UNCOMMON DUKE, AN (16 page)

Gabriel glanced at Olivia. Not a hair was out of place. So what was causing such a reaction?

Olivia dropped his hand.

It suddenly felt cold and empty. She looked at the buttons of his tailcoat with a pointed stare and he re-buttoned them properly. No one uttered a word. The awkwardness of the moment would not do. Their family should know they had reconciled and, in a short time, so would all of London.

He tugged Olivia closer and kissed her knuckles slowly. Her eyes softened at the gesture. A discreet cough came from the sofa. When they both turned their heads, his mother smiled.

‘We were beginning to worry that something was amiss with Nicholas. Now I see it was nothing dire at all.’

‘Nicholas is well, I assure you,’ Olivia said, tugging her hand back and walking towards his family. ‘He will be down after dinner and you will be able to see for yourself.’

His mother kissed his cheek. ‘It is lovely to see you, Gabriel.’ Her wise eyes scanned his wife’s face. ‘You look well, my dear. I dare say you have a bit of a rosy glow. Are you well?’

‘Yes, I am. Thank you. I just had a bit of difficulty with my gown this evening and Gabriel was kind enough to wait for me.’

‘He did,’ his mother said, eyeing her son from his shoes to his cravat as if she were looking for a strand of Olivia’s hair on his clothing.

‘I thought it would be the proper thing to do. We did not anticipate it taking as long as it did.’

‘I suppose that comes with age,’ Andrew mumbled through a smirk.

‘What was that?’ their mother asked, narrowing her eyes at his brother.

‘I said it must be difficult to gauge,’ he replied, looking at Gabriel with laughter in his eyes.

His mother glared at Andrew and Gabriel was certain, if his brother had been sitting closer, she would have rapped his knuckles with the fan she was tapping against her thigh.

‘I understand dinner is ready to be served,’ Olivia said, her gaze narrowed on Andrew as well. ‘Andrew, would you please escort me to the dining room?’

Bowing to Olivia, Andrew flashed her a devilish smile as if he was preparing to charm his way out of trouble. ‘Of course, the honour is mine, sister dear.’

‘Monty, some day Andrew will find a bride and you will not have to walk into dinner alone,’ Olivia said sweetly.

‘And when will that be, Andrew?’ his mother prodded. ‘Each day I move closer and closer to my grave.’

‘You are not even sixty years of age, Mother. I believe you are far from your grave.’

‘I hope she isn’t bookish,’ Monty interjected from the back. ‘I should hate to be forced to talk about literature or some other nonsense when we are together.’

‘What would you like to discuss?’ Gabriel asked.

‘I don’t know. Olivia is easy to speak with. Perhaps, Olivia, you know someone just like you that you could introduce to Andrew.’

‘There is no one else like Olivia,’ replied Gabriel, turning his head and catching her eye. ‘Besides, the only lady Andrew would find interesting would need to have extensive knowledge of pugilism and ale.’

‘Oh, dear Lord, I think I feel faint,’ his mother said.

‘At least she will probably be of a hardy stock,’ Olivia interjected over his mother’s shoulder.

‘That sounds perfect to me,’ Monty said. ‘Do find her soon, Andrew, or I might be married before you.’

‘That suits me, brat. Why don’t you find a lady and keep out of my affairs.’

‘Affairs?’ Olivia asked in a conspiratorial whisper. ‘Are you having an affair?’

Andrew cleared his throat. ‘That is not what I meant and you know it. Do not encourage them. I thought I was your favourite?’

‘You are.’

‘But you told me I was your favourite brother,’ Monty said petulantly.

‘And you are as well.’

‘You cannot have two favourite brothers,’ he replied.

‘I am a woman. Of course I can.’

‘That does not make any sense.’

‘The longer you are around women, the more you will see it makes perfect sense, brat.’

They reached the smaller dining room used for intimate meals. The conversation around the table was lively and pleasant. Knowing he would spend more evenings like this made Gabriel smile.

His mother wiped her mouth delicately with her napkin. ‘So, I understand Mrs Siddons will be coming back to the stage at Drury Lane. With your appreciation of the theatre I imagine you will be attending, Olivia.’

Olivia’s smile brightened the room. ‘Yes, I’ve been looking forward to tomorrow night for quite some time.’

‘I know Prinny adores her performances,’ his mother continued. ‘Goes on about them for days. I expect he will attend.’

‘We had discussed it just the other day,’ Olivia said smiling, as if she was recalling a rather pleasant conversation. Then her brow creased and her expression darkened. ‘However, he has been suffering terribly with the gout. I do not know if he will attend.’

Gabriel did not miss Andrew’s side-glance at the mention of Prinny attending the theatre. If Olivia knew he had been planning to attend the theatre, had she discussed it with Mr Manning? Did anyone else know of Prinny’s partiality for Mrs Siddons?

‘I will go with you.’ Gabriel knew full well his statement sounded like a command.

Everyone at the table turned to him in surprise.

He kept his eyes focused on Olivia. ‘I think it is time we announce our reconciliation.’

‘You do?’

‘I do. I can think of no better way to do so than to arrive together to a performance a good portion of London will be attending.’ He raised his brow expectantly for her agreement.

Her smile warmed him. ‘I would like that.’

‘Excellent. Would anyone else like to accompany us?’

Andrew began to say something when he suddenly looked down towards his leg and let out a muffled cry. Their mother, sitting next to him, smiled sweetly.

‘Did you want to join us, Andrew?’ Gabriel asked.

His brother shook his head, while he sunk his teeth into his lower lip.

Gabriel turned to Olivia. ‘It appears it will just be you and I.’

Chapter Seventeen

G
abriel was finishing up reviewing a speech Lyonsdale was preparing to give to the House of Lords and anticipating an exceptional evening with his wife when Bennett knocked on the door to his study. A letter had arrived. Gabriel was tempted to put it aside when he noticed the hand that had addressed it. He knew that writing. Closing his eyes, half in exasperation, half in dread, Gabriel broke the seal and read the words that were written for his eyes only.

Bile rose in his throat.

It might have been from the exotic scent of the paper, although it was more likely from the request made by Madame LaGrange to see him. As usual, her timing was impeccable. But Gabriel knew if she was contacting him, it must be urgent.

He hadn’t yet determined how he was going to convince her to trust Andrew with her communications in the future. If he had, perhaps he could have sent his brother to meet her. But he could not send Andrew to her without her permission. There was no doubt in his mind, if he did, she would sever her ties with him and refuse to provide any more information. He would have to go to her.

He threw the note into the fireplace and watched it burn. Glancing at his watch, Gabriel calculated how long it would take him to reach her establishment, meet with her and return home. If he left quickly, he should be back in enough time to escort Olivia to the theatre and no one would be the wiser. Leaving word with Mr James as to his location, Gabriel instructed him to contact Andrew should he not return home in three hours.

He took his own horse, which would be faster to manoeuvre through the streets of Mayfair. In no time, he was in front of Madame LaGrange’s nondescript white house on the edge of the fashionable district. Even though it was late afternoon, the entrance hall was filled with shadows from the clouds outside. He walked by the empty gaming rooms and saloons where gentlemen could relieve themselves of large amounts of cash in a rather short amount of time. At least no one was here to carry tales of his visit to her private suite of rooms.

Rapping his knuckles on her door, Gabriel was met with a muffled command to enter. The same exotic fragrance from her letter drifted through the tastefully furnished sitting room that served as her office. She was seated at her escritoire near one of the windows. Her blonde head was bent over a ledger while she scratched her pencil along the page. She was a very beautiful woman. He assumed her to be around his age.

Gabriel strode past a small grouping of chairs, till he stood a few feet from her. This was a woman who did not stop what she was doing for any man—even one with his prestigious title. Running his thumb along the smooth brim of his hat, he waited for her to finish her calculations. It did not take long before she placed her pencil down, closed the ledger and turned to him with a friendly smile.

‘You look well, Winterbourne. It has been a while.’ Her voice was like fine brandy, warm and velvety.

‘Eight months and twenty-seven days.’

‘How ridiculously precise of you,’ she replied, as amusement tugged at her full lips. ‘What a lovely coat. Such an exceptional fabric.’ She ran her graceful fingers down his right sleeve and rubbed the superfine fabric at his cuff. ‘Still fond of Mr Weston’s work, I see.’

‘I am, but I do not believe you invited me here to discuss my tailor.’

‘No, I did not. You might find what I have to tell you more interesting. Would you care to have a seat?’ she asked, gesturing to a nearby delicate chair. ‘I am pleased you were able to arrive so quickly.’

He took a seat and adjusted his cuffs. ‘You indicated it was urgent. I saw no reason to delay.’ He didn’t want to be rude, but he wished he could forgo the pleasantries and return to Olivia. Being here always brought back memories of the night Nicholas was born. How he wished he could have sent Andrew...

She leant her arm on the escritoire, her keen gaze sweeping over his face. ‘There is something different about you.’

‘I am the same man I was when my father introduced us.’

She didn’t appear convinced, but knew enough not to pursue the subject. ‘Very well, what I have to tell you concerns the Prince Regent.’

Gabriel’s heart kicked up speed. Would he finally have information that could be used to track down whoever wanted Prinny dead?

‘One of my girls had worked for a time as a seamstress at Drury Lane. A certain gentleman had made her acquaintance there and last night he sought her out here. When they were together in her room, he began to question her about the theatre, back entrances, closets near the boxes and the like. She mentioned it this morning during breakfast. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but then later today I read in the papers that
Douglas
is opening tonight at Drury Lane and the Prince Regent is expected to attend. It might not mean anything, but I thought it might be relevant.’

She was right to bring it to his attention. The coincidence was too great. And Gabriel did not believe in coincidences. Was it possible they were planning to kill Prinny tonight in Drury Lane? Eighteen years ago, an attempt was made on King George’s life in that very theatre and Gabriel’s father had been one of the men to interrogate that gunman.

‘Do you know this gentleman’s name?’

Madame LaGrange nodded thoughtfully. ‘He’s a Frenchman by the name of Comte Antoine Janvier.’

Oh, hell! Were all the men in Olivia’s circle traitors to the Crown?

The hair on the back of his neck rose. The Frenchman who’d spent countless hours in his wife’s company, who had been in his very home, could be the man who wanted Prinny dead. Their friendship had to have been orchestrated. He must have been using his friendship with Olivia to get closer to Prinny. But why would he want him dead?

‘Do you know of him, Winterbourne?’

Gabriel could only nod, still processing how close Olivia had placed herself to a dangerous man. If something had happened to her... He almost knocked his chair over as he stood.

She looked up at him and her green eyes widened. ‘I was right to tell you. You believe there is a connection.’

‘Yes, you were right to bring this to my attention. Janvier may just be the man I have been looking for. I cannot thank you enough.’ He reached the door and spun around when she called out his name.

‘Some day I may require your assistance. For a proprietress such as myself, it is reassuring to know I will be able to turn to you.’

‘I would gladly assist you in any way I can. I know you continue to place yourself in great risk providing me with valuable information.’

‘Betrayed men are not the most pleasant. As long as no one finds out where you acquire your information, all should be well. But, Winterbourne, you must see there is more unrest in our country than I believe you or I could stop. The streets are teeming with men and women unhappy with our government. There may come a day when what you and I do simply is not enough.’

She tilted to her head, studying him. ‘I sensed when you arrived there was something on your mind. Is there something you wish to tell me?’

How was he to begin? ‘While I like you and enjoy your company, I’d like you to consider using someone else as your contact.’

Her head tilted the other way and she smiled. ‘You have reconciled with your wife.’

Gabriel wasn’t about to discuss Olivia with her. He chose to chew his lip instead.

She stared at him for a long time before she gave a small nod. ‘Very well, I will consider it. Who?’

‘My brother, Andrew.’

‘He has been in here. I know of the man. Why should I trust him with my life?’

‘Because I trust him with mine.’

Silence stretched between them and then she turned back to her work. ‘Give me time to consider it. I will send a note with my answer in five days.’

In five days Gabriel hoped all this would be over and she would not have information for him for a very long time.

* * *

During his ride back home Gabriel debated if he should warn Olivia about Janvier. She was hurt by Manning’s betrayal. He couldn’t predict what she would do when she found out Janvier was also involved in this plot. Perhaps it would be best to wait until he had proof of the man’s guilt.

However if his instincts were correct, Drury Lane would not be the safest place tonight. For her own safety, he needed to somehow convince Olivia not to attend tonight’s performance. Knowing how stubborn she could be, he knew it might not be easy. He would send word for Andrew and then pray that his wife would be reasonable.

* * *

It was to be their first public appearance together in over five years. Olivia strolled around her dressing room, studying the gowns draped over her wardrobe doors and every available chair. Most of the eyes in the theatre would be focused on her and Gabriel tonight as London speculated on their reconciliation. And what she wore would be on everyone’s lips by morning. If she were forced to endure that much scrutiny, than at least she would look spectacular while doing it.

She paused before the jonquil silk gown spread across the chair closest to her wardrobe and cocked her head. The exceptional creation had exquisite draping and a scandalously low neckline. The silk was so fine that it glided across her skin like water. Her dressmaker had outdone herself with this creation and Olivia had worn it only once because she found it too seductive for the life of a chaste duchess. This might be the perfect choice to silently announce to London that Gabriel was sharing her bed once again. Her lips rose into a satisfied grin. Perhaps it would also entice her husband to draw the curtains of their box during the interval.

Then she recalled they wouldn’t be alone tonight. She let out a groan as she remembered inviting Janvier to share her box for tonight’s performance. At one time she intended to invite others to join them, but had forgotten.

Gabriel would not be happy. And if she were honest with herself, she would have preferred to spend the entire night alone with Gabriel. But it would be rude to rescind her invitation to Janvier. She would not do that to her friend. It was no secret how Gabriel felt about him. The best thing to do would be to tell Gabriel about their guest before Janvier walked into their box. She just needed to find the best way to tell him their special evening would include another man.

The loud knock startled her out of her thoughts. Colette made her way around the colourful confection of slippers that were scattered about the room, and opened the door. Past her maid’s shoulder, Olivia spied her husband’s powerful frame encased in blue and brown. She wasn’t certain if she was excited to see him or disappointed that it wasn’t Bennett with a note from Janvier saying he was unable to attend this evening. When their eyes met, she decided excited was closer to what she felt.

He entered the room with commanding strides and glanced around before he clasped his hands behind his back. Had he ever witnessed her dressing room in such a state? She was certain none of his garments had ever been treated so carelessly. He was the very picture of masculine elegance and, surrounded by all her finery, she couldn’t have felt more feminine.

‘Forgive me, I hope I am not interrupting anything important,’ he said, stopping in front of her. ‘I was hoping to beg a moment of your time.’ He reached for her hand and circled his thumb along her palm.

‘Of course, would you care to sit?’ she asked, signalling to Colette over his shoulder that they were to be left alone.

He eyed the various colourful silks, muslins and satins melting over every available surface and arched his brow. ‘Your dressing room appears to be occupied with colourful gowns at the moment. I imagine there is a semblance of order to them that I cannot fathom, so I shall remain standing.’

‘We can easily move one. There truly is no order that must be maintained.’

The idea that her gowns were placed about the room in a willy-nilly fashion seemed to both amuse and astonish him. Looking around her messy room, he shifted uncomfortably and she brought her hand to her lips to stifle a laugh.

‘I came to speak with you about tonight,’ he said, rocking on his heels.

So he was eager to announce to the
ton
their reconciliation as well. ‘What exceptional timing you have. I’ve been trying to decide which gown to wear. Perhaps you could give me your opinion.’

He lowered his gaze and began to spin his ring.

‘Is something troubling you?’

He shifted his stance again. ‘No, not at all. All is well.’

It was apparent all was not well and his thoughts were elsewhere. The spinning of his ring hadn’t stopped and his attention was focused on her celery-green silk gown that was spilling onto the floor from the chair on her right. That wasn’t a good sign. If only he would unburden himself to her... The best she could do was to offer him comfort and hope he would eventually confide in her.

Stepping closer to him, she combed her fingers through his thick hair by his temple. She thought she saw a flash of regret in his eyes, but it was gone before she could be certain. Reaching up on her toes, she brushed her lips along his cheek that was slightly rough with early evening whiskers.

‘You can tell me anything,’ she said, hoping that would spur him on.

He pulled her body into his. ‘You are all that is good,’ he replied, placing his lips to her forehead. A warm puff of his breath danced across her eyelids.

The lovely gesture touched her heart, even though unease swept through her. Hoping his warmth would ease the chill that ran along her spine, she brought his palm up to her cheek and burrowed her nose in the cuff of his coat.

Her body froze at the familiar cloying scent lingering there.

Victoria’s words came back to her, echoing loudly in her head.
‘Men cannot remain faithful. It is not their nature. He will never be satisfied with just your bed.’

It had been too easy. He had agreed to remain faithful too quickly. He didn’t even love her. She wanted to vomit.

Dropping his hand as if she had been burned, she stared at the traitor before her.

‘How could you?’ she choked out. ‘My God, I am so stupid.’ Covering her lips with her hand, she backed up a step.