Regency Christmas Pact 02 - A Gentlemen's Pact Read Online Free PDF

unfair.
    “I’m afraid I twisted my ankle,” Olivia replied, and Rowan bristled at her sweet, innocent tone.
    How could he have been so naïve? This woman was diabolical. To deny a man the opportunity to do the right thing. To take away the opportunity to raise his own son.
    “Oh, my dear Mrs. Edwards!” Patience truly did seem worried for the woman. “Rowan, take her inside. Clara will make you comfortable while you wait for the doctor. I’m so sorry I can’t wait with you.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of it, Lady Swaffham.” Olivia smiled as sweetly as she could, though it was obvious she was in a good deal of pain. “I’ll be fine with Clara. And Mr. Findley has offered to watch over Marcus, if that’s all right with you.”
    Patience took Marcus by the hand. “Of course it is. We’ll wait together while Rowan deposits you in the drawing room.”
    Rowan started walking toward the house, his steps strong and purposeful, while Marcus and Olivia yelled their goodbyes to one another. He barely heard them, though. All he could think about was finding out the truth.
    As they neared the front door, he could feel Olivia’s gaze on him, practically burning a hole through his cheek.
    “Is everything all right, Mr. Findley?” she asked, and the breathlessness in her voice gave her away. She was nervous, as she very well should be.
    He didn’t answer her, not right away at least. He wanted her out of his arms as soon as possible, and then he’d be able to think straight enough to unleash his fury on her. The footman held the door open for them and Rowan strode quickly into the drawing room. He unceremoniously deposited her to the sofa near the fireplace and then loomed over her.
    “Mr. Findley, whatever is the matter?” Her stunning blue eyes held a slight bit of terror in them.
    “The truth,” he said plainly. “Now.”
    “I-I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    That was unlikely. He’d never seen a woman so flustered in all her life. He leaned closer, hoping to intimidate.
    “The. Truth.”
    Damn, he was too close now. Her perfect little nostrils flared in and out, in and out, just above her soft pink lips and right in between her rosy cheeks. Throw in those captivating sapphire eyes and Rowan completely forgot what he was about.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Findley, but—”
    “Mrs. Edwards?”
    Rowan spun on his heel, annoyed by the interruption, to find a scrawny little maid standing in the doorway.
    “Yes?” Olivia replied.
    “I’m Clara,” said the maid. “I’ve been sent to take care of you. The doctor is on his way. Can I get you anything in the meantime?”
    Olivia paused for a moment before replying and finally said, “I don’t think I need anything, except for, perhaps, your company.” She smiled sweetly and gestured to the armchair beside her.
    Damn woman. Clearly, she was trying to avoid any further conversation with Rowan. Well, she may have won this time, but he would have his answers. He would get the truth out of her if it was the last thing he did.
    “Mr. Findley, you ought not to hold up the party. Go on. I’ll be just fine with Clara here to look after me.”
    Rowan looked down at her and scowled, but Olivia gave no indication that she noticed anything was the matter with him. A tricky little vixen.
    “Yes, well…I wouldn’t want to disappoint Marcus by cutting his day short, would I?”
    There. Finally a flicker of apprehension. She didn’t want them to be together, him and Marcus. But what could she say now?
    “No, I suppose not. Goodbye, Mr. Findley.”

    Blasted man! She never should have brought Marcus here with Rowan Findley lurking about. The likeness really was uncanny, especially when they were standing side-by-side. Good heavens. What was she going to do now?
    Clearly he was on to her, and much to her surprise, he wasn’t happy about the deception. She thought he’d be thrilled not to be forced to take on the responsibility of a wife and child all those