The gorgon was looking at him again. To be fair, Burke had the sneaking suspicion he wasn’t actually the object of her interest. He happened to be sharing a sofa with Tom and Captain Hartington. Olivia sat on the sofa opposite them, wedged between Rosalie and Prudence Nash, adding very little to the conversation.
But those looks…every few minutes she couldn’t seem to help herself, and she had to glance his way, her eye roving from him over to the captain and back. Was she measuring him against this officer and finding him wanting? Good. Anything to convince her to go her own way.
Tom and Hartington were carrying the conversation, regaling the ladies with countless stories of their adventures in the Caribbean. Burke had listened to Tom sing the praises of Will Hartington for nigh on ten years, but this was his first time meeting the man in person. Did he have to be so bloody tall? And how did he get that ugly scar? And why was Rosalie laughing so hard? His jokes weren’t that funny.
Christ, but Burke was in a sour mood.
Hartington said something else that had the group laughing again. On the far side of the couch, Tom wiped a tear from his eye. Burke couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. When Tom left for the navy, a wall started to grow between them. On one side, there was the life Tom shared with Burke and James, the country gentleman’s life of fishing, riding, hunting, and farming. On the other, there was his navy life, and Burke shared no piece of it. Hartington knew Tom in ways Burke never could.
But it was pointless to feel jealous of this captain, he reminded himself. Tom belonged to Burke. They belonged to each other. Since their moment in the alley, he buzzed with a thirst he couldn’t sate. He wanted Tom. Needed him. The ache was nearly as strong as his constant ache for Rosalie. He watched this confident, brash Captain Hartington with an easier smile. He wasn’t a threat. Burke could relax and enjoy the conversation.
“So, tell me of your life now, Livy,” said Hartington, addressing Olivia directly. “I can’t believe you’re not yet married. You always held such high regard for the institution.”
Shit.
Across from them, Olivia went stiff. Next to her, Rosalie’s eyes darted to Burke, her expression impossible to read.
“No,” Olivia murmured. “I am not yet married.”
If anything were to ruin his mood today, it would be this conversation. No one say it.
“Oh, but she is engaged,” Prudence cooed, all smiles as she completely ignored the tension around her.
Burke stifled a groan, while Hartington leaned back on the sofa, schooling his features. “Oh? And who is the lucky man? Would I approve of him?”
Olivia chewed her lip, unable or unwilling to look at Burke. Next to her, Rosalie was still as a statue.
Prudence twittered a laugh. “You’re sitting right next to him.”
Goddamn it.
Hartington’s head swung around as he gaped at Tom. “You’re engaged to Livy?”
“No,” Tom replied, at the same time Olivia balled her hands into fists in her lap and hissed, “Stop calling me ‘Livy!’”
Prudence looked between the two of them in confusion. “I’m sorry but…do you two know each other?” She pointed between Olivia and the captain.
“Not since we were children,” Olivia replied.
Hartington was still distracted. His eye settled on Burke. “You’re engaged to Olivia?”
Burke took a deep breath. “Well…”
“It’s a bit complicated,” Tom said, putting a hand on Hartington’s shoulder.
Hartington frowned, shrugging away from him. “What’s complicated about being engaged? You either are or you’re not.” He turned to Olivia, one brow raised in question.
“They are,” said Prudence, because apparently it was impossible for her to read the tone of a room. “It was just announced at the duke’s Michaelmas ball. You looked so lovely dancing together,” she added with a smile at Olivia. “You’ll have such beautiful children.”
God in heaven, someone shut this woman up.
Hartington was still looking at Olivia, waiting for her to confirm it. “Is it true?”
Burke cast Tom a pleading look and Tom sprang into action. He gripped the captain by the elbow and pulled him to his feet. “Rose, why don’t we show Hart the back gardens before lunch?”
Rosalie cast a nervous eye at Burke before nodding. “Yes…yes, I’d love another walk. Prudence, will you come?”
“But it’s too windy,” Prudence replied, confused that she should even suggest it.
In that moment, divine providence intervened. Piety called from the far side of the room. She and the other young people were playing whist at two card tables. “Prue, darling, come take my place. The duchess is asking for me.”
Prudence floated away, wholly oblivious to the awkward tension she’d created.
“Come outside with me,” Tom soothed at Hartington. “I’ll explain.”
Olivia couldn’t look at them. Indeed, she seemed on the verge of tears. Burke’s heart broke for her…for who could better sympathize with her plight than her wholly reluctant bridegroom?
Clenching his jaw, Hartington let himself be led away.
Everyone on the far side of the room was too immersed in their game to realize Burke was now sitting alone with Olivia. It helped that Tom and Rosalie made as much commotion as possible. They declared their intention of showing Hartington the topiaries, rebuffing all the ladies who chimed that it was far too windy for a stroll. In all the flurry of activity, Olivia raised her eyes to Burke, waiting for him to speak.
Taking a deep breath, he gave her a weak smile. “I really think we need to talk.”
