The Duke's Innocent Mistress (PM #1) (Completed)

Chapter 6. 1812 

His warm and rich baritone voice sent Olivia's heart sputtering like butterfly wings. She couldn't take her eyes away from him. He was magnificent.
The gentleman was a couple of inches taller than she was, possessing dark brown hair and dark emerald green eyes. His muscular body was perfectly exposed in his three-piece black silk suit with a cream button up shirt gold cravat and black boots. Black and gold buttons decorated the right side of his jacket, and a crown of gold with black diamonds completed his ensemble.
Olivia smiled softly. "Good evening. It seems Miss Morgan has brought both of us to this room."
The gentleman nodded, smiling as he walked toward her. "It appears she did. Honestly, I don't mind, I am in the company of quite the beauty."
Olivia blushed. "I must agree with you."
Once he was close enough, the gentleman reached out, taking her right gloved hand. Keeping his eyes fixed with hers, he brushed his lips against her knuckles. "Might I ask your name?"
Olivia shivered, her heart flying. "My name is Olivia Rochester."
The gentleman's eyes began to twinkle like dark green gemstones. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Rochester. I am Lord Julian Sinclair, the Duke of Richmond."
Olivia returned his smile. "A pleasure to meet you as well your grace."
Julian raised his head, keeping her hand nestled in his. "It appears we are each other's perfect match."
Olivia nodded slowly. "It appears we are. Vivian knew exactly what she was doing."
Julian chuckled. "She certainly did. Care to join me for a walk in the garden? Or would you rather we stay here?"
Olivia giggled. "I believe a walk in the garden sounds much more romantic than staying here."
Looping her hand through his elbow, Julian escorted Olivia out of the parlor and toward the double doors of the ballroom leading out onto the terrace. Stepping outside, he scanned the perimeter and growled with annoyance.
Olivia. "What is it?"
Julian. "We were not the only couple desiring a rendezvous in the garden this evening."
Olivia glanced around the terrace, noticing that there were at least 15 couples. She shook her head. "I suppose we must return to the parlor."
Julian. "Do you mind?"
Olivia shook her head as they walked back toward the hallway of parlors. "Not at all. Quite frankly, it seems much more private and less crowded."
Julian nodded as they re-entered the parlor. "Indeed, and it is much more quiet."
Olivia. "Yes it is."
Taking a seat on the couch by the window, they became swept up into quite the pleasant conversation. They discovered they had numerous things in common, from a love of literature and music, to an appreciation of nature. They felt at ease with each other, so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice time slipping away.
Julian. "If I may ask, what brought you to Vivian Morgan?"
Olivia took a breath. "My parents passed away five months ago from scarlet fever. Thankfully, I became employed in the household of Baron Charles Grafton. Everything was going well, until the Baron told me I needed to leave."
Julian stared at her. "Why? What was his reason?"
Olivia laughed softly. "It was the fact that the Baroness was jealous of me."
Julian raised one eyebrow. "Why was she jealous of you? You were working in her household, not being intimate with her husband."
Olivia nodded. "Exactly. Lady Margaret Grafton believed that I was driving a wedge between her and Charles, so I was dismissed with 1500 pounds to my name."
Julian. "At least you were given a substantial amount of money."
Olivia swallowed, her eyes falling to her hands which rested in her lap. "That is where my problem lies your grace. During my five month employment with Baron Grafton, I was forced to give 1000 pounds to my cousin George."
Julian blinked, shocked. "Why on earth were you forced to give your cousin 1000 pounds a month?"
Olivia shook her head. "My cousin and his wife are very greedy people your grace. They demanded I give them a portion of my savings every month. I had no other choice but to do so. By the end of it, I gave them 7000 pounds."
Julian shook his head with disbelief. "Those greedy bastards. Please tell me they left you some money at least."
Olivia nodded. "I only have 500 pounds to my name."
Julian took her hand. "And that is why you decided to come to Vivian for help."
Olivia nodded. "Yes. I wish to have a better life, to fall in love. I don't desire great wealth, but enough to be comfortable."
Julian nodded, squeezing her hand gently. " You will have everything your heart desires. I assure you that you will be loved, cherished, and well taken care of. I will keep you safe and happy at all costs."
Olivia stared at him, absorbing his words. The Duke of Richmond was going to make sure she was well taken care of. She would be loved, cherished, given anything and everything she could ever want. She swallowed hard. "What must I give you in return for your kindness?"
Julian smiled, his thumb caressing her knuckles. "You do not need to give me anything except yourself."
Olivia nodded, smiling softly. "I assure you that I will give you every part of me."
Julian reached up, caressing her cheek. "And I promise you that you will have all of me."
Their eyes remained locked in a magnetic gaze, desire and passion cascading between them. However, it was not the right time, nor the right place, to act on those feelings. That would be saved for another night.