“That you are to help him find his bride?”
“Yes. He asked that of me, and I agreed.”
Lavinia leaned close. “I thought you wished for a…” Lavinia’s whisper trailed off as she glanced across the room to their younger sisters and their court. “You know,” she finished quietly.
“I did. I do. This is a separate matter.”
Their butler entered the parlor and came towards them. “The Earl of Bolton to see Lady Kepple. Are you at home?”
Why was Angelo here?
Her heart raced as she stood.
Did he come to tell her that they would only be friends and that he no longer had a desire to be her lover?
It is what she feared.
Instead of telling the butler to send him in, Octavia walked to the entry.
Angelo offered a half bow. “I have come to ask if you would care to go driving in the park with me. I brought the phaeton, and the day is quite pleasant.”
Octavia frowned. “I am surprised that you have called on me Lord Bolton.”
“Yes, well, you did promise to assist me.”
She glanced over to note the parlor door was open and her sisters and their guests were watching the exchange.
Why were so many people interested in the relationship she shared with Angelo?
“I said that I may be of assistance. I did not agree, nor can you stop by when you wish.” Though she was desperately happy that he was here. That is, unless he wished to take her from the house and tell her what they shared was over.
“You did promise to help me find my bride. It was in the bookshop and there were witnesses.”
Octavia blew out a sigh. “Very well. Let me inform my sisters and then we can be off.”
“Go ahead. I will keep an eye on Aurora and Sabina,” Lavinia said from the doorway.
“Thank you.”
Octavia allowed him to escort her from the house and then lift her up into the phaeton. Only when he joined her on the seat did she ask, “Did you bring your list?”
Angelo frowned as he took the reins and moved his cattle into traffic. “No, I did not bring a list.”
“Then how am I to help you?”
“It was a ruse. I thought you would have caught on.”
“I assumed as much.” She sniffed. “But if we are to be out in public, we must make an effort to discuss the available misses and ladies.”
“I do not want to think about that now. I would rather enjoy this day.”
“If you are going to drive in Hyde Park, you had best be thinking about your future as eyes will be upon us and likely many listening ears.”
“Very well, we can discuss quietly and point out a few and I will nod obediently as if you are giving me excellent advice.”
Octavia nearly laughed. “You know, one day you truly will need to look for a bride.”
He turned to look at her. “Today is not that day.”
