Olivia from this marriage. It would not be fair to her to continue this sham for the rest of their
lives. He must let her go, as hard as that might be for both of them.
Yet for a while he would savour her presence in his home. He would offer her friendship and
kindness if he could give her no more—and if part they must, he would have her understand why
he was sending her away.
Unaware of Jack's thoughts, Olivia had begun insensibly to hope. His smiles made her heart beat a
wild tattoo, and his nearness made her faint with longing. She smiled up at him, her lips parting in
invitation of a kiss, and did not know how she tempted him, how it tore him apart to turn away
from her teasing looks.
And so they sat down to eat nuncheon together on their first day in their new home, and the huge
dog that had unknowingly brought them together lay in the doorway and watched over them.
Chapter Nine
Jack knew that she had been in his room again; he could sense her presence, smell the perfume that
seemed to trail behind her wherever she went. She was mistress of the house. He could not deny
her access to his rooms. She came and went as she pleased, as was her right.
He smiled as he saw the rose and the note on his pillow. She had left something for him every
night of the three weeks they had been married, and he had come to expect it, to anticipate it, if the
truth were told, with an eagerness he would not admit even to himself.
He had discovered that the key to the dressing-room had disappeared from his side of the door on
their second night at Briarwood. It had been placed on the chest of drawers in the room, which
divided them, with a note asking if he was perhaps afraid she wandered in her sleep and might
disturb him. She had promised faithfully not to do so and wished him sweet dreams. Jack had left
the key where it lay. If this was to be a battle of wills then so be it. Yet it was becoming harder
and harder not to go through that door and claim his bride.
He smiled as he scanned her latest note and then placed it with the others between the covers of a
poetry book she had recommended to him. Olivia was enchanting, a bright, intelligent companion,
always ready to share his interests, never fussy or petulant, her smiles calculated to melt the
hardest heart—and Jack's heart had long ago been won.
He had hoped to have a reply from the Earl of Heggan before this, but there was still no word.
God, how much he wanted to take Olivia in his arms, to kiss her and make love to her! His flesh
felt as if it were on fire, and he knew that once again he would lie without sleeping for most of the
night, until at last he was driven to leave the house.
Brutus joined him on his nightly walks, but the dog had given its true allegiance to Olivia, and was
a constant reminder that she had bewitched them all.
Perhaps if they were to have guests...yes, that might help. They were spending too much time in
each other's company. He would suggest they give a dinner for their neighbours, who must be
waiting for some sort of sign that visitors would be welcome. Jack nodded to himself. Yes, that
would make things easier. He would suggest it to Olivia in the morning.
Olivia was in the parlour reading a letter when Jack entered that morning. He was dressed in
russet coat and fawn breeches, his neckcloth tied in a plain knot, and had clearly been out riding.
The sight of him made her heart leap as always, and she smiled up at him, showing him what she
held in her hand.
'Beatrice sent this on to me,' she said. 'It is from Lady Burton. She apologises for not having come
to our wedding. Apparently she was unwell and was not given my invitation until it was too late
for a reply.'
Jack frowned. 'Do you believe that to be true, Olivia?'
'I do not know,' she admitted. 'I think she may have been afraid of disobeying her husband—for it
was he who forbade her to see me.'
'But now she has written to you?'
'She asks if she may come to visit me, and begs me to forgive her for her unkindness...'
'Do you wish to see her?'
Olivia looked thoughtful for a moment, then inclined her head. 'Yes, I think perhaps I do, Jack. She
was a gentle, kind mother to me when I was growing up. A little over-protective perhaps, and
nervous—but I believe she did care for me.'
'Lord Burton gave her no choice.'
'Then you must write and invite her to come,' Jack said. 'I was about to ask you if you would like
to give a dinner for our neighbours. I think that perhaps it is time we began to see our friends. Do
you not agree?'
'I see no reason why we should not,' Olivia replied. 'What shall we do today? Shall we ride—or
will you walk with me in the gardens? There is some planting I have in mind near that pretty
temple at the edge of the wood. Would you like to discuss it, or shall I speak to the gardeners
alone?'
Every day these past weeks she had had some scheme to keep him bound to her side. Jack was
well aware that he was losing this battle between them, that his will was growing weaker by the
hour.
'I have some business to attend,' he said. 'You will have to excuse me, Olivia. Please do as you
think fit. You have no need to consult me if you wish to make changes.'
'Very well, I shall speak to the gardeners this afternoon. And I shall write to Lady Burton this
morning. If you are sure you do not mind?'
'You may invite anyone you please,' Jack replied with a frown. 'This is your home, Olivia.'
'Yes, of course,' she said, and for a moment the sadness in her eyes almost tore the heart from his
breast, but then before he could speak or move she was smiling again. 'You must give me a list of
your friends, Jack. People you want to invite to dine or to stay.'
'You will find one in the desk in my study,' he replied. 'Choose as you will, it matters little to me.'
'Very well,' she said and stood up. She came up to him, laying her hand on his arm. 'I am sure I
shall like all your friends, dearest Jack. I think I shall invite a few guests for when Lady Burton
comes to stay; it will be more comfortable that way.'
'As you please,' Jack muttered, and turned away lest she see how her touch affected him. 'Excuse
me now, I have things to do.'
Olivia watched as he turned and strode from the room, her smile fading. It was so hard not to give
way to despair sometimes, but she was determined not to give up. She would not let go. She
would hold on until Jack was ready to tell her why he was keeping this distance between them,
even though it was hurting them both so much.
'Yes, milady.' The gardener touched his forehead respectfully. 'I agree with you, it would be better
if that area by the temple was cleared and laid out with lawns and small bushes. Those old trees
have grown too tall and cast a heavy shade.'
'Then you will see to it?' Olivia asked. 'I should like to be able to use the temple in autumn as well
as in summer.'
She smiled and nodded then walked away, calling to Brutus to follow. It was a warm afternoon
and she felt like walking further than she had previously, so she made no attempt to restrain the
dog when he bounded into the woods ahead of her.
It was pleasant in the woods, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of leave
s overhead. Olivia
thought about the woods near her father's home in Abbot Giles. She had not liked to walk there
because of the Marquis of Sywell, but she had often wondered about the Sacred Grove that was
said to lie deep in its heart. She wondered if there was a sacred grove here, and whispered a
secret prayer to the Lady of the Woods.
'Make him come to me,' she whispered. 'Please, let him love me.'
Olivia wandered for half an hour or more, lost in her thoughts.
Just why was Jack still holding back from her? She had seen him looking at her sometimes when
he thought she was not aware of it, and she had sensed that he was holding himself on a tight rein.
Surely she was not wrong in thinking that he loved her? She could not be mistaken! She was
certain he was as unhappy about their unnatural situation as she was.
'Who 'ave we 'ere, my pretty?' a rough voice said from behind her. Startled, Olivia spun round to
find herself face to face with a man who had stepped out from the trees, a man who by his garb
and looks must be one of the gypsies Jack had once warned her about in these very woods. 'I
reckon as you'll be 'is lordship's missus...and a right pretty piece you be, an' all.'
Olivia swallowed hard, standing absolutely still as the man came nearer. She did not care for the
way he was staring at her. She glanced over her shoulder, looking for Brutus, but she knew he was
running on ahead of her.
'What are you doing here?' Olivia found her voice at last. 'You should not be on my husband's
land.'
'Not good enough for the likes of you, that's what I reckon you and your 'usband think,' he muttered,
eyes narrowed. 'Well, he ain't here now, is he? So I reckon as I'll just sample his wares...'
'Do not dare to touch me,' Olivia said, taking a step back. She ought never to have come here
alone! Jack had warned her of it that very first day. 'If you lay a finger on me, my husband will see
that you are punished for it.'
'I reckon as I'll take me chances on that...' The man licked his lips as if in anticipation of a treat.
'No!' Olivia turned and began to run. She was terrified of the brute pursuing her. Somehow she
must get away from him! She screamed out for help as she heard the crash of his feet behind her.
He was gaining on her. He would catch her very soon. The thought filled her with horror. She
gave a terrified cry and stumbled, then felt a lurching sensation as he threw himself at her and she
was knocked to the ground. 'Help me!' She screamed wildly. 'Brutus! Oh, please help me...'
The man was tearing at her clothes, forcing her skirts up to her thighs, his filthy hands pawing at
her flesh. The stench of him was in her nostrils, making her want to retch as she struggled beneath
the weight of his body.
'Brutus! Help me...'
Even as the despairing cry left Olivia's lips she heard a terrible growling and felt the impact as the
dog landed on top of the man, biting and snarling in a flurry of blood, claws and teeth. For a few
moments Olivia was trapped beneath them both as the man turned to fight off his vicious attacker.
Then, as they rolled away together, she was suddenly free. She jumped to her feet and sped away
into the trees, the sounds of the terrible fight following her, making her put her hands to her ears to
shut out the horror.
Olivia did not stop running until she reached the gardens of Briarwood House. There she suddenly
bent over double, gasping, her breath coming in huge sobbing breaths.
'Olivia!' She whirled round as she heard Jack's voice, then ran to him, throwing herself into his
arms as he opened them to her. 'What has happened? What is it, my darling? You must tell me.'
'He...he attacked me...' She was trembling, crying.
'Brutus? I'll have the brute shot!'
'No!' Olivia cried. 'We were walking in the woods...a gypsy tried to...' She gulped back her tears.
'Brutus saved me. He attacked the gypsy and I ran.' She lifted her eyes to Jack in a desperate
appeal. 'You must send men to look for Brutus. I heard him yelp as I ran away. I think the gypsy
may have had a knife. Brutus may be hurt.'
'I shall send someone as soon as I have you safe inside the house,' Jack said, and bent down to
sweep Olivia up in his arms. 'I'll have the lot of them hanged for this!'
'No, no, you must not blame them all for what one man did,' Olivia begged. Her lovely eyes were
filled with tears as she suddenly realised what had almost happened to her. She hid her face
against his shoulder, bravely holding back her desire to weep.
'They shall not dare to come here again,' Jack said, his mouth hard, eyes angry. Once before he had
been too late to help a woman in distress, prevented by illness and orders from his commander
from seeking out the offenders and administering punishment. This time he would not fail! 'The one
who attacked you must be made an example of—and the rest taught a lesson they will not forget.'
Olivia made a murmur of protest against his shoulder. For once in her life she did not feel capable
of arguing.
Mrs Jenkins came out into the hall as Jack carried her in, the housekeeper's cries of alarm bringing
Jenkins and other servants to see what had happened.
'Lady Stanhope has been attacked in the woods by a gypsy,' Jack said, giving Jenkins a significant
look. 'And Brutus may have been wounded. Send to the stables. I want every available man out in
those woods. The dog is to be found and that wretch...'
'Yes, milord,' Jenkins said. He glanced warningly in Olivia's direction. 'The men will know what
to do.'
Jack nodded. He carried Olivia up the stairs, one of the maids running on ahead to open the door
of her bedchamber. The girl pulled back the covers so that he could deposit his wife gently against
the pillows. He frowned as he noticed the mud and debris clinging to her gown and the cuts on her
arms and cheek.
'There is blood,' he said, touching her face. 'You were hurt, my love.'
The concern in his eyes brought the tears spilling over. 'It is nothing,' Olivia said through her tears.
'I may have been scratched a little in the struggle, but Brutus was in time to—to save me from
worse.'
'Thank God for that!' Jack said, a grimace on his lips. 'In future he can take his bone wherever he
wishes. He shall never be far from your side, Olivia.'
'If only he is not hurt,' she said with a sob in her voice, though the tears had ceased.
'You leave her ladyship with me now, sir,' Mrs Jenkins offered. 'I'm sure all our minds would be
set at rest to know that dog is safe—for the creature has been a hero this afternoon and no mistake.'
'Yes.' Jack looked at Olivia. 'It is best I leave you now, my love. Mrs Jenkins will take care of
you. I think that perhaps we should ask the doctor to call...'
'Yes, milord. I'll send someone straight away,' Mrs Jenkins said, but a plea from Olivia stopped
her from ringing for the maid.
'No, please, it is not necessary,' Olivia said. 'It was just the shock, but I am better now. If I lie here
quietly for half an hour I shall soon recover.'
'We'll see how her ladyship feels in a little while,' the housekeeper said. 'I think what madam
needs now is a nice wash and a soothing tisane.'
'Yes, that is just what I need,' Olivia agreed. 'Will you have hot water sent up please, Mrs
Jenkins? And if you would be so kind as to le
ave me alone—both of you?' Olivia lay back and
closed her eyes.
'I shall come to see you when I have discovered what has happened to your dog,' Jack said in a
choked voice and went out.
'The tisane will help you to sleep, milady.'
Olivia sighed as the door closed behind them both. She turned her face to the pillow, letting
herself weep for a few minutes. Then she sat up in bed and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her
gown. This was so foolish! She had nothing to show for her fright but a few cuts and bruises.
Weeping over it would do no one any good!
She left the bed and went behind the painted screen to take off her clothes. A moment or two later,
she heard the maid returning with, her can of hot water and waited until she had departed. Sure
that she was alone, Olivia went over to her washstand and poured the water into a pretty porcelain
basin. She washed herself from head to toe, rubbing the scented soap into her skin until she could
no longer even imagine she could still smell the stink of that man on her flesh. She was fully
dressed in a clean muslin gown when the housekeeper returned with the tisane.
'Will you not lie down for a while?' Mrs Jenkins asked, looking concerned. 'It must have been a
terrible shock for you, milady.'
'It was a little frightening,' Olivia admitted. 'But I am over it now, thank you.' She looked at Mrs
Jenkins anxiously. 'Is there any news of poor Brutus?'
'Not yet, milady,' replied the housekeeper. 'Is there anything more I can do for you?'
'You have already been very kind,' Olivia said. 'I think I shall take your advice and lie down for a
few moments.' She took the glass of hot, spicy liquid from Mrs Jenkins and sipped it cautiously.
'Oh, this is pleasant.'
'You drink it all up,' the housekeeper advised. 'Rest for an hour or so, madam. I am sure you will
be the better for it.'
Olivia was anxious about her dog, but decided she would put her feet up on the daybed and rest
for a little while. She had meant to go downstairs as soon as she was dressed, but there was really
no point. Jack had promised to tell her as soon as he had news.
She carried the glass to her comfortable daybed and sat down; continuing now and then to sip the
drink Mrs Jenkins had prepared for her, she finished every drop. Setting the glass down on the