A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 11. 1813

Three days after the glorious evening at Norfolk Manner, Olivia was seated in the luxurious Norfolk carriage, beside James. The two of them were  going out to a lovely and romantic dinner at one of London's finest restaurants that was known for being surrounded by candles and fairy lights. It was very popular, so reservations needed to be made rather quickly in order to get a table.

For that evening, Olivia was wearing an elegant gown of dusty blue silk with off the shoulder cap sleeves and a square neckline. Her hair was fixed into a Half updo with the rest of her curls dancing along her shoulders. Cream silk gloves and matching dusty blue slippers completed her ensemble. She was giddy with excitement, knowing that evening was going to be nothing short of beautiful.  She felt incredibly comfortable with James, especially after telling him what had taken place a year ago. She knew she could trust him with her heart, her secrets and everything in between.

James was just as excited for that evening. He was anxious to be alone with Olivia, to get to know her more. To show her that he was a true gentleman with honorable intentions. He was wanting to show her that he wasn't going to take advantage of her, in any way shape or form. He wasn't like the Duke of Cornwall. For his outfit, he was wearing a three-piece black silk suit with black boots and white button up shirt and matching cravat.

Olivia cleared her throat nervously, giving him a sideways smile. "Can I ask you something your grace?"

James. "You can ask me anything."

Olivia Took a deep breath, feeling her face become pink. "I'm simply curious, how old are you?"

James wasn't at all surprised by her question. In fact, he smiled widely at her innocent inquiry. "It's all right to ask about my age, there's no need to be embarrassed. I am 24 years old."

Olivia giggled, her nerves evaporating. "Thank goodness, I honestly believed you were a little older than that."

James chuckled. "Did you? And how old did you believe me to be?"

Olivia. "I was believing along the lines of 28 or 29 years old. I am relieved that you are the same age as William."

James chuckled, taking her hand and placing it in between both of his. "I'm glad your brother and I have the same age, it brings us closer. And if it's all right for me to ask, how old are you?"

Olivia's eyes twinkled. "How old do you believe I am your grace?"

James considered his words carefully before answering. "Well, if I had to guess, I would say either 21 or 22 years old."

Olivia shook her head, smiling. "Not quite. I am 19 years old."

James squeezed her fingers gently. "It seems we are five years apart in age. When is your birthday?"

Olivia. "December 1."

James felt his eyes go wide with pure surprise. "Is it?"

Olivia. "Yes it is, when is yours?"

James was beaming. "December 1 as well."

Olivia's mouth fell to the floor. "Is it? My goodness, it seems we do share a lot in common." She smiled brightly.

James smiled back just as warmly. "We do indeed."

Moments later, the carriage came to stop at a lovely restaurant that was surrounded by twinkle lights and glowing candles, both on the outside and the inside. A manicured garden was behind the building, and a crystal clear Lake was in front of it. Several couples were either inside or outside, sitting on tables and talking with one another gleefully. The evening was peaceful and pleasant, not too hot not too cold.

James stepped out from the carriage and turned to help Olivia. He took her hand and carefully aided her dissent down the stairs. His eyes sparkled like emerald gemstones as he placed her hand into his elbow and walked her inside. "This is one of my favorite restaurants London has to offer. Sadly I am an only child, but my parents sometimes brought me here when I was a boy. My former wife Melinda... she didn't quite appreciate this restaurant."

Olivia. "It seems she didn't appreciate you very much, forgive me for saying so. The only reason I say that is because it seems the Duke of Cornwall had his eyes for her."

James nodded. "Unfortunately she did. The two of us had been married for eight months, and I believed I loved her. Quite frankly I believed she felt the same for me. But that wasn't the case."

Their conversation came to a pause as they became immersed into the spectacle that was the restaurant. Once the reservation was given, they were escorted to a private table on the patio, directly under a canopy of gold twinkle lights. A pair of tall gold candles glowed elegantly in the center of their table. The server gave them their menus before departing.

James pulled out Olivia's chair for her, helped her sit down, and took his seat across from her. He was relieved that he could speak freely about Melinda and how she had betrayed him by sleeping with George Churchhill. He never imagined anyone would be able to understand his pain. But it was evident Olivia did understand what he was going through.