Page 14 of Never Doubt I Love (Calloway #3)

The only times Alexander had attended social events without his brothers since Juliet’s death, he had been alone. Happily so. Venturing to the opera with the Calloways felt entirely foreign to him, and he honestly wasn’t sure how he was supposed to act when they arrived at the theater. Hugh and Charles would both be there, and thus far they did not know that Alexander would be staying with the Calloways. Alexander had sent one of the Calloway footmen to alert his valet, who had gathered up as much of his belongings as he could and sneaked them out the servants’ entrance of Hugh’s London house.

Alexander would need to inform the duke of the arrangement tonight, and he had no idea how Hugh would react.

“You seem nervous,” Olivia said as the coach rumbled across the city.

Alexander shook his head, even though he absolutely was nervous. It didn’t help that he had been forced to sit next to her in the carriage, as Lady Calloway had adamantly insisted on sitting next to her husband, who’d reluctantly agreed. Alexander was far too close to Olivia to be at all comfortable, and yet it felt as if he would never be close enough. After their conversation in the corridor, followed by listening to her banter back and forth with her brother throughout dinner, Alexander could no longer ignore his admiration for the young woman. Not that he had been entirely successful before now.

She had told him he would be in love before the Season’s end. He was halfway there already. It didn’t matter how many times he told himself that he could not fall for Olivia or how many glares Lord Calloway sent his way to remind Alexander that he would never approve of a match between the two of them. It didn’t even matter when Alexander compared Olivia with Juliet and noted their similarities in personality to remind himself of the dangers of loving someone.

Every minute he spent with Olivia was another minute spent wishing he could have every minute after that.

“Will we see His Grace this evening?” Calloway asked.

Alexander looked up, curious about the intent behind the question. Calloway knew Hugh was still in the dark, but he seemed about as eager as Alexander to rectify the lack of communication. “I believe we will, yes.”

“Will your brother miss your company?” Lady Calloway asked.

Alexander tucked his hands between his knees to keep himself from curling them into fists. “My brother is never happier than when I am by his side,” he said, hoping he neither spoke the truth nor painted his brother in a poor light.

“I wish Mother could have come with us tonight,” Olivia said. “Do you think she is unwell?”

“The journey from London is taxing for anyone,” Calloway replied, though not without a glance at Alexander. Perhaps there was more to their mother’s health than simple tiredness from traveling. Alexander was not about to ask.

“I am certain your mother will be eagerly waiting to hear all about your evening of being watched in our box,” Lady Calloway said to Olivia. “From what I hear, few people actually pay attention to the music and instead spend their time focused on each other.”

“Unfortunately,” Lord Calloway grumbled. “And yet I am the strange one for wanting to listen to the singers.”

“I have always wanted to attend the opera!” Olivia said, bouncing in her seat. “I will not care one whit if anyone is watching me; my focus will be on the stage.”

Alexander couldn’t help but chuckle. “I wish you luck,” he murmured. She would need it. Try as she might, she would undoubtedly be pulled in by all the stares coming from the audience.

“What of you, Lord Alexander?” Olivia asked. “Do you enjoy the opera?”

“I do.” But tonight he would not get much of a chance. Hugh had given up his box months ago, claiming to despise the opera, which made his decision to attend tonight interesting. Alexander would be spending the night searching for his brothers and making sure they did not stir up trouble for the Calloways. Then, once he found Hugh, he would explain the situation and hope his brother believed Alexander was doing as he was told rather than hiding.

Perhaps accepting Lord Calloways’ invitation was the cowardly way to go about things, but it felt like the safest option for everyone involved. Assuming, of course, Hugh allowed it.

“I attended the opera once with the Grangers,” Lady Calloway said, leaning her head on her husband’s shoulder. He smiled down at her and grasped her hand. “The girls spent the evening bickering, so I hardly saw any of it.”

“Lucy was a governess before she married Simon,” Olivia whispered to Alexander. “For a merchant family here in London.”

“I know them,” Alexander whispered back, not entirely fond of the family. The younger Mr. Granger had been too similar to Charles and Hugh for Alexander to like him, and rumors had spread of his tendency to relentlessly pursue women who had no interest in him. Thankfully, he had left Town and not returned.

“I certainly hope tonight will be a far better experience,” Lord Calloway said.

Lady Calloway smiled and closed her eyes. “With you? Everything is better.”

The all too familiar ache settled in Alexander’s chest as he examined the devotion between the baron and his baroness. The fact that Lady Calloway had come from humble means only reinforced their match as one built on love, something Alexander had seen little of throughout his years. He had felt that love though. Every time he had looked at Juliet. Every time she had smiled at him like she had a secret she was itching to tell him. She was the first person who had ever made him feel as if he could be more than the man he had been raised to be.

Much like Lady Calloway, Juliet had not been of the nobility. She had not been wealthy. But she had seen Alexander like no one else had and hadn’t been afraid to scold him for following in Hugh’s footsteps, telling him he was wasting the only life he had. Her boldness had changed him forever.

Oh, how he missed her.

“Here we are!” Olivia said when the coach came to a stop.

Alexander descended first, and when Lord Calloway followed, the baron shut the carriage door behind him with the ladies still inside.

“I expect you to be on your best behavior this evening,” Calloway said, narrowing his eyes. “I am trusting you to look after my sister, even though I shouldn’t. Do you understand?”

Glancing at the bewildered footman, who seemed unsure what to do as he stood there, Alexander nodded and bowed his head low. “I see no reason for Miss Calloway to be away from your watchful eye.”

“Good.” With one last scowl, Calloway opened the coach door once more and laughed. “Forgive me, my love. I had no idea I could be so clumsy.” He assisted Olivia first, leading her to Alexander’s side, and then he returned for his wife.

Olivia slipped her arm through Alexander’s and grinned up at him. “Did he threaten you?”

She seemed so unconcerned that Alexander couldn’t help but smile in return. “It was more of a warning than a threat.”

“My brother can be ridiculous at times, but I cannot complain about how much he cares for me.” A mischievous glint entered her eyes as they headed for the theater. “I’ve half a mind to run away from him and make him fret.”

Alexander tensed, glad he was much bigger than Olivia so he would be able to hold her back if she tried. “I’ve a full mind to do as your brother asks. I have no desire to make him regret inviting me to stay.”

“But how am I supposed to find you a love match if we are stuck with two people so fixated on each other?”

Alexander had no intention of allowing Olivia any opportunity to find him a match, no matter how determined she might be. “I think,” he said slowly, “you will be far too busy turning away your own suitors to worry about me.”

“What do you admire most in a woman, Alex?”

Alexander stiffened, but thankfully they were entering the crowded theater and he would have an excuse to avoid answering. It would take all his focus to keep his expression neutral as it was, and he could not falter. Not when a hush washed over the crowd as soon as they realized who was on Olivia Calloway’s arm.

“Oh dear, they seem to be interested in the pair of us, don’t they?” Olivia whispered, drawing closer to Alexander’s side. “Are you really so interesting?”

“I am not the one drawing their eyes.” Although, that wasn’t quite true. Yes, Olivia was quite popular among the ton , in part because of her dowry but also because she brought so much light into a room. But Society would naturally be surprised to see someone like Alexander beside her. Not only was he the brother of a duke, but he had also built up quite a reputation for himself before meeting Juliet. No one could have expected to see a man of his status allowed into the inner circle of a man as wholesome as Lord Calloway.

As the whispers started up around them, Alexander searched the crowd for his brothers. The news of his arrival would reach them quickly, and he hoped to explain the situation before Hugh assumed too much of Alexander’s new circumstances.

“Oh, it is my friend Miss Lovelace!” Olivia tugged him off course, taking a sharp right through the crowd until they came to a stop in front of a lovely young woman. “Margaret, darling, I haven’t seen you in days!”

Though she took Olivia’s outstretched hand, Miss Lovelace gaped at Alexander like she wasn’t certain she was seeing things correctly.

“You remember Lord Alexander Bailey?” Olivia said, unbothered by the lack of reply. “We met him and his brothers at the park last week.”

Miss Lovelace swallowed, then smiled. “Yes, of course. One would be remiss to forget the brother of a duke.”

Just once, Alexander wished he could be known for more than his relation to Hugh. One would be remiss to forget such a kind man. One would be remiss to forget someone so gentle. One would be remiss to forget the handsomest man in London. His expression slipped as he nearly broke into laughter. Of all the idiotic notions...

“It is a pleasure to meet you again, Miss Lovelace,” Alexander said, still smiling as he bowed to the young woman. But then he caught sight of the color in her cheeks, and his smile dropped. It was almost as if she were blushing. Because of him?

Miss Lovelace glanced between Olivia and Alexander, likely trying to understand why they were at the theater together.

Olivia patted Alexander’s arm. “Lord Alexander is recently a guest of my family’s,” she explained. “And a dear new friend.”

“Friend,” Alexander confirmed in case any of the nearby listeners, Miss Lovelace included, decided to think they were more. “Have you known Miss Calloway for very long, Miss Lovelace?”

She blinked, clearly still trying to understand what was in front of her. “We met at the start of the Season,” she said. “I adore her.”

“Miss Calloway is certainly skilled at making friends, as she is with anything she does.”

Olivia laughed, the sound echoing in Alexander’s ears. He hadn’t realized escorting Olivia into the theater would involve being put on display like this, and strangely, he didn’t mind knowing every eye was on him. If Olivia could ignore the crowd, surely he could as well.

“Lord Alexander flatters me,” she said. “My skills are few and far between, unlike yours, Miss Lovelace.”

Miss Lovelace sputtered, her eyes darting around them and her face turning steadily pinker. “I hardly think I have any skills,” she muttered.

“Nonsense!” Olivia said, far louder. “I have never seen paintings more beautiful than yours, and your ability to embroider a pillow makes me want to hide my sewing in shame.”

It was then that Alexander realized she was actively praising her friend, trying to pull interest toward Miss Lovelace and away from her. As he looked around, at least two gentlemen were slowly approaching with interest in their eyes.

Though he couldn’t confess to knowing much about Miss Lovelace, Alexander offered up what he could. “Have you ever painted your father’s land, Miss Lovelace? I have heard there is no lovelier part of England than your country home.”

Miss Lovelace beamed. “I have, yes. It is my favorite place, and I always say our tenants have the happiest sheep in all of England because they are blessed with a slice of paradise.”

“Well,” Olivia said, and her smile was so wide, it was as if she could barely contain it, “my brother will be wondering where we have gone. I will call on you tomorrow.”

“Indeed you will,” Miss Lovelace replied, throwing a pointed look toward Alexander. He would likely be the topic of conversation, which normally would have made him nervous. But he liked thinking Olivia would speak about him with her friends. He liked thinking she would speak about him at all.

As soon as they were walking again, Olivia squealed and squeezed Alexander’s arm. “You were brilliant, Alex!”

He hushed her; they were still the focus of attention. “Merely following your example,” he murmured, glancing back to see three different men seeking an introduction to Miss Lovelace. A plot of pretty land and no male relatives would only add so much appeal to the woman’s circumstances, but it was better than nothing. Olivia had done far more with her friendship than Alexander had managed.

Olivia stopped, holding Alexander back with her. “Oh, it is Mr. Harris.”

A strange sensation bubbled its way into Alexander’s stomach as he locked eyes on the man. Mr. Harris had been allowed to remain at the Calloway house the other day when Alexander had been dismissed. Unfortunately for Harris, it was Alexander who had been invited to stay at the house. Granted, it was because Calloway did not trust him, but Alexander would take whatever advantage he was given.

“Miss Calloway!” Harris flashed a genuine smile as he and his sister weaved through the crowds to get to them. “Thank goodness you are here.”

Olivia’s smile was a good deal less real, though she seemed to be trying. “Why is that, Mr. Harris?”

He faltered. “Oh. That is, I meant to say I was hoping you would be here. Didn’t I say that, Harriet?”

At his side, his sister bit her lip as she curtsied to Olivia. “You did say that, Brother.” Her eyes turned to Alexander. “Lord Bailey, was it?”

“Lord Alexander,” her brother corrected before bowing as well, once again far more deeply than he needed to. “Is your brother here as well, my lord?”

“Likely around somewhere.” Alexander knew his words were clipped and hardly gracious, but each time Mr. Harris looked at Olivia, a sharp pain stabbed Alexander in the ribs. “I am now a guest of the Calloways and therefore am unaware of my brother’s exact whereabouts.”

Mr. Harris turned rather red at that, glancing between Olivia and Alexander and studying their connected arms too long to be polite. “A guest,” he repeated. “Haven’t you your own house, Lord Alexander?”

Miss Harris giggled. “Edward, that is hardly the sort of question you should ask a duke’s brother. Of course he has his own house, but I reckon it gets rather lonely for a bachelor. Does it not, Lord Alexander?”

“You know how the nobility can be,” Olivia added just as Alexander opened his mouth. “We are always staying anywhere but our own homes.”

“I...” Harris frowned. “I did not know that.”

“Are you excited for tonight’s opera, Miss Harris?” Olivia asked, turning her body to fix her full focus on the young woman rather than on her brother, whose whole bearing sagged with disappointment. Olivia was clearly no more interested in him than she had been before, but his interest was another story entirely. Alexander almost felt sorry for the man.

Almost.

As the ladies began discussing the evening’s show and their love of music, Alexander took to scanning the crowds again, though he could easily have engaged Harris in conversation. Lord Calloway had vanished, likely wanting to get his wife to their box without dawdling, but he would be getting anxious about his sister’s whereabouts. Alexander was anxious as well, as the crowds seemed to be pressing in around them with interest.

Just as he was about to suggest to Olivia that they continue on their way, Alexander caught sight of Charles leaning against a wall on the other end of the entryway, his arms folded and his expression murderous. Clearly his conversation with Lord Harstone had done nothing to soften his personality. Hugh was nowhere in sight, but where Charles was, Hugh was sure to be close at hand. Charles almost never attended a social event if the duke was not there to guide him.

Before long, Lord Calloway appeared in the crowd and caught Alexander’s gaze. His glare softened when he caught sight of Mr. Harris standing there. It seemed Harris fell under Calloway’s list of approved gentlemen, though Alexander had not learned enough about the man to know if he truly was worthy of Olivia’s hand. He feared no one would measure up.

Though Olivia was still deep in conversation with Miss Harris, Alexander leaned in close to her and cut her off mid-sentence. “I believe your brother is becoming anxious,” he said gently, hoping she would be grateful for the excuse to leave Mr. Harris. She seemed to enjoy the company of his sister, but Alexander would gladly keep her away from the man himself.

Olivia looked around, as if curious to see whether her brother really was looking for them. Upon spotting Calloway trying to make his way through the crowd, she smiled and tucked herself closer to Alexander’s side despite them already being quite near each other. “Yes, of course. Mr. Harris, Miss Harris, it was lovely to see you, but we must be getting to our box before the performance begins.”

“I hope you are busy tomorrow,” Mr. Harris said as Alexander began leading Olivia away. “I mean, not . Not busy, Miss Calloway.”

To Alexander’s surprise, Olivia merely continued walking, as if she hadn’t heard. Conversations in the crowd were certainly not quiet, but Alexander would not have thought the entry hall was so loud that Olivia truly didn’t hear.

“You ignored him,” he said, unable to stop himself.

Olivia groaned. “I did not know what to say. He was going to invite me to go out with him.”

“And you do not want to?”

“I don’t know. Simon!” She slipped from Alexander’s hold as soon as they reached her brother, giving him an apologetic look. “Forgive us for being held back. I saw a dear friend, and then Mr. Harris...” She waved a hand without finishing her sentence.

Calloway fixed his eyes on the spot where they had been standing only moments before, and when Alexander followed his gaze, he found a dejected Mr. Harris standing in silence while his sister spoke a steady stream of words beside him. The poor man. One could not say he possessed any great measure of charm, though he seemed kind enough.

“Is Lucy already sitting?” Olivia passed Lord Calloway and disappeared, leaving Alexander with her brother as the crowd began to thin around them.

Calloway raised an eyebrow. “I noticed your younger brother watching you.”

Alexander nodded. “I expect His Grace will be making an appearance at your box before long. I will do my best to turn him away before he can speak to Miss Calloway.”

“See that you do. And, Alexander?”

“Yes, my lord?”

A small smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “You mustn’t be afraid to tell her no. Olivia is headstrong and does not always do as she should.”

Olivia had yet to do anything that had put her into any true danger, and her forwardness was something Alexander admired most about her. Unless he truly feared for her safety, he would never have the desire to deny her anything she wanted. “I will take that into consideration,” he told Lord Calloway, then gestured for the baron to lead the way to the box. Based on the many stares coming from the attendees behind him, he had a feeling it was going to be a long night.