the dowager countess' party, I was captivated by John's wildness, his spirit, his vim and vigor."

"You would do best to forget the man who ensnared you at the house party, dear lady," Frederick replied in the gentlest tone imaginable. It was as if he was speaking to a child, soothing them after they had taken a fall. "The person you met that week no longer exists. You must content yourself with…"

"I will content myself with nothing." Olivia got to her feet, feeling slightly indignant. "John promised me a life of happiness, fulfillment, and…and endless surprises. And I will not be denied."

"Good for you, my lady," Frederick said as a light chuckle bubbled from his lips. "But if you try to induce my friend into an argument and he turns you away, do not blame me for warning you."

"You are faultless, Lord Newley," Olivia said as she stalked across the room and rang the bell for the housekeeper. "I will assure my husband that you kept his secrets, but I will not give up on reaching him so easily. He is all I have, and I cannot be forced to suffer in silence."

Mrs. Quirrell, the housekeeper, appeared then. She was dressed in a dowdy black frock and wore an expression on her face that indicated she was put out by being summoned to the dining room. "You are to take a tray to Lord Frontershire soon?" Olivia questioned.

Mrs. Quirrell nodded then said stiffly, "Yes, my lady."

"Ready the tray," she ordered, "and bring it here. I will serve the master his supper this evening."

"Yes, my lady." Mrs. Quirrell inclined her head respectfully. "As you wish."

Olivia knew not what she would say to her husband once she delivered his dinner tray, but she liked the idea of having her wishes granted. So, she squared her shoulders, held her head high, and then prepared herself for what was to follow.