A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 2), Laura Beers [i read books TXT] 📗

A blush crept up her cheeks as she tried to appear unaffected by Oliver’s charms. “You are most kind.”

Oliver extended his arm towards her. “Our carriage awaits out front.”

As Emmeline placed her hand on his arm, Mary walked over and retrieved the flowers from her. “I’ll put these in a vase,” she said.

“Thank you, Mary.”

They didn’t speak as Oliver led her towards the entry hall and out the main door. He assisted her into the carriage before he walked around to the other side.

Once they were situated, Oliver picked up the reins and urged the horses forward. “You seem to have retreated into your own thoughts,” he commented, keeping his gaze straight ahead.

“I suppose I have.”

“Anything you would wish to discuss?”

Emmeline glanced over her shoulder at the townhouse. “I must admit that I am still trying to find my bearings in Hawthorne House.”

Oliver chuckled. “It is rather large, but we don’t make use of most of the rooms unless my mother throws a house party.”

“Jane and your mother gave me a tour last night, and I was thoroughly impressed with the library,” Emmeline shared.

“I assumed that would be the case.”

With a side glance at her husband, she asked, “May I ask what occupies your time during the day?”

“I pretty much do as I please.”

“Such as?”

Oliver visibly stiffened. “I frequent White’s and spend time with my friends.”

“Do you engage in any other pastimes?”

“When the situation warrants it,” he remarked vaguely. “I did fail to ask how your meeting with your aunt and uncle went earlier today.”

Emmeline frowned at the abrupt change of topics, but she knew she didn’t want to press her husband too hard at the moment. Knowing that Oliver was still waiting for a response, she replied, “Terribly. My aunt informed me that I am not welcome at their townhouse anymore.”

“That is awful.”

She gave him a sad smile. “I knew they would be angry, but I didn’t truly believe that they would disown me.”

“Unfortunately, their reaction is not completely uncommon, especially amongst the ton.”

“I know, but it still is most unfortunate.”

“I would agree.”

With a sigh, Emmeline turned her attention towards the crowds that had spilled over from the pavement onto the street.

“It will all work out,” Oliver said, drawing back her attention.

“I hadn’t taken you for such an optimist.”

Oliver smiled. “You don’t know everything about me.”

“That is a true statement,” she muttered. “Sometimes I feel I know very little about you.”

“Why do you say that?”

Feeling bold, she replied, “At times, I feel as if you live two different lives.” She let out a puff of air. “I know that may sound ridiculous.”

“Nothing you say sounds ridiculous to me.”

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Oliver’s voice held no emotion as he said, “I wish I could say that things will be different moving forward, but I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Are you always such a busybody?” he asked with mirth in his voice.

“No, but you bring out this side of me.”

He chuckled. “Perhaps we can discuss things that are much more pleasant.”

“Such as?”

“Would you care to get a cat?”

Emmeline gave him an odd look. “A cat?” she repeated. “What part of this conversation makes you think I would want a cat?”

“It was merely a suggestion,” he said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “I thought you might enjoy the companionship.”

Emmeline pursed her lips. She would rather have her husband keeping her company than a cat, but she wasn’t bold enough to admit that.

She shook her head. “I do not want a cat.”

“Then what do you want?” Oliver asked, glancing over at her. “Jewelry, perhaps?”

“No. I don’t require jewelry.”

As they drove into the entrance of Hyde Park and joined the procession of carriages, he said, “I want to ensure that you are happy, Emme. I hope you know that.”

“I appreciate that but buying me things won’t make me happy.”

“What will?”

You.

Taking a deep breath, she found courage deep within her as she admitted, “Nothing but the pleasure of your company.”

“That is kind of you to say.”

A tall, dark-haired rider pulled up next to them and said, “Well, if it isn’t Lord and Lady Oliver out for a carriage ride during the fashionable hour.”

“What are you doing riding in Hyde Park at this time?” Oliver asked.

“What else but admiring the ladies?” the man replied, turning his attention towards her. “Although, they pale in comparison to your wife’s beauty.”

Oliver adjusted the reins in his hand. “Emmeline,” he started, “allow me to introduce you to my friend, Mr. Philip Booth.”

Mr. Booth gave her a charming smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mr. Booth,” she replied politely.

“I am going to White’s for supper,” Booth said. “Would you care to join me?”

Oliver shook his head. “Not today. I intend to have supper with my wife and family.”

“Are you still attending the meeting this evening?”

“I am.”

Booth tipped his head. “I wish you luck, then.”

“No luck is needed.”

A wry grin came to Booth’s lips as his eyes shifted towards the carriage in front of them. “If you will excuse me, I need to go speak to Lady Teresa.”

As Booth rode off, Emmeline shifted in her seat to face her husband. “Why did Mr. Booth wish you luck for your meeting?”

“Because he is an idiot.” Oliver smiled.

“I see,” she replied, even though she didn’t see at all.

“You need not worry about me this evening,” he said. “I shall return after my meeting and, tomorrow, we will go visit your father’s solicitor.”

“I would appreciate that.”

Oliver reached over and placed his hand over hers. “Our destinies are intertwined now, and I will strive to be a good husband to you.”

Emmeline brought a smile to her lips. “That pleases me.”

He removed his hand from hers, and she immediately missed the loss of contact. What is becoming of me, she thought. She needed to quell her feelings for her husband before they started to deepen.

Oliver stared out the window of the darkened coach as his thoughts constantly turned back towards Emmeline. His wife. He liked the sound of that. She was an