The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton

eyes.
    Elizabeth’s mouth fell open as she looked back and forth between Jason and Olivia. “Lord Coventry, surely you know Lady…”
    “Olivia Grant, my lord,” Olivia whispered, her mouth dry.
    Jason bowed, taking her hand and kissing it. “Earl of Coventry at your service, my lady.”
    He frowned as his gaze slid back and forth between the two women. Olivia glanced at Elizabeth who glared at Jason, her lips clamped in a firm line.
    “My lady, may I request the pleasure of this dance?” Jason said before he released Olivia’s hand.
    Unable to locate her voice, she merely nodded and darted a panicky glance at Elizabeth, before she accepted Jason’s arm.
    He doesn’t even remember me! All this time I’ve been dreading this meeting and the fool has no idea who I am.
    But when he studied her with those piercing blue eyes, she shuddered inwardly. Deserting her was bad enough, but to not even recognize her was the ultimate mortification. Thank goodness only Elizabeth knew the story and had witnessed the exchange.
    Whatever made me give him—of all people—my maiden name?
    The words had popped out of her mouth without even thinking. Now that it was done she would continue on. If only he would stop looking at her in a way that made it difficult to get a full breath.
    Jason made general comments when the dance brought them together. Still unable to form two words, Olivia merely smiled or nodded at his remarks.
    So this is what my husband looks like sober.
    Devastatingly handsome came to mind. His strong jaw and full lips with a slight scar on the right upper corner of his mouth gave him a dangerous look. It was bad enough when he smiled. But when he flashed that irresistibly devastating grin and regarded her with those blue eyes as if to eat her up, her air seemed to cut off.
    Wait a minute. He believes himself married, yet he’s flirting with me?
    Anger and humiliation washed over her like a wave knocking a small boat and her palm itched to slap the captivating smile off his face.
    The nerve of the man!
    Finally the dance ended and Jason raised her hand and placed it on his arm. “You look a little warm, perhaps a glass of champagne or lemonade, Lady Olivia?”
    Again, Olivia only inclined her head. Except now, rage, not panic, stifled her voice.
    They strolled to the refreshment table, Jason nodding at various people they passed. He found her a seat and presented her with a glass of cold champagne before she even realized he had left.
    “Since I have not seen you before tonight, I assume this ball is your first appearance of the Season, my lady?” He settled in the seat across from her.
    “Yes, it is. I’ve just arrived from the country.” Annoyance tightened her lips at the breathlessness of her voice.
    Her cheeks warmed as anger continued to race through her. She carefully placed the glass of champagne on the table to prevent herself from throwing the contents into his face.
    “The name Grant sounds somewhat familiar to me.” Jason signaled the footman for another glass of champagne.
    Do you think so?
    “Is it possible I know your family?”
    “My parents are deceased. But we had not lived in England for quite some time.”
    “In any event, I’m sure all of London is certainly glad you made the trip from the country. You’re staying with Lady Lansdowne?” He continued to stare at her with those eyes, but her anger kept her immune to his charm.
    “Yes, I am her house guest.” She had to get away from Lord Arrogant before she did something to embarrass Elizabeth, or something that she would surely regret.
    Jason sipped the champagne and studied her over the rim of the glass. “Do you ride?”
    “Yes I do.” She gave him a tight smile and added, “Riding’s about our only entertainment in the country.”
    “Perhaps you would care to join me some morning. I ride every day.”
    Olivia panicked. It was bad enough being so close to him in a crowded room, but a ride with just the two of them was out