A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 9. 1813

James felt the color evaporate from his face as he stared at George. He suddenly recalled the words George had said to him the night he was discovered with Melinda. How he had ruined a young lady before coming to the house to be with her. How he hadn't loved the young lady he had ruined, not in the slightest. His eyes fell on William, and he saw the identical expression of fury on his face and in his eyes. His blood boiled with rage as he turned back to George. "Get out of my house you bastard."

George narrowed his eyes. "And why should I? It was bound to come out of someone's mouth. You should know Abernathy that once a young woman is ruined, no other gentleman is going to want her. And Olivia is no exception."

James felt his body become hot with fury. "Get out! Now!"

George rolled his eyes. "Very well, come along my love. I don't believe we need to be here any longer." He took Melinda by the hand, leading her out of the ballroom and into their carriage.

James was shaking with rage, his body trembling like a leaf. Olivia, the beautiful young woman who he was beginning to develop very strong feelings for, had been ruined by George Churchill, the Duke of Cornwall. The very same night that he had come into the Duke of Norfolk's house and slept with his wife. He shook his head, his mind spinning with images of George pinning Olivia onto the bed, taking her with no mercy. Nausea rose to his throat as those disgusting images invaded his mind.

William moved towards his friend, placing one hand on his shoulder. "Go and be with her, she needs you more than she needs me at this point. Please, I beg of you. I need you to take care of her. To keep her safe from that bastard. To make her happy."

James brought his fellow Duke into his arms for a tight squeeze. "I promise, I swear to you my friend, I'll do nothing but take care of her and love her for as long as I live. I'll give her everything that bastard took from her."

William. "Thank you." He stepped back and took Eliza by the hand, leading her outside so that they could  both get some fresh air.

After watching them leave, James turned and made his way upstairs, wondering where Olivia had gone. Hearing the sound of sniffling coming from his chamber, he moved quickly towards that direction. The door was slightly open, thank goodness. Taking a deep breath, he quietly opened the door and poked his head into the room. The image before him had his heart stopping in his chest.

Olivia was curled up on the floor, her small frame shaking. She was crying quietly, not wanting anyone to hear her. She looked so small, so vulnerable.

Tears gathering in his eyes, and his heart feeling as if it was about to break into millions of pieces, James walked towards her, dropping to his knees beside her. Instinctively, and feeling an overwhelming need to comfort and protect her, he reached out and took her into his arms, gathering her against his chest and holding her close. He felt her slender arms slide around his upper back, pressing herself closer to him. She wasn't resisting, which was both good and surprising. His arms tightened, his fingers moving to run up and down her back with gentle circles. He would hold her like this for as long as she needed.

After several minutes, Olivia slowly regained her composure. Pulling away, she came face-to-face with James, her glistening eyes focusing on his. She couldn't believe that George had divulged his secret, and in broad sight of everyone in the room. She had seen the guests and their shocked expressions, the hatred of the men and the panic of the women. She had no idea if everyone was gone or if they were still in the ballroom. But none of that mattered, because what did matter was the fact that she was being held by the man she was beginning to develop very fervent feelings for.

James reached out and stroked her cheek very tenderly. "Are you all right?" His voice was just as tender and soft as his action.

Olivia sniffled, wiping her eyes with her gloved fingertips. "I'm honestly not sure how I am feeling your grace. If I must speak plainly, I am feeling mortified. Heartbroken, actually. Because I know that you're going to tell me you don't want anything to do with me because of what George Churchhill told you."

James felt his mouth dropped to the floor and his eyes go wide. He shook his head fiercely. "No, no that's not what I think. And that's not what I want."

Olivia stared at him, stunned. "Put your grace, you know I am ruined now. You don't need someone who is damaged and broken to be your wife You need someone who is going to be pure, both physically and intellectually to be your Duchess. Someone who isn't going to be deflowered by the time they reach your bed. Someone who doesn't have a mark on society as a ruined Duke's daughter. You deserve someone who is beautiful kind smart talented and..."

James. "Stop, please. You need to understand that I don't want all of those. I don't want a woman who is virtuous and demure. I don't care if you are ruined or not. To me, you are the purest angel I have ever met. I am sorry, so truly sorry, for what happened to you. But I swear to you, from this moment forward, I plan to give you all the love that you rightfully deserve."