“A selfish and inconsiderate husband,” Octavia confirmed. “She couldn’t understand why I wanted a lover. It was beyond her understanding. She is also the reason I was at the chemist that day at the Bazaar. I purchased lavender drops in hopes of boosting her spirits.”
“I assume they did not help.”
“I have not used them yet. At first, I was going to put them in her tea and then reconsidered. It is not something that should be done without her knowledge and everything I suggest that might lighten her spirits, she rejects.”
“Maybe she is happy with being an estate manager,” Angelo offered.
Octavia glanced to him. Maybe it was as simple as that. Lavinia was the proper sister and the bluestocking. Even before she wed, she had no use for Society, and it was likely that Octavia was concerned for no reason. “Perhaps you are correct,” she finally offered. Besides, she should probably keep the lavender drops for herself as she would be likely suffering from her own doldrums once Angelo was no longer in her life.
Also, they weren’t here to discuss Lavinia, but for Angelo to begin his search for a bride even if he had no intention of marrying her until December. By the way he wanted to put it off, Octavia wouldn’t be surprised if he did not wed until Christmas Eve.
“Ah, there is Lady Penelope Johansen, sister-in-law to our hostess, and I’m certain Lord Bentley would like to see his sisters marry.”
Thus was the first introduction or renewing of an acquaintance as Octavia led Angelo from one available miss or lady to another.
As Octavia had asked, Angelo spent the ball dancing with those he had spoken with at the Garden Party. The person he had not spoken to, or even acknowledged was Octavia. She thought it best if she distanced herself from his obvious quest for a wife.
He couldn’t wait to leave and wasted no time in entering the back of her house and quietly making his way up to her bedchamber.
Now, he lay on his side, his head resting on her bosom. She was covered with a sheet, but he could hear her steady heartbeat in his ear.
“Did you enjoy yourself this evening?” she asked.
“Before I arrived here, the answer would be no. After, yes.”
She chuckled. “I saw that you danced with Miss Theresa Claxton, Lady Penelope Johansen, Miss Jesse Grant, and Lady Briana Delaney.”
“As you expected me to,” Angelo reminded her. He did not want to discuss those women. He was with Octavia, and she was all he wanted. What Angelo feared was that he would never want anyone else ever.
Octavia threaded her fingers through his hair. It was new, comforting, loving and he wanted to hold on to this moment for fear it would never be again.
"Angelo, what is it you enjoy?" Her voice was quiet, tired, and warm.
"I enjoy being with you," he mumbled against her breast.
"That is not what I meant." She pushed against his shoulder. "You have shown me so much pleasure in ways I never imagined."
He grinned. There were times that Angelo feared that he would shock her but so far, she had been willing to allow him to take the lead and let their passions rule without question, as she had tonight.
"You have seen to my pleasure before taking your own… What I am trying to ask, what can I do for you? You have touched and kissed me everywhere, yet I have barely caressed you."
His heart hammered and Angelo wondered if he should voice what many women considered highly improper.
"I want to do for you what you do for me. Give you pleasure, concentrating on you the way you have been so focused on me."
No woman had ever asked that of him before. Well, except for his former mistresses, but they were in those roles for the purpose of pleasuring. This was the first time a woman wanted to do something for him to make him happy. But he could not ask her to do what he had not even asked of a mistress.
"There is nothing other than this," Angelo finally answered. It meant more to him that she asked and wanted to please than any act would be. Though, another thought occurred to him. "Tomorrow," he said.
"What about tomorrow?"
He once again grinned against her breasts. "You will seduce me. You take the lead, and I will be but your slave."
"I would not begin to know what to do." Octavia sounded almost panicked.
"You know more than you realize. Follow your instincts."
"What if I do something wrong?"
