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his. “I’ve cheated you out of so much a young lady should have. Once you’re married to the Earl’s son, you’ll be expected to take your place in society, and I don’t want you missing out on that first important year.” He stopped, taking several shallow breaths. “Please promise me you’ll not waste that year in mourning.”
    She had to bend to hear his raspy voice.
    “Papa, please let us not speak of this.” All the terror she’d felt since she’d learned of his illness and her upcoming marriage had washed over her. She had clung to his fragile hand, the only solid thing in the winds of change that buffeted her. He had patted her hand and had closed his eyes, the strain of the conversation showing on his face.
    Instead of the two weeks she had expected to have in order to prepare herself for her marriage, she had had four weeks to settle all of her father’s matters and ship their belongings to her new home in Coventry. By the time she had set out on her journey, the Earl of Coventry had also died.
    She had begun the trip to England feeling quite alone. Both men who had planned this match were deceased. She traveled to an unknown place to marry an unknown man.
    Olivia’s welcome from the staff at Coventry had cheered her. Warm and friendly, they’d received her with open arms. The new Earl, however, had not been in residence, and no one had any idea when to expect him.
    Before she had even settled in, the old Earl’s solicitors had called and informed her according to the terms of the will the marriage needed to take place within three days of her arrival. Stunned and confused, she had agreed to the date and time the solicitors suggested.
    With no time to dwell on her marriage, and the man she would be giving herself to for the rest of her life, she had assumed her place in front of the vicar in the library at Coventry, still dressed in light mourning.
    Except there had been no groom to join her. Until a pounding had erupted on the front door, and Jason Cavendish, the Sixth Earl of Coventry, had stumbled into the room—blind drunk.

Chapter Four
    Olivia laid down her pen and read over the letter she was composing to her best friend. Lady Lansdowne had been Lady Elizabeth when they had been in school together in London. One year older than Olivia, they had left school at the same time. Olivia had answered her father’s summons to Italy. Elizabeth had returned home to prepare for her Season. Elizabeth’s mother had wanted her to wait the extra year so she would have her come-out with her cousin.
    After a whirlwind courtship, Elizabeth had wed the Marquess of Lansdowne in a fairy- tale wedding. The friends continued to correspond, although Olivia had put off writing this particular letter. But, she reasoned, if anyone would sympathize with her plight, it would be Elizabeth. Olivia bent her head, eyes moving back and forth as she read her words.
    My Dear Elizabeth,
    No doubt it will surprise you to learn I am now wed. The Earl of Coventry and I exchanged vows three weeks ago. He found it necessary to return to London soon after, so I am quite alone here, rattling around in this big house.
    Father passed away shortly before I left Rome for my marriage. It was his lungs, which I think he neglected to take care of. Nothing seemed to interest him after Mother died.
    I keep myself busy. The gardener assures me soon he will begin preparing the grounds for spring flowers. I long to see colorful blossoms once again. Cook and I meet weekly to go over the menu, which seems silly since I eat alone, and never had a large appetite.
    The best times are when I visit the tenants. I take fresh baked breads and pastries to the families, who are grateful for my attention. The children are so adorable and make me ache for some of my own. I find the people and their cottages warm and welcoming and they always ask after the Earl. I hope he will be able to visit soon.
    Now I must go and take my tea. I would so love to hear from