The Seduction of Lady X by Julia London Page A

happened?”
    Olivia turned her head away and moved out of Alexa’s grasp. “A mishap.”
    “A mishap! He did this! I suspected him to be the sort! The man has a black heart.”
    “Alexa!” Olivia said, and looked at the open door. Mr. Tolly understood her and moved to close it. “Have a care what you say in this house,” Olivia warned her sister. “You are speaking of my husband and, at present, your benefactor . . . and the walls have ears,” she added low.
    “I do not care if they do! You must leave him, Livi!” Alexa insisted. “You cannot allow such treatment!”
    Sometimes it seemed as if Alexa were eight instead of eighteen. “Do you think I allow it?” Olivia said hotly.
    “You allow it by staying here, with him,” Alexa snapped. “You should leave this place.”
    “And exactly where do you suggest I go? To do what, pray tell?” Olivia demanded. “I cannot leave Edward. He is my husband and he has the legal right to do with me what he will. Even if he allowed me to leave him, where would I go? With you ? To a convent in Ireland?”
    Alexa flushed. “I only mean that you should not have to bear such treatment.”
    Olivia softened. “I know what you mean. But have a care, darling. And do not fret. He is not in the habit of hitting me, in spite of how it may appear.” She felt the bile rise in the back of her throat with those words. Her mother had once told her that men who beat their wives were like wolves—once they’d had a taste of blood, they couldn’t go back to eating rubbish. “Unfortunately, you and I are two lambs in this world, Alexa. We have no family, no money of our own, no laws to protect us. Until we can devise a better solution, we must do as he says.”
    “It’s entirely unfair, how men may do as they please, and we must do their bidding,” Alexa said bitterly. She looked distrustfully at Mr. Tolly as she resumed her seat. “Might we speak alone, Livi? I should like to speak to you in confidence.”
    “No,” Olivia said. “We need Mr. Tolly’s guidance. He is in our confidence, and we desperately need his help.”
    Alexa wilted in her seat. “He wouldn’t let me come to you yesterday, you know. He is the steward here, and he is instructing me. I am the daughter of a viscount, Olivia. I should not be made to marry a steward.”
    Olivia gasped; one of Mr. Tolly’s brows rose high. “Have you ever heard the saying that you should not bite the hand that feeds you?” he asked.
    Olivia found her sister’s arrogance breathtaking. “You might have thought of your requirements whilst you were in Spain.”
    “Lord!” Alexa said to the ceiling. “Must I constantly be reminded of it?”
    “Alexa!” Olivia cried, horrified.
    “Olivia, please!” Alexa complained. “Why can’t we go somewhere and live? You would be happier, you know you would.”
    “Think of what you are saying, Alexa,” Olivia said impatiently. “We have no money. How would we live?”
    “I shall find an occupation,” she said. “I could be a governess.”
    Olivia snorted at that.
    “Why not? I am perfectly capable. At least I’m trying to think of a proper solution!”
    “If I may?” Mr. Tolly asked calmly.
    “I am not the least surprised you want to add your voice to the chorus,” Alexa said dispiritedly.
    “Oh dear God,” Olivia groaned.
    But Mr. Tolly was unruffled. He said calmly, “My mother bore a child out of wedlock—me.”
    Alexa gasped. Her gaze flew to Olivia, her expression full of shock.
    Olivia was likewise shocked to hear him say it so plainly. “Mr. Tolly, it’s not necessary—”
    “I beg your pardon, Lady Carey, but if you will allow me, I think I can be of some help,” he said, and clasped his hands behind his back and stared down at Alexa. “My mother was not so fortunate as to find work as a governess. She was a paramour.”
    Alexa gaped at him.
    “She was forced to rely on her body for income. It was not her first choice, but unfortunately, her only