Page 17 of Never Doubt I Love (Calloway #3)
Though Olivia had planned to call on Margaret Lovelace, just as she had said last night, she had hardly finished her breakfast before Hastings brought in Margaret’s calling card.
“So early?” Mother said when Olivia announced who had arrived.
Olivia laughed. “Miss Lovelace is one of my dearest friends. I can hardly expect her to adhere to common politeness when we have so much to discuss.”
“What on earth could you have to discuss before ten in the morning?”
Glancing at Alexander, who had been quiet since they’d returned from visiting Cordelia, Olivia bit back her grin. They would, of course, be discussing his recent arrival to the house, as well as all of the gentlemen who had approached Margaret after Olivia had spoken to her. Besides, Olivia was curious if anyone was talking about her conversation with the duke last night; if anyone would have heard something, Margaret would have.
“Put her in my favorite sitting room upstairs, Hastings,” Olivia told the butler, then shoveled as much food into her mouth as she could.
“Olivia,” Mother said, clearly exasperated. “You are eating like an animal.” She threw a glance toward Alexander, giving Olivia a look that said she needed to be more proper now that she was out in Society.
Once Olivia swallowed—not without some difficulty—she grinned and said, “Lord Alexander doesn’t mind, does he?”
Alexander lifted his head, eyes going wide. He could either agree with Olivia and come across as uncivilized as her, or he could disagree and come close to insulting her. He obviously saw the dilemma because he minutely shook his head at her, though amusement danced in his eyes. “Forgive me,” he said, “I was lost in thought and did not hear what you said.”
Oh, the clever man! Olivia nearly laughed but thought better of the idea, seeing as Mother was still staring at her in horror. With one more bite of toast, she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin and rose to her feet.
Alexander rose with her.
“Lord Alexander, I hope you will not mind if I spend some time with my friend this morning rather than with you.” She could at least be somewhat polite before her mother got it into her head that she had raised a thoughtless daughter.
“Not at all, Miss Calloway.” Alexander gave her a warm smile, though he hesitated long enough that she almost wondered if he did mind. “As long as you remember that you agreed to teach me your strategies in chess later today.”
She had agreed to nothing of the sort, but a warmth spread through her chest at the thought that he hoped to spend some time with her today. “How could I forget? You are so awful at the game that you need all the instruction I can give you.”
“I have much to learn,” he agreed.
Unless Olivia was mistaken, he meant that in earnest, and she felt his gratitude through his gaze across the table. He had been so overwhelmed when he’d appeared in the stables, and she had never wanted to embrace someone more than she had him in Cordelia’s stall. Propriety had held her back, but only just. She had a feeling he had not received enough affection in his life. How could he, with brothers such as his?
“Perhaps you should not leave Miss Lovelace waiting,” Mother said, glancing between the two of them with her brow furrowed.
Though tempted to invite Alexander to join her, Olivia headed for the door just as Simon arrived, Lord Harstone behind him. “Good morning, Brother! Lord Harstone, it is wonderful to see you, as always.”
Lord Harstone gave her a wide and easy smile before bowing theatrically. “Ah, Miss Calloway, you grow more beautiful each time I see you.”
Olivia blushed despite herself. “You are truly too kind, my lord. You should save your praises for your wife and daughters.”
“Their radiance does nothing to limit yours, Miss Calloway. You all have a place in this world.”
Olivia turned back to Alexander, who had remained on his feet instead of returning to his barely touched food. “Take notes, Lord Alexander. Emulating Lord Harstone will win you a wife in no time.”
Lord Harstone chuckled. “Ah, but I was under the impression Lord Alexander is not hoping for a wife. See that you act nothing like me, Alexander, and life will continue as it is.”
“He says he does not want a wife,” Olivia argued, still smiling back at Alexander, “but I believe he is lying to himself. No one wishes to be alone for long.”
The tiny smile that crept onto Alexander’s lips sent a thrill through her. Could she be right?
“Alexander,” Simon said, breaking Alexander’s gaze. “Harstone has come to teach you everything he can about finances, as he possesses far more wealth than I do.”
“Nonsense,” Lord Harstone replied. “You and I are equals, Calloway.”
Simon huffed a laugh. “Regardless, he has managed to build his wealth with nothing but his land and happy tenants, and there is much you could learn from him.”
Lord Harstone patted Simon on the back with enthusiasm. “I have only so many hours to give you, Alexander. They are yours if you would like them.”
“Yes!” Alexander winced, as if embarrassed by his own enthusiasm. “Yes, I will gladly take any time you have.” He bowed to Mother, who nodded back at him, and then hurried to follow Simon and Lord Harstone.
His hand brushed Olivia’s as he passed, and she thought perhaps her fingers might catch fire at the contact.
That was different from before.
Closing her hand into a fist in an effort to relieve the strange sensation, Olivia turned to her mother. “Would you like to join me, Mother? You would adore Miss Lovelace, just as I do.”
“No, I planned to take a walk with Lucy this morning. Enjoy your time with your friend without an old woman getting in your way.”
Olivia laughed. “You are hardly old, my darling mother. Enjoy your walk.”
When she finally made it to the sitting room, Margaret seemed to be positively bursting with anticipation, bouncing her knees up and down as she sat in a chair. “Olivia!” she nearly shouted and rushed forward to take Olivia’s hand. “Olivia Calloway, you must tell me everything , this instant!”
Laughing, Olivia pulled her to the sofa so they could sit together. “Everything? Goodness, that will take a long time, and I am not certain I know everything.”
“I pass a week and a half without seeing you and suddenly you are hanging on the arm of Alexander Bailey? I never could have foreseen such a thing.”
Olivia snickered. “I didn’t realize you were a soothsayer, Margaret.”
“Does it not frighten you, having the Duke of Tipton’s brother in the house with you?”
“No, of course not.” Why did everyone assume Alexander was such a horrible man? In all the time she had spent with him, he had warned her of his darkness but had never shown her a hint of it.
“He is handsome, certainly, but if one believes the stories one hears...”
“Margaret, you should know better than to believe everything you hear. Besides, no matter what he has or has not done in the past, Lord Alexander is a good man. I trust him entirely.”
“Enough to let him court you, apparently.”
“Court me?” Olivia laughed. “Lord Alexander is a friend, nothing more.” Uncertainty bubbled in her stomach as soon as she said those words.
Margaret lifted a delicate eyebrow. “Perhaps you believe that, but I am not certain he does. He did not look at you in the way a man would look at a friend.”
Though it thrilled her to think Alexander might have some interest in her, she knew with too much certainty that he would never act on any feelings he might have. And there was only so much she could do to help him. He had relaxed around Cordelia. Perhaps she had not cured his fear of horses, but she had helped him see another way. Perhaps she could do the same with other aspects of his life.
“Enough about him,” she said, sitting up straighter. “It was my brother who invited him to stay, not me. I want to hear about your prospects! Did you meet anyone of interest at the theater last night?”
Margaret blushed a deep scarlet. “I haven’t a clue what happened, Liv. It was as if I had been standing in shadow for all of my life and then suddenly the clouds parted and I was in the sun. People could see me.”
Olivia grinned. Her plan had worked, just as she had hoped. “Well, whatever it is, I hope something good comes of it.”
They talked of the two gentlemen who had promised to call on Margaret later that day, both of whom were apparently handsome, amiable, and of a gentle disposition. Exactly the sort of man Margaret desired. Margaret was especially smitten with one of them, a man who, though not particularly wealthy, had a good standing among the ton .
“I still cannot understand how you have not been proposed to thrice over,” Margaret said. “One has to wonder if the Duke of Tipton has frightened everyone off.”
“The duke has done nothing for or against my prospects,” Olivia replied with a chuckle. Although, perhaps that would change after her conversation with the man at the theater last night. “I have garnered more interest from the men of London than I would like, and I have simply not found anyone to my liking.”
Margaret leaned in closer. “I hear Mr. Harris is rather determined to get to know you.”
“You needn’t whisper, Margaret. Mr. Harris’s interest is hardly a secret.”
He had not said much to her last night, but that was hardly his fault. Olivia had purposefully pulled his sister into conversation in order to avoid the man, hoping he would see that as a sign that the two of them would not suit. She needed someone who could carry a conversation without issue. Someone bolder, less content to be in the background. It was one of the things she had always admired about Nick. Mr. Harris, kind though he was, seemed entirely too comfortable listening to others speak, which likely contributed to his tendency to say things the wrong way. While his bumbling had been somewhat endearing when he and his sister had visited Olivia at Calloway House, she had quickly realized she far more enjoyed the quips and wit of someone like Alexander.
The flock of birds from the other day flapped their wings in her belly, though she did her best to ignore them.
“Mr. Harris would make an interesting foil to you,” Margaret continued. “I do not know much about the man, but he does not have your same energetic temperament.”
“Few do,” Olivia said with a laugh. “But you are right. I always envisioned someone more... well, more .”
Margaret snickered. “And you are certain that someone could not be Lord Alexander? The brother of a duke is certainly more than an untitled gentleman of average means. Or...” She sat up straighter, her eyes alight. “Or what of the duke himself? Can you imagine? Olivia Calloway becoming a duchess!”
Taking hold of Margaret’s hands before she got ahead of herself, Olivia shook her head. “You are getting wild ideas, my darling friend. Me, a duchess?”
“But I heard the duke paid you special attention last night.”
“He gave his brothers more attention than he gave me. Besides, it is not as if someone as lofty as the Duke of Tipton would take interest in a baron’s sister, now, would he?”
Someone cleared his throat behind them, and they turned to find the butler standing in the doorway of the sitting room. “The Duke of Tipton to see you, miss,” he said, his expression tight.
Margaret poorly suppressed a squeal. “My goodness, it is as if you summoned him!”
Olivia had no idea how to react to such a surprise, though she knew she could not keep a duke waiting for long. “Show him in, Hastings. And fetch Wilson, if you would.” Margaret would be there as a buffer, but she thought it a good idea to have a footman in the room as a precaution.
Hastings bowed and left the room, leaving Olivia feeling a lot of feelings she did not know what to do with. Turning back to Margaret, she tried to keep her nerves in check. “Why would he come to visit me?” she whispered, despite no one else being in the room with them.
Margaret seemed on the verge of laughing, though the way she squeezed Olivia’s hands spoke of her own nerves. “Clearly he paid you more attention than you thought.”
“What am I supposed to say to a duke?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea. You are the one who has all the men falling at her feet!”
“That hardly means I am skilled at interacting with them.”
Their argument died when Hastings returned, announcing the Duke of Tipton. Thankfully, Wilson was just behind him and slipped into the room to take up his post against the wall.
When the duke stepped into the sitting room, he did so with his head held high, everything about his bearing speaking of his position. Olivia and Margaret both stood, matching his stiff bow with curtsies, and Olivia couldn’t help but feel as if the duke was as uncomfortable as she was.
“Your Grace,” she said, “what an honor to have you call on me this morning.”
He softened as soon as he met her gaze, his expression warming and his shoulders relaxing. Though he didn’t quite smile, he had lost the superiority in his features as he took her in. “Miss Calloway. I confess I was most eager to see you again after our conversation last evening.”
“You remember Miss Margaret Lovelace?” Olivia replied. Perhaps it was rude not to respond to his comment, but she had no idea what to say. She hadn’t been eager to see him, nor had she expected to.
“Your Grace,” Margaret said, to which the duke replied, “Miss Lovelace.”
Then they stood there, an awkward silence building between them.
Olivia gripped her skirts, wishing she had more practice in hosting guests. Most of her time in London thus far had been spent elsewhere, or Lucy or Emma had been with her. “Hastings,” she called just as the butler turned to leave. “Could you send for some tea?”
“Of course, Miss Calloway. Anything else you require?”
She couldn’t fathom anything else she might need, but Hastings seemed to be waiting for something. But what? When she shook her head, he nodded and disappeared.
“Please sit,” she told the duke, immensely grateful that she could have her friend sit beside her on the sofa.
His Grace took a chair close to Olivia and smiled ever so slightly. “You are looking well this morning, Miss Calloway.”
Olivia could not necessarily say the same about the duke. He looked much like Alexander had this morning, as if he hadn’t slept much during the night. Still, she could hardly say as much to a duke. “And you,” she replied, her voice breaking.
“I do hope my brother has been a courteous guest thus far.”
Alexander had yet to spend twenty-four hours with the family—hardly enough time to cause trouble, even if that had been his intent. “Yes, of course,” Olivia replied. “Lord Alexander is excellent company. I believe he is currently with my brother.”
“Ah.” The duke tilted his head. “I thought perhaps he would be with you.”
“Why?” Olivia winced. “That is, he is a guest of my brother’s, not mine.”
“Ah.”
Silence settled over them again. Though Olivia knew it was her duty as hostess to keep conversation moving, she was far too intrigued by the duke’s presence and couldn’t help but study him more as the seconds ticked by. Despite his similarities to his brother, nothing about him was soft. Not in the way Alexander was.
Clearing his throat, the duke shifted in his seat. “Are you enjoying your first Season, Miss Calloway?”
Olivia smiled, grateful for his attempt to ease the growing tension. “Yes, very much. I have made many good friends, like Miss Lovelace here.” She took hold of Margaret’s hand and squeezed, knowing her friend was likely terrified to be sitting in the same room as the duke. “London is far more entertaining than I could have dreamed.”
“Yes.” The duke pursed his lips. “That is, I am glad it is to your liking. Oftentimes I find Town to be more exhausting than amusing.”
“I would imagine your responsibilities as a duke can be overwhelming on occasion.”
“More than you know.” He clenched his jaw, glancing between the two ladies as silence yet again fell.
Thank goodness for the maid who arrived with the tea cart. Olivia gladly spent a few minutes pouring for the duke and then Margaret, taking her time with her own cup before returning to her seat.
“How are things at Parliament?” she asked, though she had no idea what went on in the House of Lords and would hardly be able to add to the conversation. “My brother never tells us anything.”
The duke’s lips curled up into a smile that was so different from Alexander’s that it caught Olivia by surprise. Where Alexander’s smile was warm, the duke’s was more devious and did not reach his eyes. “That surprises me, Miss Calloway, given your brother’s involvement. Lord Calloway is quite influential and never afraid to speak his opinion.”
“Is that not a good thing?”
“It can be, depending on which side you’re on.”
“Are you and my brother on opposing sides?”
“I suppose that depends on the issue.”
Olivia found herself smiling much more freely now that they had had a bit of back-and-forth. She wondered if the duke could be as clever as his brother and match her speed. “I confess I know very little of you, Your Grace.”
He tilted his head once more, as if surprised by her statement. “Have you not heard all the rumors?”
“I put very little stock into rumors.”
“And my brother has not told you all about me?”
Olivia shook her head. “Lord Alexander is a rather private person, and sometimes I feel as if I have to pry information out of him.” That was only half true, but she was curious to see how the duke responded.
His Grace chuckled. “Yes, Alexander has always kept things close to the heart. One can never know his opinion on something unless he has chosen to offer it up.”
Interesting. Alexander had given his opinion quite easily whenever she’d asked. “I have heard few details about you, Your Grace, and as you have come to visit me, I thought perhaps you wanted me to know you better.”
“I do wish for that, though I am not certain your brother would agree.”
“My brother loves me and thinks he can protect me from the world.”
The duke lifted his eyebrows, sitting forward. “And you do not wish for his protection?”
“I do not need it,” she corrected. At least, not all the time. If Simon had known the duke was here, this conversation would have been over before it had even begun, and yet she was doing perfectly well on her own now that she had settled. “Do you enjoy riding, Your Grace?”
His smile grew. “Very much.”
“I am pleased to hear that. My horse is my greatest love, and your brother does not seem especially fond of the animals.”
“Alexander was never a very good rider, and our father’s beasts could sense his fear. They were never very kind to him, I am afraid.”
Oh, poor Alexander. He hadn’t told her why he was afraid of horses, but she could imagine how an agitated animal might make that aversion worse. “Did he have a poor experience?”
“Nearly trampled four or five times,” the duke replied with a shrug. With a shrug! As if nearly losing his brother to an uncontrolled animal was nothing to be concerned about.
Olivia bit back a scolding. She could hardly berate a duke, even if she thought him insensitive. “How awful,” she said instead.
The duke met her gaze, then frowned. “Indeed. I do not know what I would have done if I had lost him. Now he rides only when absolutely necessary. Can’t say I blame him.”
Now Olivia was extra glad she had held her tongue. How rude of her, to assume he did not care! “Well, I did manage to convince him to brush my Cordelia this morning, so perhaps I will be able to free him from his fear.”
“Impressive,” the duke replied. “It seems you are able to convince my brother of a good many things, Miss Calloway. I suppose it makes sense, given his interest in you.”
Though she couldn’t explain it, Olivia felt her face turn hot at those words. “Oh,” she said, pressing her hands to her cheeks. “No, you are mistaken, Your Grace. Your brother and I have no sense of understanding between us. Like I said, he is a guest of my brother’s and a friend of mine. Nothing more.”
The duke’s smile widened. “Is that so? I am very glad to hear that.”
Oh goodness, what did he mean by that?
“I will be frank with you, Miss Calloway,” he continued, leaning forward until he was on the edge of his chair and nearly close enough to reach out and touch Olivia’s knee. “I have been captivated since we met in the park and have thought of nothing else but wanting to make your better acquaintance. I admit I have done many things in my past that I regret, but I am trying to be a man who could deserve a woman such as yourself. Miss Calloway, you are more beautiful than anyone I have ever known, and I hope you will be willing to consider me once I prove to you my good intentions.”
She needed to say something. Olivia knew she needed to say something, but it seemed her tongue had been tied into knots and refused to function. He was truly interested in her? In all her imaginings, she never could have expected such attention, and neither would she have returned his interest based on what she knew of him. But Alexander had changed. Why couldn’t his brother?
“Oh, Your Grace,” Olivia whispered, pressing a hand to her heart. “I do not know what to say.”
The duke bowed his head, his smile sheepish. “Then, say nothing. I know this has likely come as a shock to you, and I can hardly expect you to respond when I thrust this upon you. I simply wanted you to know my feelings, and I hope—”
“Your Grace,” a deep voice said.
The duke leaped to his feet, turning to the doorway where Simon stood with his arms folded and his expression hard. “Lord Calloway.”
Simon clenched his jaw. “I was unaware you intended to visit my sister today.” He turned to Wilson and muttered something to him, and the footman darted into the corridor and disappeared.
The duke’s shoulders had gone tense. Not surprising, given Simon’s cold greeting.
“Simon,” Olivia said, “His Grace came to—”
“I know why he’s here.” Then his eyes flitted behind Olivia. “Miss Lovelace, I hope you are well today.”
Olivia realized with alarm that she had completely forgotten about Margaret sitting next to her. What a terrible friend she was! She sent an apologetic look to Margaret, who looked too shocked to respond to Simon’s greeting, and took hold of her hand. “Why are you not with Lord Harstone and Lord Alexander?” she asked Simon.
Simon seethed as he continued to stand just inside the room. “Because I wished to say hello to your friend while she was still here. I did not expect to find any other visitors.”
“Simon,” Olivia said, trying to convey with a look that he was being incredibly rude.
But his expression didn’t change. In fact, it turned colder still as he returned his gaze to the duke. “Your Grace, I trust you are feeling better than you were yesterday afternoon.”
The duke huffed a laugh. “Indeed. I never did thank you for your assistance.”
Assistance? With what? Olivia wished she could see the duke’s expression, but his back was to her.
“I was happy to oblige,” Simon said. “Besides, it gave me a chance to get to know your brother better and extend the invitation for him to join us here, knowing you would be better off with some solitude.”
“How thoughtful of you.”
“I like to think of it as generous.”
“A word that describes you well.” With the way the duke growled those words, Olivia did not think he meant it.
Before either man could say anything else, Alexander rushed into the room, breathing heavily, as if he had run all the way from Simon’s study on the other side of the house. “Hugh,” he said, eyes wide. “What are you doing here?”
The duke chuckled, his tension dissipating until he stood there completely relaxed. “I came to see Miss Calloway and was fortunate enough to have Miss Lovelace here as well. Such lovely girls.”
Alexander’s hands were in fists at his sides, and his eyes searched Olivia, as if he thought he might see some evidence of something sinister. “They are lovely,” he agreed, his words clipped. “I would think you would be too busy to make casual house calls.”
“You are correct.”
“Your Grace!” Lord Harstone was the next to come into the room, and though he wore his usual smile, he wasn’t nearly as bright as he usually was. “I was just about to leave for Westminster to prepare for today’s discussions; shall I call your carriage as well?”
Olivia stifled a laugh. Lord Harstone was likely the only man in existence who could dismiss a duke while sounding perfectly polite. If Simon had said the exact same thing, the duke likely would have called him out for it.
But, as no one could argue against Lord Harstone without looking boorish, the duke nodded and mumbled his thanks. Then he turned around to face Olivia. “My apologies for such a short visit,” he said, as if he had chosen to leave. “I hope to see you again soon, Miss Calloway. And you as well, Miss Lovelace, if you happen to be with your lovely friend.”
Margaret squeaked and dropped into a deep curtsy. “I would be honored to meet you again, Your Grace,” she managed to say.
Olivia smiled at the duke, noting that both Simon and Alexander tensed as soon as she did. “Thank you for your visit, Your Grace. I am pleased to know you better than I did before.”
“Then, my visit was a success. Miss Calloway.” He bowed his head and followed Lord Harstone without acknowledging Simon or Alexander.
Olivia took a deep breath as soon as he was gone, knowing she was about to be reprimanded. “Simon, I—”
“What were you thinking, letting him in here?” Simon looked over at Margaret and grimaced, likely recognizing that this conversation should be a private one.
Margaret must have caught something in his expression, because she squeezed Olivia’s hand. “I should return home. I wouldn’t want to miss my gentlemen callers.”
Though Olivia wished for some support against her brother, she nodded. “Yes, of course, you cannot miss them. I am so glad you stopped by.”
“Lord Alexander,” Simon said. “Would you make sure your brother gets off without incident?”
Not ready to be alone with her brother, Olivia nearly begged Alexander to stay. But one sharp look from Simon held her tongue. She watched Alexander leave the room as if she were watching a soldier leave for war and knowing he would lose his life. Only, in this instance, the doomed soldier was Olivia.
The moment they were alone, Simon let out a deep and weary sigh. “Olivia.”
“What would you have had me do, Simon? Turn away a duke?”
“ Yes. No matter his rank, the Duke of Tipton is a scoundrel of the worst sort and far too dangerous for me to be comfortable with his attention anywhere near you. What if he had compromised you?”
She understood Simon’s fear—of course she did—but he was being entirely irrational about this situation. “Compromised me?” she repeated. “In the middle of the day, with Miss Lovelace and Wilson both here to witness? Besides, I get the impression that His Grace is not the man everyone—”
“I do not care about your impression , Liv.” Simon sank into a chair and ran a hand down his face. “Everything that man does is for his own gain. You cannot possibly believe there is an ounce of goodness in him.”
“I do believe.” Olivia lifted her chin. “Simon, you must know I would never see him as a real prospect, but surely I can befriend the man? Be a good influence in his life, just as Lord Alexander—”
“Do not bring Lord Alexander into this,” Simon said, pointing at her. “No matter his differences from his brother, he is still just as dangerous as the duke.” He dropped his elbows to his knees as if exhausted. He had looked this way for years after Father died and Simon had become a baron, but Lucy had been good for him.
Knowing Olivia was the cause of his increasing stress made her hold her tongue once more. At least until her temper had calmed. “Simon,” she said gently and reached for his hand. “Will you please trust me? I will keep myself safe. I asked Hastings to fetch Wilson as soon as I knew the duke was here, and I only regret not asking Hastings to inform you of his arrival. The duke will never win my hand, no matter how hard he tries, but I truly think he might be willing to change his ways for the better.” She waited until Simon looked up at her. “You trust Alexander enough to let him into your home. Why can you not give me the same courtesy?”
As his frustration melted away, Simon gently brushed his knuckle along Olivia’s cheek. “I know I am hard on you, Liv. But Father asked me to look after you, and you cannot deny you have been a handful.”
“I will always be a handful, Simon. And I am grateful that you are a kind and attentive brother.” Olivia squeezed his hand. “But I am not a child anymore.”
Simon snorted a laugh. “To me, you always will be.”
“Will you trust me?”
He sighed, dropping his head down. “Yes. To a point. But I will still strive to protect you.”
“I expect nothing less.” Satisfied that her brother was not so exasperated that he was considering locking her in her room, Olivia headed for the door, determined to spend as much time with Cordelia as she could before calling hours began.
Just as she reached the corridor, Alexander appeared and grabbed her around the waist to stop her. “Did he upset you?” he asked, his voice coming out breathless.
Olivia felt breathless herself, though she supposed that was because Alexander’s arm remained wrapped around her. She had never been this close to a man, not even during the few times she had danced the waltz this Season. “Simon? No, he did not upset me. He merely wants to keep me safe.”
“I meant my brother.” Alexander’s breath brushed against her hair as he spoke in low tones, making her shiver. “What did he say to you?”
Olivia had not told and would not tell Simon what the duke had said to her right before they were interrupted, but Alexander was looking at her so intently, with so much fear in his eyes. “He told me he intends to court me,” she whispered. “He said he is trying to be a better man.”
“You believe him?” He didn’t ask that question with skepticism the way Simon would have. Alexander seemed to truly be wondering, as if he thought perhaps his brother could really change if given the proper motivation.
“He sounded earnest,” she said, noting how Alexander’s eyebrows dropped low. “What if he simply needs to spend time with the right company?”
Alexander’s eyes began searching her face, as if trying to find the answer to saving the duke. “I cannot pretend to like his interest in you, Olivia,” he murmured. “But if you can change my brother’s heart...” He swallowed, and his eyes ended their search on Olivia’s mouth.
Olivia felt as if her heart might beat out of her chest if they stood there much longer.
“Alexander?” Simon’s voice carried through the doorway.
Alexander immediately dropped his arm and took a step back, glancing behind him. They were out of sight of the door, but Simon obviously knew they were there. Alexander cleared his throat. “Hugh is gone, my lord.”
“Good.” Simon came out to the corridor, glancing between Olivia and Alexander. “I am not as skilled with finances as Lord Harstone and will not be as helpful a teacher, but I cannot be angry that he found a way to dismiss your brother.”
Alexander chuckled. “Nor I. And I know nothing of finances, so anything you teach me will be useful.”
“Come. I will share what I can before I leave for Parliament.”
Alexander waited until Simon began walking, and then he gave Olivia a gentle smile. “You are truly a wonder, Olivia Calloway. I am glad I met you.”
“I am glad I met you as well.” Olivia swallowed, glancing at Simon’s retreating form. “And will you trust me when it comes to your brother?” Simon had reluctantly agreed, but it was Alexander’s trust she craved more. “I wish to see what he will do if I give him a chance to see another way of life.”
Alexander leaned close, his blue-gray eyes fixed on hers. “I do trust you, Olivia. More than you know.” And then he left, following Simon down the corridor and disappearing.
But Olivia could still feel the heat of his gaze long after he was gone.