Counterfeit Earl. Anne Herries

in time. When I realized that in fact he was marrying me to oblige Lord Burton, I immediately broke it off. After Lord Burton turned me out, Lord Ravensden came to Abbot Giles to ask me to reconsider—then he met Beatrice and they fell in love.”

      “But he settled some money on you, did he not?”

      “Yes, he has been very generous. I have ten thousand pounds, which is secured to me for life and mine to dispose of as I wish,” Olivia said. “And he set the tale about that we had parted by mutual consent—which in the end was true. For neither of us wished to marry the other after he met my sister.”

      “Well, it was fortunate that you did not,” Robina said, smiling at her. “Now you are free to find someone you could love.”

      “Yes…” Olivia sighed. “I wish I could, but like you I long for romance.” She laughed. “How foolish we are. We have read too many of Mrs Burney’s novels. I dare say it would be most uncomfortable being married to a hero after all. He would forever be riding off to battle with dragons and the like, leaving his poor wife to cope with all the difficulties of running his estate and rearing his children.”

      Robina nodded, but her expression was slightly dreamy. “I dare say you are very right, but I would sacrifice a little comfort for the sake of true love, would you not?”

      “I long to be truly loved,” Olivia said passionately. “To be loved by one person to the exclusion of all others, to know that for one person you are the most important of all.” She blushed as she realised how much she had revealed of her inner self. “Oh, I know that most girls of our class settle for much less, and I dare say I am asking for too much…” She gasped and stopped walking, clutching at her companion’s arm.

      “Is something wrong?” Robina followed the direction of Olivia’s gaze. A man and a woman had stopped a few yards ahead of them on the promenade. They seemed to be looking out towards the sea at a ship in full sail, obviously admiring the view. “Are you unwell?”

      Olivia’s cheeks had drained of colour. “No,” she said. “Only, may we please turn back now?”

      “Yes, of course.” Robina looked at her curiously as they walked in the opposite direction. “Did you know Lady Simmons?”

      “No.” Olivia turned to her. “Was that her name? She looked…remarkable.”

      “She was a famous beauty a few years ago,” Robina said. “They say she could have married a duke in her first season, but she chose a mere baronet. These days she lives mostly in Bath and apart from her husband, though I believe she visits him in town occasionally. She must have come to Brighton to see someone in particular, I would imagine.”

      “Perhaps to meet her companion?” Olivia suggested, her cheeks pink.

      “I wondered if the gentleman might be her lover; she has one, they say, but I do not know him,” Robina said. Her gaze narrowed as she looked at Olivia’s expression. “But you do, do you not?”

      Olivia blushed. “We have met briefly. On the road to Brighton. Our carriage was delayed and I went into the woods. His dog thought I was a gypsy and would not let me pass until he ordered it to lie down.”

      “Then you know his name?” Robina was curious.

      “Yes. He called himself Captain Jack Denning.” Olivia frowned. “He looked as though he might have been ill and he was dressed very differently that day. At first I took him for a gamekeeper.”

      “Oh, Olivia,” Robina cried with a delightful laugh. “He did not look so today.”

      “No…”

      Olivia was thoughtful as she and her friend continued their walk along the promenade. There was no mistaking Captain Denning’s quality that morning. He was dressed in a dark blue cloth coat which fitted him to perfection, showing that although lean, he was powerfully built. His immaculate buff-coloured breeches and highly polished boots, together with his exquisitely tied neckcloth, were evidence that when he chose he could rival for elegance any gentleman Olivia had met in London. And his hair had been trimmed, though he still wore it longer than most gentlemen of her acquaintance. It gave him a slightly rakish air.

      “Were you aware that Captain Denning would be in Brighton?” Robina asked.

      “No. Indeed, he said he had no intention of visiting in the near future.”

      “How odd. I wonder why he lied?”

      “I cannot imagine.” Olivia felt a little piqued. Surely there was no reason for Captain Denning to have lied to her? “It is all of a piece with his behaviour that day. He was abrupt and harsh—and I did not care for him particularly.”

      “Well, you will have to acknowledge him should you meet,” Robina said. “But I dare say there will be no necessity to do more.”

      “I am sure you are right,” Olivia agreed. “Now, let us talk of something more agreeable. Beatrice was speaking of giving a dinner when Lord Ravensden arrives next week. Pray tell me, do you have an evening free of engagements?”

      “I shall consult with Lady Exmouth,” Robina promised. “But perhaps you and Lady Ravensden will call for tea this afternoon?”

      “Oh, yes, I am sure Beatrice will agree.” Olivia smiled at her. “I am so glad you came to Brighton, Robina. It is so much nicer to have at least one good friend one can talk to.”

      “Someone to whom one can confide one’s secrets,” Robina agreed.

      Smiling at one another in perfect harmony, the two girls walked on. Both were completely unaware that a pair of dark eyes was following their progress as they crossed the road and disappeared around the corner of the street.

      “Jack! You were not listening to one word I’ve just said,” Lady Simmons accused. “Have you something on your mind?”

      “Forgive me,” Jack apologised, his dark eyes focusing on her once more. “I was not intending to ignore you.”

      “You were just a little distracted,” she murmured, a sparkle of amusement in her soft grey eyes. She was a remarkably attractive woman, with dark brown hair and a wide, generous mouth. “Tell me, which of the two young ladies drew your attention, my dear?”

      “Was it so obvious?” Jack gave her a rueful smile. “Two days ago Miss Olivia Roade Burton wandered into my woods. Brutus was preparing to attack her when I arrived on the scene. I was concerned that she had ventured so far into woods she did not know, for there has been trouble with gypsies, and I fear I may have been harsh with her. Indeed, since she could not bring herself to pass me just now, I believe I must have offended her.”

      Anne nodded, her intelligent eyes thoughtful as they continued their walk along the marine parade. “I know your manner can sometimes be a little abrupt. You must apologise next time you meet Miss Roade Burton, Jack.”

      He shook his head at her. “She is not for me, Anne. You know I have no thoughts of marriage.”

      “I am aware that you have some foolish ideas in your head, my dear.” She smiled at him with affection. “You are worth ten of most gentlemen I know. What happened at Badajoz was not your fault.”

      “It is not just that—though it haunts my dreams,” Jack replied, his dark eyes shadowed with pain for a moment. “I do not believe I am capable of loving, Anne, not with my whole heart. Not as a woman I would make my wife has a right to expect. You are my friend. You do not ask for more than I can give.”

      “I believe you have a great capacity for loving,” Anne replied, her look full of warmth. “You were hurt too many times as a child, but one day you will discover your true self. Our arrangement has been a pleasant one for us both. However, should you wish to marry…”

      “Yes, I know your mind,” Jack said. “I have a true fondness for you, my dear. Had you been free, Anne, I believe we might have found happiness together.”

      “Perhaps.”