Page 30 of Never Doubt I Love (Calloway #3)
“You know, my dear husband, one must wonder why you, of all people, thought it necessary to attend this particular social function when you are so especially selective.” Olivia waited a moment, hoping Alexander would have a response, but he merely smiled and kept his eyes closed as the coach rumbled through the streets of London. Sighing, she tucked her arm through his and snuggled up close to him.
As much as she thoroughly enjoyed attending parties and balls, she would not have minded a quiet night in tonight.
“I fear this is going to be terribly awkward,” she mumbled as she rested her head on Alexander’s shoulder.
He chuckled. “Miss Kingston is your friend, I will remind you.”
“Yes, but Miss Kingston is Mrs. Harris now, and I have not spoken a word to Mr. Harris since I refused him last spring. Therefore, tonight will be awkward.”
Kissing the top of her head, Alexander took hold of Olivia’s fingers and laced them with his. “My darling duchess, I am certain you are incapable of being awkward, and you know very well Miss Harris has missed your company. She writes you almost daily.”
Nerves squirmed in Olivia’s belly, among other things. Sighing again, she sat up and smoothed her skirts, knowing they were nearly to the Kingstons’ stately home. It had been six months since Olivia had seen Harriet outside of the occasional run-ins at social functions, and those had been few and far between. A barrister’s daughter and a duchess were not often on the same guest list. Olivia had truly missed Harriet’s company, but after Mr. Harris’s failed proposal and Olivia’s marriage to Alexander, everything had gotten complicated.
Harriet’s constant letters were the only things that had convinced Olivia she had not lost a dear friend.
“I am most eager to see her again,” she admitted. “But her brother? He must surely hate me.”
“And yet he allowed the invitation.”
“Will you cease being the voice of reason?” Olivia complained, scowling at the man beside her. “I am trying to convince you to turn this coach around and take us back home.”
Despite her whining, his smile only grew as he looked at her in the dimness of the coach. He almost always smiled at her, except when he was frustrated with her. Even then, his irritation always carried hints of the love he felt for her. Alexander had never once been angry with her, even though she had given him plenty of reasons to be over the last half a year. His patience always outlasted her stubbornness, and she loved him more with each passing day.
The coach slowed to a halt, signaling their arrival, and Alexander glanced out the window before turning his gaze to Olivia. “Liv,” he said, his voice full of warmth and understanding. “If you truly do not wish to attend tonight, I am more than happy to take you back home and keep you to myself.” He pulled her up against his side and pressed a kiss to her jaw to show her how much he meant that. “But I think you would regret not taking this chance to strengthen your friendship, both with Miss Harris and the new Mrs. Harris.”
He was right. He was always right. Sometimes Olivia was certain Alexander knew her better than she knew herself. In all aspects except one.
“Well,” she said, straightening her shoulders and feeling as if she was preparing for battle. “I suppose we should go inside before people start wondering what the Duke and Duchess of Tipton are doing inside their carriage.”
“Let them wonder.” Before Olivia could resist, Alexander leaned over and captured her mouth with a kiss that left her lightheaded.
Oh yes, this was much better than going to a ball to celebrate someone else’s marriage.
Some time later, Alexander opened the carriage door, allowing a welcome cool breeze to wash over Olivia as he stepped outside. October had settled in, leaving the city in a crisp chill that had already driven many people to their country estates. Olivia was most eager to join them. Though Alexander had allowed the tenants of his Derbyshire estate to remain until he no longer needed the income, he and Olivia planned to winter at Calloway Park with Simon and Lucy and their new daughter, Rebecca. Olivia could hardly wait to give them her news, though she supposed she should tell Alexander before anyone else.
No better time than the present.
Taking his hand, she stepped down onto the cobblestones and shivered as the autumn air surrounded her. “I have a feeling we will not stay for long,” she told him. “Now that I am with child, I imagine I will have only so much energy to give.”
“Yes, that is . . .” Alexander froze halfway to offering his arm, turning pale. “Now that you are what?”
“With child,” she repeated lightly, though she felt anything but light. Then, seeing as he was still completely motionless, she began the trek toward the Kingston house without him. It was the only way to keep herself from being overwhelmed with panic. He had lost all emotion to his expression, which meant she had no idea whether he was horrified or elated, though neither would change her situation. This baby would come whether he wanted it or not.
“Olivia!” His strangled shout pulled her to a halt at the base of the stairs, and then he scrambled into her path, his eyes wide and watery. “Are you in earnest?” One of his hands cupped her elbow while the other pressed against her belly as if he might feel something there. “Liv, please.”
Tears filled Olivia’s eyes to match him. Oh, how she hoped his were tears of joy. “Truly, Alex.”
A smile blossomed on his mouth, leaving him more handsome than she had ever seen him. “A child,” he breathed. “We are to be parents?”
“Heavens, Tipton, yes. That is what a child means.”
Scowling playfully, he glanced around. Finding the street momentarily empty, he pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her lips. “A child,” he said again, as if nothing could have made him happier.
Olivia treasured his kisses more than anything, and the coach had not yet left. Perhaps they could—
“Olivia,” he chided, likely reading her thoughts. “We are attending this ball.”
“Very well. But I meant it when I said I will not last all night. We will stay as long as politeness requires, and then we are going back home. I promised Miss Harris I would find her a husband tonight, so I cannot avoid the ball entirely.”
Alexander sighed as he led her up the stairs to the door. “Tonight? I know you have a knack for bringing people together, but you cannot possibly know if two people will suit after a single evening.”
“Have a little faith, my dear duke. While I may have only been interacting with her through letters, I know dear Harriet far better than I did before, and I know exactly the sort of man who would treasure her as she deserves. I simply need to make the introduction.”
Olivia was certain Alexander held back a groan as they stepped inside the impressive house and waited their turn to be greeted by Mr. Harris and his new wife. As they stood in the short line, Alexander kept his hand against Olivia’s lower back, silently providing support, as he always did. And he couldn’t stop smiling, something Olivia knew would certainly draw attention their way. The Duke of Tipton did not often smile in public. He was getting better, learning how to keep from wearing a mask, but for the most part he saved his emotions for Olivia.
She did not mind.
“Your Grace!” Miss Kingston—Mrs. Harris now, Olivia reminded herself—nearly shouted those words when she recognized Olivia. Pink spotted her cheeks as she and her new husband sank into bows. Mr. Harris, as always, bowed far too low, forcing Olivia to bite her lips to keep from giggling. “And Your Grace,” Mrs. Harris added to Alexander hastily. “We are so glad you could come tonight.”
“Of course we had to come congratulate you,” Olivia said, taking Mrs. Harris’s hand in her own. “I was just telling His Grace that I was so eager to attend tonight.”
Alexander coughed, though it almost sounded like a laugh.
Olivia threw her elbow into his side. “Mr. Harris, I am so pleased that you have found your match.” She meant that, even if her face burned as soon as she met the man’s gaze.
Mr. Harris blushed red to match her. “It is your fault,” he said, and then his eyes flew wide. “That is, I have you to thank. Your refusal. If you had not rejected me, I would not have found Miss Kingston.” He smiled at his new wife, looking truly and deeply happy. “Mrs. Harris, I mean. I do hope you are happy, Miss Callo—Your Grace!”
Olivia tucked her arm through Alexander’s and met his subtle but loving smile. “Happier than I could have dreamed. Now, where is Harriet?”
They found Miss Harris standing on her own in a corner, nearly hidden behind a curtain as she watched the dancing start. Her mother sat nearby, gabbing away with another matron, but the woman did not seem to notice Harriet’s clear misery.
“I will be nearby,” Alexander murmured to Olivia, leaving her to greet her friend without distraction.
Harriet didn’t notice Olivia until she was right in front of her, but as soon as she did, she practically squealed in delight. “Oliv—Your Grace!” She dipped into a quick curtsy as her face blossomed with color.
Olivia wrapped her up in a tight embrace. “Oh, Harriet, how I have missed you!”
For the next ten minutes, they chatted as if they had never been apart, and Olivia silently thanked Alexander for convincing her to attend tonight. Not only had she somewhat reconciled with Mr. Harris, but being around his sister had demonstrated to her how much and yet how little things had changed over the last six months. Becoming a duchess had done nothing to dilute her affection for her friend.
Soon, however, Olivia could feel nausea creeping up, reminding her why she had truly come to the ball tonight. “Harriet,” she said, taking hold of her friend’s hand. “I have someone I wish to introduce you to.”
Harriet’s eyes went wide. “Oh?”
Olivia grinned. “Yes. In my not so humble opinion, I think he is perfect for you.”
“Oh, Your Grace, if he is someone of your acquaintance, surely he must be far too above me.” Harriet glanced toward the nearest door, as if hoping for an escape. “I am certain next Season I will find—”
“Nonsense! Why wait until next year when you can meet him tonight? Besides, you are my acquaintance, Harriet. In all ways, you and he are equals. Will you at least meet him and decide for yourself?”
Pursing her lips, Harriet smoothed her skirts and kept her eyes on the floor. “What is he like?” she asked, though her reluctance was clear.
Olivia counted her question as a step in the right direction. “He is most assuredly handsome, if I do say so myself. Though he is not titled or of the landed gentry, he possesses all of the qualities that would include him among the best of men. He is patient, kind, hardworking, and humble, and not especially social, which is his one fault.”
Harriet snickered but said nothing.
“He truly is perfect for you, but I must warn you that his name is . . .” Olivia waved her hand. “Not what I would choose for you, my dear Harriet.”
Harriet frowned, finally looking up. “Oh, it could not possibly be worse than my name, now, could it?”
Olivia bit her lip.
Paling, Harriet looked around the room as if she might find the man’s name floating above his head. “Whatever could it be?” she mused out loud.
“You will have to meet him to find out. Ah, there he is!” Olivia tucked her arm through Harriet’s and guided her around a small group of people to where the man in question stood with a book in his hand. He looked up as they approached and smiled, his eyes catching on Harriet before he bowed to Olivia. “Your Grace. I had no idea I would have the pleasure of your company this evening. His Grace did not mention you would be attending when I saw him earlier today.”
Olivia returned his smile, hoping she had guessed right when she’d decided these two individuals were meant for each other. “May I present one of my dearest friends, Miss Harris? Miss Harris, this is one of the duke’s favorite business associates, Mr. . . . er.” Oh, but now she was too afraid to say it out loud.
Thankfully, she did not have to. “Mr. Harewood,” the man supplied, bowing to Harriet. His eyes glittered with interest, just as Olivia had hoped. “It is indeed a pleasure, and Her Grace has told me a good deal about you.”
Harriet blinked, momentarily frozen, and then she burst into giggles before clapping a hand over her mouth. “Oh, please forgive me!” she gasped in between fits of laughter.
Frowning, Mr. Harewood looked at Olivia.
Olivia grinned. “Miss Harriet Harris,” she clarified. “I am afraid my friend has not been blessed with a name that falls easily off the tongue.”
For a moment, Mr. Harewood seemed unsure how to respond, but then a smile picked up the corners of his mouth. “My mother’s name is Harriet,” he said, more to Harriet than to Olivia. “My brother and I tease her endlessly, and she always laughs along with us, as she willingly chose to marry into her name. I take it you delight in humor, Miss Harris?”
Harriet slowly pulled her hand away from her mouth, now blushing a pretty pink. “Very much, sir. I am pleased that you seem to enjoy amusement as well.”
“Are you engaged for the next set?”
“Only if you ask me to dance, Mr. Harewood.”
“I would be honored to stand up with you, if you are not too scandalized by my name.”
“I think it is a lovely name.” Harriet took hold of his hand, and together they moved to the dance floor.
Olivia pressed a hand over her heart, glad to know she had not guessed wrong that they would make an immediate connection. If all went well, Harriet would be married before the end of the year.
A gentle hand pressed against her lower back as she watched, and Olivia leaned into Alexander’s touch. “Well,” she said, “I believe I have accomplished all I came here to do.”
“Would you dance with me?” Alexander whispered into her ear. “This could very well be the last ball we attend in some time.”
Olivia laughed. “Do I detect some hope in your voice, my dear duke? Be warned; once this baby has arrived, I will be accepting every invitation that comes our way.”
Though, perhaps she did not really mean that. Now that she had revealed her secret, she could not stop imagining spending every evening in the nursery, her baby in her arms and Alexander by her side.
“Mm, yes,” she murmured, leaning more heavily into her husband. “Perhaps you are right. We should dance tonight, while it is still only you and me.”
“I am glad you understand my meaning. Soon I will be forced to share your attention, so I will be enjoying as much of it as I am able.” Alexander pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, shocking a few nearby matrons, and then he led her onto the dance floor with a smile he reserved only for her.