wonderful.
Her thoughts drifted to the kiss he’d placed on her hand. She could not deny that simple kiss on her gloved hand had left her body anticipating more of his touch. What was wrong with her? She hadn’t even felt the warmth of his lips through the kidskin, just the pressure, and suddenly she felt eager to be home. She rubbed her knuckles, trying to erase the sensation.
‘I shall venture to blame the hour on your silence and not my company,’ Janvier said with a smile as he watched her from across the carriage.
Pulling her thoughts from Gabriel’s lips, Olivia gazed at her friend. ‘Forgive me, your carriage is quite comfortable and the hour is late. I fear the combination of the two has made me rather sleepy.’
‘It pleases me that you are so relaxed in my presence. I could sit beside you and you could rest your head on my shoulder. I would gladly be your cushion.’
‘That would not be proper though, would it?’
‘No one will see. We are alone. My staff is trained to knock before they open the door. Do not concern yourself with what they would think if we are discovered together.’
Before she could object, Janvier moved across the carriage and settled himself next to her, pressing his thigh against hers. The scent of bay rum followed his movement. There was no denying he was an attractive and charming man who probably would make an ideal lover if she were so inclined. Wondering about how his kisses would compare to Gabriel’s, Olivia let her gaze drop to his smooth, full lips.
A small devilish grin creased the corners of his mouth. ‘My shoulder is at the ready.’
‘I do not believe I am that tired.’
‘Shall I return to my side of the carriage?’
She shook her head. ‘I am no longer the young ingénue.’
‘Were you ever naïve? Somehow I think you were born with an air of sophistication.’
‘That is because we met when I am already at such an advanced age.’
Janvier’s laughter improved her mood. Friends could do that. ‘You are far from your dotage.’
‘That is reassuring to hear. I simply meant you did not know me when I was a young girl. I suppose, like most, I harboured romantic fantasies.’
‘And now?’
‘And now I understand the realities of life.’
He shook his head. ‘In life there is always room for romance.’
‘Is there? I do believe I have long disregarded that notion.’
‘Perhaps you need to be reminded.’
His lips were touching hers before she even realised he’d moved. The only sound was the raindrops pinging off the carriage roof and the turning of the carriage wheels over the cobblestones.
She was so stunned by the soft, coaxing seduction that it took her a few moments to react. Realising he was actually kissing her, Olivia pushed against his chest and pulled her head back.
Before she could issue him a set down, Janvier spoke. ‘Forgive me. I misunderstood the direction of our conversation. I assure you, I meant no disrespect.’
The sly man had already stopped her from accusing him of being insolent and issuing a slap across his face. Years of wearing a polite mask made it easy for her to appear completely composed. ‘Let us be clear, I have no intention of beginning a liaison with you. I enjoy your company, but if you are seeking something more we should part ways.’
Janvier slid across the carriage and resumed his seat. ‘I understand. I hope you will continue to allow us to be friends.’
‘As long as we understand one another.’
‘We do. It will not happen again.’
The carriage came to an abrupt halt and as predicted there was a knock on the door. Once Janvier uttered his consent, the door to the carriage opened and the steps were lowered. ‘Until I see you again,’ he said, tipping his head respectfully.
Olivia nodded and allowed the footman to assist her onto the wet pavement as he held a large umbrella over her. Placing a hand on her stomach, she took a deep breath of the damp air and looked up at the vast expanse of her house. There were times when thoughts of retreating to the country with no men for miles appeared to be an excellent notion.
* * *
By this time of night, the fire in Gabriel’s study had died to a low flame. Hours before, he’d discarded his coat and reclined in his most comfortable chair in casual elegance, resting his feet on an embroidered footstool. Tonight he had chosen to reread the Iliad while he sipped his favourite port. He should have been completely relaxed. Except every so often, his attention was drawn to the bracket clock on the mantel.
Eventually Bennett informed him that Comte Janvier’s carriage had pulled up to the house. Glancing at the clock, Gabriel snapped his book shut and took note of the late hour. He walked into the entrance hall just as Olivia began to climb the stairs. She appeared lost in thought. He called her name softly, but she continued her ascent. He called to her again, this time a bit louder.
She jumped and turned towards him. This was not the way he would have preferred to begin seducing her. She approached him slowly, her concentration fixed on unbuttoning her gloves.
He searched for something to ask instead of questioning why she had remained out till such a late hour, making him worry for her safety. ‘Did you enjoy Madame Saqui?’
‘She was exceptional as always.’ The buttons on her right glove seemed to hold great interest and he realised she had yet to look him in the eye.
‘Would you care for my assistance with those?’
Her eyes finally met his and she smiled politely. ‘No, thank you. Were you on your way upstairs, or did my arrival disturb your work?’
He wondered if he was persistent in questioning her, if she would tell him what was occupying her thoughts. It was obvious something was troubling her.
‘I was just reading and heard you come in. Would you care to join me?’
She hesitated before she nodded and walked past him towards his study. Once inside she dropped those troublesome gloves on the table beside the chair he had vacated and walked towards the fire to warm her hands. Her delicate profile was illuminated in the soft glow and Gabriel took advantage of the opportunity to study the slope of her nose and her enticing bow of her lips.
Realising Janvier must have done nothing to warm her during their ride home, Gabriel went to the table near his desk and removed the stopper from the crystal decanter housing his favourite port. His gaze continued to shift to her as he poured the wine into a glass. By the time he reached her side it appeared her attention was back to her surroundings.
He held the glass out to her. ‘This should warm you.’
‘Thank you, although I truly am not that cold.’
Could her quiet demeanour be a result of his
