* *
A short while later Olivia entered the breakfast room on Gabriel’s arm and various smells from the food on the table assaulted her. Knowing Prinny and his vast appetite, she was certain he had been keeping her kitchen busy with his numerous requests.
‘Ah, there you are,’ Prinny said, looking up from cutting into what appeared to be a lobster cake from his seat at the table. His attention was on Gabriel’s bandaged shoulder and arm, visible under the sleeve that was dangling empty at his side. He appeared to want to charge Gabriel, but then his gaze settled on Olivia. ‘Good morning, my dear. Bennett did inform me you would both be down shortly. It’s a pleasure, as always, to see you.’
She smiled at her friend and greeted him in return. Those were definitely lobster cakes and lobster was not on any of the menus for the week. She imagined there was a bit of an uproar going on downstairs this morning and bartering was being done with neighbouring kitchens. After extending a greeting to Lord Hartwick, she allowed Gabriel to hold her chair out for her. It was an intimate gesture Prinny did not miss.
‘I say, we did not disturb your morning, did we?’ he asked, picking up a glass of wine and arching his brow.
Gabriel caught her eye before focusing on Prinny. ‘Not in the least. I expected to find you in the drawing room.’
‘That was where your butler attempted to place us. I, however, had a sudden desire to be in a more personal setting.’ His attention was back on his plate.
The various items laid out in platters were unbearably unappetising to Olivia and she looked away to accept her cup of chocolate from Bennett.
From across the table, Lord Hartwick reclined back in his chair in a casually elegant pose, taking his coffee cup with him. There was no plate of food in front of him, as if he, too, found all this food repulsive so early in the morning.
‘Prinny wanted to call hours ago,’ he said, ‘but I persuaded him to wait until at least sunrise before we ventured here.’
Gabriel studied Prinny over his coffee cup. ‘Dare I ask what has brought you to my door?’
‘Can’t a man pay a call to a friend?’ Prinny asked, surveying his plate and planning his next attack with his fork.
‘You know you are always welcome.’
‘I couldn’t remain within Carlton House for one minute more. And all week I have had a craving for lobster cakes and your cook’s beef with burgundy sauce. Though there is no time like the present. Don’t you know? And low and behold, that talented cook of yours has managed to make me some for breakfast. Not up to her usual standard, mind you, however she hadn’t much time to prepare. I expect the beef was what had remained from last night, but that sauce... I could bathe in it.’
That was the smell that was invading her nose, making her wish they were sitting out in the garden instead of this confining room. One of the footmen entered and placed a large wedge of cheese inches away from Olivia. She rubbed her stomach to settle it. Lord Hartwick’s piercing blue-eyed gaze caught her eye. He tilted his head and his lips rose in a sympathetic smile.
Please let this be all the food Prinny had requested.
‘I do not know if I should be insulted that you are here for my food and not for me,’ Gabriel said, oblivious to her plight.
‘I’d count myself lucky,’ Lord Hartwick replied, taking a sip from his cup.
‘Insolent pup. One day that unabashed bravado of yours will be placed in check. I just hope I am there to see it.’ The prince turned his attention to Gabriel. ‘I also wanted to express my gratitude to you for all you have done.’ As if remembering that Olivia was in the room, he glanced at her and cleared his throat.
She caught Gabriel’s eye across the table. It would have been wonderful if Prinny knew how she had helped catch Janvier and his accomplice. Suppressing a disappointed sigh, she managed to smile.
‘Olivia is aware of the services I provide,’ Gabriel said unexpectedly. ‘She was also instrumental in foiling the plot against you. Her quick mind is what saved you last night on two separate occasions.’
Prinny’s eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. ‘Well done, my dear. I always knew there was something special about you.’ His lips dropped from a smile to a serious line when he addressed Gabriel. ‘You are not to place her in any danger in the future.’
‘I have no intention of doing so. Last night was an unusual circumstance that I do not anticipate repeating.’
‘Do I not have a say in what it is I am involved in?’ she asked.
‘No,’ both insufferable men said in unison.
Lord Hartwick appeared to study her intently. ‘I imagine it would be difficult to stop her should she decide to involve herself in the future.’
‘Ply your charms elsewhere, Hart,’ Gabriel said. ‘And why are you here at this early hour? I would have assumed you would still be abed.’
‘I found myself with nothing to occupy my time. An unusual occurrence. So, I decided to see if I could convince Prinny to have a go at a game of cards.’
‘Nonsense,’ Prinny said, cutting into the wedge of cheese.
The gesture stirred up the smell and Olivia held her stomach as it began to roll.
‘Hart does not want to admit he was concerned for my wellbeing, but I saw it in his eyes.’
‘Of course I am concerned for you. You are our Regent.’
‘You think more of me than that and you know it.’ He turned his attention to Olivia. ‘Since you know of the activities surrounding me recently, you should be made aware that the artist will be spared. My understanding is that he was blackmailed. He did what he did to protect his child. I know something of the feeling one has for their offspring, therefore we shall show leniency. He will be sent to live across the ocean in America. We will not have him residing here. This will also spare a trial that might bring attention to you, my dear.’ He patted her hand. ‘I will have none of that.’
‘That is very generous of you.’
‘Wot, wot, haven’t you heard? I have a rather generous disposition.’
Olivia raised her cup of chocolate to her lips, hoping the smell from the contents would drown out the horrible smell of the cheese. However, when she inhaled the scent, her throat tightened up and for the first time in many years she thought she might cast up her accounts. Looking up, she caught the narrow gaze of her husband. His attention did not waver from her, even as Prinny and Lord Hartwick continued their conversation. She knew that look. He was trying to puzzle her out. Had he witnessed her queasy moment with her cup? He arched an inquisitive brow and she shook her head to reassure him that all was well.
But just as she was beginning to feel better Prinny began to slather butter onto a lobster cake and a clammy coolness swept over Olivia’s skin. If she stayed at this table much longer she was certain to make a spectacle of herself all over the floor.
She stood abruptly, startling the three men at the table. They rose to their feet and their reactions ranged from amusement, to perplexity, to concern.
‘Would
