7 years ago.
13 June 1813
Derbyshire, England
Olivia grunted as another pebble slipped into her slipper. It appeared like she had gone momentarily daft when she'd chosen her dainty slippers instead of the sturdy boots for her jaunt by the countryside.
Well, she hadn't been thinking. She had been in a hurry to get away from her house, finding it too stifling.
The usually peaceful Chatsworth House was filled with people. It was teeming with servants running about to attend to various errands, making sure everything was perfect while she was being chased by a passel of dressmakers from London who were not content no matter how many fittings she'd had.
It was to be her debut ball in a matter of days and her dear father was going out his way to make sure that everything was flawless.
Olivia was excited about her debut, she really was. But she had needed to breathe for a spell. So she had taken off with her sketch pad and no maid to accompany her.
"You are enjoying the walk too, are you not?" She smiled down at her new puppy.
Hmm, she still had not thought of a name for him.
He yipped happily, skipping past her. Olivia increased her pace, trying to keep up with the naughty dog.
He finally stopped by the river bank. She sighed her relief and sat down by a tree, opening her sketchbook.
Her puppy seemed to be content with chasing butterflies and rolling on the grass.
She grinned and began to outline the picturesque scenery.
***
Damn, but it felt good to finally wash off all the mud from his person. Jacob hated coming to the countryside at this time of the year, but his idiot friend, Peter Willoughby had dragged him here for a horse race.
Then again, he was having a grand time. There was something about the grassy lands and clean air.
Not to mention, the girls here were more agreeable, he thought with a grin.
Jacob dunked his head into the warm water once more. When he came up, he had a feeling that he was being watched.
Strange, because there was no one about. He had made sure that he was alone before taking off his shirt.
But gut feelings and all...
Olivia could not believe what she was doing. But she could not seem to pull her gaze away from the half-naked man who was bathing in the water.
She'd been engrossed in her sketch when she heard splashing sounds from the river. Naturally, she had gone to investigate.
Now she stood hidden behind the trees, ogling the man.
It was riveting, really, the way his muscles bunched when he raised his hands to clean his hair. The way his broad shoulders tapered down to a narrower waist...she had not even seen his face yet. But she had never been so attracted to man's physique before, half-naked or otherwise.
And she was spying on him like a wanton, she berated herself. All the rules regarding the comportment of a proper Lady that her governess had drilled into her for years faded into nothingness. Unsurprisingly, Miss Geraldine had failed to tell her about how one must behave in face of such startling and rather pleasing maleness.
Now if only she could snap out of it and mind her own business...
Then her puppy began to tug at her morning gown, wanting attention.
Olivia did not know if she was grateful or annoyed at the interruption.
She knelt down and patted his head. Then she found a twig lying by. She picked it up and hurled it. Her little mutt ran towards it, wagging his tiny tail all the while.
She smiled and stood up again, turning her attention to the river again. Except, the man was gone.
What?
She couldn't prevent the stab of disappointment in her chest. She'd been enjoying herself before he'd decided to leave so soon.
Olivia sighed and turned around to find a very handsome and a very wet face towering over her with an amused smile.
Blood rushed to her face.
Goodness gracious, this was so very embarrassing.
"Now what do we have here?" his voice wrapped around her like velvet.
"I was...um–I was sketching! It's uh quite a view!" she stammered unnecessarily, knowing she was only making a fool of herself.
"Oh I have no doubt that you were enjoying the view," he grinned unrepentantly, his eyes full of mischief.
Olivia was certain she resembled a tomato by now.
But one thing was for sure, he had a face to go with his amazing body-now linen-clad, unfortunately. Not that his damp shirt did anything to hide his splendid form.
Never in the eighteen years of her existence had Olivia seen someone so handsome. His hair was dark, his eyes even darker, giving him an air of mystery. But his casual, boyish smile betrayed his friendly nature. As for the rest of his face, she could only describe him as chiseled. They were sharp, his features, his gaze.
He even had dimples, for heavens-sake.
Lucifer must have looked this way, offering the world.
Olivia knew she had to get out of here. "Well, good day, then," she said with a fake cheery voice and made to move but he caught her by the wrist. His touch warmed her and made her just a little dizzy.
"Not so fast, sweetheart. You must tell me, did you like what you saw?"
Sweetheart?! Now she was certain that she was going to pass out.
Jacob couldn't help but like this girl and he was having a fine time baiting her. He chuckled when she began to stammer again. "There is no need to be afraid, I am not going to harm you," he said, using his placating tone. She looked up at him then, raising her face to look at him for the first time since he had come upon her. "I am not afraid,
The evening after the Sutherland ball, 1821"How did you like Lady Olivia?" Peter asked. "She seems fine." "Fine? She's wonderful, Jacob. How can you even think about hurting her? Do you not think she's gone through a lot already?" An ugly frown wrinkled Pete's brow.
Good god, had she loved the man? Jacob had not really planned this out as thoroughly as he would've liked. He'd seen her in the park and he'd improvised, although not well enough...He certainly shouldn't want to know why her fiancé had runoff. He wasn't supposed to care. But he cared, dammit. He wanted to learn all her secrets and he wanted to kill the sod for hurting her so. You're going to hurt her too.
Olivia felt like she was a ship in a storm and Mr.Townshend was her anchor. She didn't regret initiating the kiss one bit. He held her close to him and she felt the hardness of his body against hers. Who would've thought that such a hard, unyielding body could be so warm?! But his lips were soft as they gently moved with hers. Olivia couldn't breathe, the sensation was too much to bear. She'd been kissed before, but not like this...
Jacob lay in bed, unable to sleep. He was alone in his uncle's townhouse, except for the butler. He'd even sent Marcel away for the night. Why was it so bloody hot? He kicked at the sheets tangled with his limbs impatiently and got up. He sauntered down to the study and popped open a bottle of wine. He usually preferred whiskey, but his uncle's cellar here was poorly stocked.
"I simply cannot bear it, darling," Aunt Sophie groaned. "Here Aunt, this will make you feel better," Olivia smiled, handing her some poultice. "You're so good to me, Olivia. I'm so sorry that I can't accompany you tonight," she said, clutching her wounded ankle. "It is unfortunate that I won't be having any chaperone tonight, but I shall make do," she smiled serenely. Aunt Sophie nodded grate
Raynham Manor, Norfolk He couldn't stop kissing her. He didn't want to stop kissing her. Someone knocked on the door. Melissa pulled back suddenly, her cheeks delightfully pink. "What is it?" George Townshend asked, annoyed at the interruption. He'd been having a most agreeable time.
A fortnight after Lady Bell's party, Olivia found herself being packed into a carriage heading to Bedfordshire for a house party. How she hated these endless rounds of balls and parties, hopping from one place to another with no aim whatsoever. But this time she'd been pleased to escape to the country for a few days. She'd been unable to forget Jacob Townshend and his kisses. She hadn't seen him in weeks and yet it was only his face that lingered in her mind. More than once she'd asked herself if she'd been unnecessarily rude. He'd seemed unfazed by her words that day, but then he'd simply disappeared. And she couldn't help but regret her demands tha