“Had he been a rake in his day?”
“He considered himself one, and I suppose he had that reputation, but upon his betrothal to Lady Kepple swore to be reformed.” Jordan shook his head. “Kepple was likely untruthful from the moment he begged an introduction to his future wife. At least, that is my opinion after watching him navigate Society each Season after they wed. His wife on the sidelines with her friends, and he visiting clubs and brothels. I only know this for a fact because I often saw him there.”
Angelo tipped back the glass and drained the contents. If he were to get Lady Kepple into his bed, he needed to be honest about his intentions this Season. If she did not appreciate that he wished to have some enjoyment before he decided to seek a wife, then perhaps he might not win her at all.
Chapter 7
“Are you certain that you wish to live here alone?” Lavinia questioned after she came to call on Octavia.
“I enjoy the independence.”
“Then having a home to yourself has nothing to do with your intention to take a lover.”
Her sister was far too perceptive, and Octavia hoped that Lavinia didn’t wish to move in with her as it would make for an awkward situation. “There is that added benefit,” Octavia answered honestly. “I certainly could not bring a rake to Leopold’s home and entertain him in my set of rooms.”
“Did Crispin know your plans?”
“No. Do you think he would allow me to live here if he had?” Her brothers were very protective for being younger and her being a widow.
“Have you decided who it may be?” Lavinia asked before she took a sip of tea.
“No.” There were other rakes to consider, except she found none of them appealing.
“I am surprised that you rejected Bolton.”
Octavia rolled her eyes. “That article was a few days ago and I am certain that it has already been forgotten.”
“What of the one today?”
“He was mentioned again?” Octavia rose and walked to the desk where the papers had been placed.
“Yes, and your rejection.”
“How is that even possible?” She started to scan the newssheets and then saw the gossip. Rake rejected again. Despite his pursuit of her, it appears Lady K has no interest in Lord B. They were recently seen in Hyde Park attending the balloon launch, though it was by happenstance as before their encounter they were with their families. Regardless, Lord B did escort Lady K and when the launch concluded, she turned on her heel and marched away from a frowning Lord B.
“In the year we were away I had forgotten that there was likely a gossip around every corner and hiding behind every bush.” Octavia tossed the newssheet back on the desk and wondered if it was too early for brandy, which it was because she’d soon need to accompany Lavinia to Leopold’s home to supervise afternoon visits.
“You are lucky one was not behind a bush the night of your confession to me about taking a lover.”
No gossip had been listening, but Lord Bolton certainly had been, not that she’d tell Lavinia.
She really could use a glass of brandy.
While she had rejected Lord Bolton, it didn’t mean she didn’t wish to experience what he promised. Yet, she could not do so if he and she were being watched so closely.
There was nothing for it. If she wished to retain her privacy, she must reconsider the other rakes as Lord Bolton would never do if she wished to keep her secrets.
“I did not come by to simply visit,” Lavinia announced. “I need you to take my place this afternoon.”
Octavia frowned. “That is no difficulty.”
“Good, then you will accompany them as Leopold needs me to review a contract.”
Octavia stilled. “Accompany them where?” She thought Lavinia simply needed her to chaperone those who called on her sisters from the other side of the room. It was tedious but not difficult.
“An al fresco hosted by Donovan MacGregor and his wife.”
“We have been invited?” Octavia assumed that Claresta would shun her entire family after what had happened.
