“There is Aurora and her sisters,” Meredith proclaimed loudly. “We must join them.”
“Do you not have other friends,” Angelo asked rather loudly so anyone listening would believe he did not wish to be near Lady Kepple. It was a necessary game that one must play during the Season.
“Of course, I have other friends,” Meredith insisted. “But Aurora is my dearest friend. I so missed her last Season, and I shall not avoid her this spring.”
“How can one be a dearest friend when you have not seen her in over a year?” Shrewsbury asked.
“Correspondence. We have shared several letters and I intentionally wrote her often during the most horrible times of her life.”
Without waiting to see if Shrewsbury would allow her to join Aurora, Meredith flounced off to be with her friend who was already seated at a table with two of her sisters, older brother, the Duke of Claybrook and the newest Duke of Ellings.
Bethany shook her head and then strolled after Meredith.
“Do go, both of you,” his aunt, Shrewsbury’s mother, practically shoed Angelo and Shrewsbury away. “You will not find a future wife standing with me, but among my daughters’ friends.” She arched an eyebrow. “And you should also facilitate an introduction of the two most eligible bachelors at the table to your sisters.”
His aunt would be quite happy if her daughters each married one of the dukes. She’d consider it a further boon if Angelo and Shrewsbury also married one of the younger sisters of Claybrook. While he may not know Shrewsbury’s intentions, Angelo had no interest in any of the sisters but one.
“Given who we are about to encounter, I cannot wait to read the newssheets tomorrow for their report on how you faired in your pursuit of the widow,” Shrewsbury laughed.
Angelo nearly growled. “We are barely into the Season. It was two conversations.”
“Where you were rejected.”
Her rejection still stung, but he also understood.
Meredith was chatting incessantly with the Tilson sisters while Lady Kepple sat with a forced smile. Claybrook glared at any miss who cast a glance at him, or his cousin. As for Ellings, he seemed relaxed and observant, though not engaging.
At least they were at a small table that would not allow anyone else to sit. It had been his fear that Meredith intended for them all to spend the afternoon with Lady Aurora and her family.
It was then that Lord Augustus returned, carrying a tray of beverages. “I stole this from a table. I am certain that a servant will not miss it.”
“Augustus!” Lady Kepple scolded.
“Then you should not have sent me for refreshments and waited to be attended.”
“I did not…” She glanced up and met Angelo’s eyes. “Never mind.”
“Come along, Meredith. We should find a place to sit,” Shrewsbury said.
With a heavy sigh, his cousin rose from what had probably been Lord Augustus’ seat. “As soon as refreshments have concluded, you will join me,” Meredith ordered Aurora and the girl simply nodded, curls bouncing against her shoulders.
Thank goodness they had gotten away from the family before he had a chance to speak with Lady Kepple. As no words were spoken, there would be no reports of a rejection.
Chapter 8
While it might be considered rude, Octavia was proud that she had not acknowledged Lord Bolton.
Though, perhaps the gossips would take issue with that as well and claim she gave him the cut direct.
Oh, it was so exhausting to worry about what one may say or do and how it could be interpreted or reported.
Perhaps they wouldn’t even notice her or Bolton since when others looked to her table, they were focused on her brother, Leopold, a duke, and Darius, the newest Duke of Ellings. Both young and in need of a wife. Well, Society saw them in need of a wife, but neither gentleman held the same opinion.
At least Bolton and his family were out of sight while they enjoyed the cold luncheon provided before the activities began. She also knew that they sat behind her for that is where Aurora had waved, and it took everything in her being not to turn around and look. Instead, she admonished her sister for improper behavior. However, Octavia was very much aware that Bolton was behind her because she could almost feel him watching her, warming her back with his heated gaze.
Her sister’s excitement for the day reminded Octavia when she was once young, innocent and naive. Hopefully they weren’t as foolish and gullible as she had been.
“If you will excuse me.” Augustus tossed his napkin on the table and stood.
