The Seduction of Lady X by Julia London Page B

Ephesians?” Edward asked.
    Mr. Tolly grinned. “Not as familiar as I ought to be, I’m afraid.”
    If he were married to Edward, he would have been exceedingly familiar with the chapter. Edward often selected his readings from the gospel of Paul.
    “If you will indulge a man and his wife a bit of spiritual readings, I shall continue,” Edward said, as if he were the Archbishop. He lifted the Bible and read, “‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife.’” He lowered the Bible and smiled coldly at Olivia.
    Mr. Tolly glanced uncomfortably at his teacup and lifted it to his lips.
    But Olivia smiled brightly at her husband. She despised him, but she despised being ridiculed in front of Mr. Tolly even worse. “A fine reading, my lord. You should consider the pulpit.”
    Edward scowled. “Now that you have given me heed, my dear, perhaps you will be so kind as to tell me your interpretation?”
    Olivia knew very well what she risked by challenging him, but she was past the point of caring. Let him banish her, too—it would be a blessing of sorts. Let him hit her—it could be no more painful than his company. “My interpretation?” she asked, as if pondering it. “Oh, I hardly know, my love. But I think you are very eager to tell me what my interpretation should be.”
    Mr. Tolly choked on his tea.
    Edward’s eyes darkened. He leaned back, studying her. “I think you need to be reminded that the gospel cautions that a wife should revere her husband.”
    “Does it?” Olivia asked with a doe-eyed look, then shrugged lightly. “I recall very little of the verses, really . . . Except,” she said, lifting one finger, “I do recall the verse that says a husband should render the wife due benevolence.”
    Mr. Tolly’s coughing suddenly worsened. “I beg your pardon,” he said hoarsely and stood up, walking to the sideboard.
    Edward, predictably, was not the least bit amused. “I think you mean to provoke me.”
    “Not at all!” Olivia said sweetly. “I never mean to provoke you.”
    Edward’s lips disappeared into a thin line.
    “If I may, my lord,” Mr. Tolly said as he returned to the table, “there is much we have to accomplish before your departure.”
    “Departure?” Olivia asked.
    “Yes,” Edward said tightly. “Departure.”
    Olivia resisted the urge to leap for joy. “Where are you going?”
    Edward suddenly stood. Mr. Tolly stood, too. “I am to London. And before you inquire, I shall tell you straightaway that you are not allowed to come.”
    If she hadn’t despised him, Olivia might have kissed him. “I would not dream of burdening you with my presence,” she said sweetly.
    Edward tossed down his linen. “Mr. Tolly, please endure the company of my wife for a few moments. I find I am in the need of a bit of air before we begin,” he said and, looking pointedly at Olivia, he strode out.
    Mr. Tolly remained standing until he’d gone, then turned about and looked at Olivia, a soft smile on his face. “Ephesians,” he said as he resumed his seat.
    “We are very select in our readings here. But never mind that—Mr. Tolly, I have been desperate to speak to you.”
    “Of course.”
    She leaned forward and stretched her hand across the table. “You cannot mean to marry Alexa! I cannot allow it.”
    “Of course I—”
    “No, no,” she said, shaking her head. “It was very chivalrous of you to offer, and God knows I cannot thank you enough for it.” She spoke quickly, certain that Edward would appear at any moment. “But I will not allow you to saddle yourself with an unwanted marriage and wife for the rest of your life.”
    “It is—”
    “Are you mad ?” she whispered, glancing nervously at the door. “There is no life, no happiness in marriage to someone you cannot love. Your heart was pure, and you meant a kindness, but you and Alexa cannot make such a grave mistake. Think of it,” she begged him.