“It would invite too much attention. No lady wants to have her age bandied about and if seen too often with someone five to ten years her junior, Society may speculate on what either may be gaining from such an association. I have noted widows with much younger gentlemen. Usually those men are not plump in the pocket being a younger son while the widow is wealthy, so I assume it is no different than when a gentleman keeps a mistress. I do not wish the ton thinking that the only way anyone could possibly want me is if I were to pay them.”
“I am certain that no one would think such about you when you are on the arm of this younger gentleman.”
“You are assuming anyone will see me on your arm,” she reminded him.
“Oh, I will win you over, Octavia. On that you have my word.”
Again, her blood heated in anticipation. He was going to pursue, and Octavia was beginning to wonder if the question wasn’t if she would allow him into her bed, but when.
“Excuse me, Lady Kepple, will it only be you for dinner this evening?” the housekeeper asked.
A slow smile formed, one which she could not help. Bolton may be attending the ball this evening, but that didn’t mean she could not ask him to stay longer.
Octavia turned to Bolton. “Would you care to dine with me this evening?”
“Few things would bring me more pleasure.” His eyes nearly smoldered. “I thank you for the invitation.”
Dinner, alone, with Octavia. The day and evening turned out to be much more pleasant than he had anticipated. Now, all he needed to do was learn the remaining rules, seduce her, attend the ball. Or perhaps he’d wait until after the ball to seduce her so that they could share the whole night together. Seduction before he had to leave would lead to rushed intimacy and Angelo wanted to proceed slowly and appreciate every moment.
“As it is still raining, and I have an invitation to remain, perhaps we should discuss rule number seven.” At least the rules had not been a hindrance and it was likely that he’d be able to dismiss each one before the night ended. Then, once two was taken care of and they were no longer in newssheets, Octavia would be free to fully enjoy intimacy with him.
Blast! She would not allow him to seduce her tonight for the very reason the newssheets still printed their initials.
He would simply need to convince her otherwise when the time came.
“Rule number seven—avoid those much older as well, especially if they are wealthy for the gossips will take this as a sign that I may wish to become a mistress. Once a mistress, always a mistress, something I will never become.”
“You would not want to lose your standing in Society.”
“That, and I already had one gentleman telling me what to do, therefore I do not wish to be kept by another.”
Angelo nearly choked on his tea, but she did have a valid reason. A mistress, much like a wife, must be available to a man when he required their presence. He suspected that if Octavia ever entered a relationship, no matter how short in duration, she would not be the one waiting to be wanted or needed but would make herself available when she felt like it.
He rather liked that strength in a woman, and it only made him desire her more.
“What is rule number eight?” Angelo asked. He was determined to learn them all.
Octavia chuckled, then rose to add more wood to the fire.
Angelo quickly stood. “Let me attend that for you.”
“Nonsense,” she dismissed him. “I am quite capable of seeing to a fire. In fact, I am quite capable of many things that is usually done by a man.”
There was still so much to learn about Octavia, and he had no doubt that she was indeed quite capable all on her own.
Once the fire was once again ablaze, she crossed to the sideboard and poured two glasses of brandy.
“Is number eight so disturbing that you must fortify yourself?” he asked as she handed him the glass.
She merely smiled. “Not for me.” Then she settled back into her chair. “Number eight is when seeking a lover, seek a rake.”
He settled back in the settee and sipped the brandy, which assisted in eliminating what little chill was left from being outside in the rain. “Why a rake?” Angelo asked out of curiosity. “Given discretion is your number one rule, a known rake is the opposite.”
“A rake loves women and makes no secret of that fact. Therefore, they are safe to dance with or simply converse with at any function as it is likely the rake is giving the same attention to several widows, ladies, misses or any female in general, as I have seen you do at nearly every setting that I’ve encountered you.”
He really could not argue. She was correct on all points, and he did enjoy the company of women, he was just more careful around some than others.
“Therefore, few will take note when I talk to a potential lover since it is likely I have not been the only person he has spoken with that evening.”
