Though, in truth, few of her rules had applied to him. Or did she suspect that he was falling in love with her? That was the very last rule. She valued friendship but wanted no emotional involvement. Yet, at the dinner table insisted that he must have that in his marriage.
“The rule that if you find yourself wanting another, then you shall end whatever it is we may be sharing.”
“I want no one else,” he quickly assured her.
“I also said that you cannot fully put your attention on a potential bride if you are squiring her about during the day, to the theatre or ball at night and then come to my bed. I insisted that she must have your full attention if you are truly considering her as a life mate.”
His stomach tightened. Was Octavia done with him so soon?
Was one night enough for her?
She told him at dinner that he must spend more time with misses. Was that because she was leading this conversation?
“You need to begin potential courtships,” she said. “You cannot wait until the end of the Season in which to decide on a miss that you like well enough. It was wrong of me to ask that you not pursue anyone while visiting my bed.”
Did that mean he’d not visit it again?
“We know that we are lovers and friends, and if you are agreeable, it will continue until one of us decides that it is enough.”
Angelo nearly blew out a sigh of relief.
“However, during the day, you cannot spend it with me. You need to pay calls to women you think may suit. Take them for strolls in the park, to Gunter’s. Waltz with them at balls and take turns about the room. Spend the necessary time. Your future is important. When you find the woman that you want to fully court because you believe she is your future betrothed, then we will end whatever this is that we share, if it has not reached a conclusion already.”
He didn’t want to squire misses about. He had no interest in them, yet Angelo also knew that she was correct. “Are you certain?” he asked with caution.
“Yes. Besides, I do not like this subterfuge of me being your matchmaker when I am not. Therefore, you will tell me the type of woman you are looking for, then share your list with me, and I will act the part and make introductions to those you do not yet know.”
He gaped at her. The fact that she wished to truly help him find his wife hurt more than Angelo had ever anticipated. She’d had him, enjoyed him, and was ready to let someone else have him with no emotional consequence.
Even though they could never have a future, and that was only because he needed an heir, he would suffer when it ended, whereas it didn’t appear as if Octavia would.
If the circumstances were different, he would shake her and insist on the two of them courting because the love was building, the passion existed, and he suspected that it always would. But he needed an heir because he had no other relative who could provide such.
Had his parents bothered to live with each other beyond a few months a year, perhaps his mother may have given birth to another son. Instead, he only had a sister who was eight years younger.
“Do we have a pact then? To enjoy the companionship of the other.”
“That we will be lovers only?” Angelo wished to clarify.
“With neither wanting nor expecting love,” Octavia confirmed.
“When it ends, we will part amicably,” Angelo agreed, thankful that they were not parting tonight, as he earlier feared.
“We will find your wife and hopefully happiness in your future.”
“I will find a wife,” he agreed, but only because he must, but he was not so certain about happiness.
“I will find the wife you need and want. You just need to tell me what you seek.”
Angelo wasn’t certain how to answer. “Do you wish to review that list now?” he asked. Would tonight not be as he had expected?
“Goodness no!” She yawned and delicately covered her mouth. “I fear I am too tired. I should probably retire.” Her grey eyes turned stormy as a brow rose.
Angelo tried not to smile, but he appreciated her boldness.
She’d had her discussion. They were clear on matters but wished to continue a more personal discussion above-stairs.
“Then I shall take my leave.” He set his glass of brandy on the table and stood. Octavia did as well and followed him to the door. As he stepped out on the stoop she called. “Thank you for a pleasant evening, Lord Bolton. I shall speak with you on your more pressing matters further tomorrow.”
