Even if he had, theirs would have been an impossible union, so it was best that his heart was free, and she should be grateful that he had warned her of what was to come.
If Lady Briana’s father accepted Angelo, which he likely would, that would be all anyone talked about tomorrow evening.
She was to attend a ball with her sisters, but it was impossible. In fact, Octavia could not be in London until Society had found something else to gossip about.
But what was she to do and where was she to go?
She fell back on her bed and stared up at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, she would go to Elizabeth. Certainly, she would know where Octavia could visit for at least a sennight and until word of the Earl of Bolton’s betrothal was not on everyone’s lips.
Her stomach knotted and again, Octavia felt ill.
It was being heartsick and now dread that filled her. And the only way to relieve her of this nearly constant state was to be away from London.
Though she did not sleep well at first, Octavia was surprised when she woke to a bright morning.
As she sat up to get out of bed, a wave of nausea came over her. She swallowed to keep the sickness away.
She was so tired of this feeling ill. No wonder so many women swore off love after a horrible heartbreak. Who would wish to endure this again? Slowly, she lay back against her pillow.
Eventually the maid came in and Octavia asked for tea to be delivered.
“Are you unwell, Lady Kepple?” she asked with concern. “You have not been yourself these past few days.”
“I am simply exhausted, and my sleep did not come easy last night.” Octavia didn’t dare tell her maid that she was also nauseated because she would insist on calling for the doctor when what ailed Octavia could only be healed with time.
The tea did settle her stomach, and after dressing for her outing, Octavia enjoyed a light breakfast that eased her discomfort than paid a call to Elizabeth, who was currently residing at Matron Manor.
Elizabeth understood the need for Octavia to be away and offered suggestions for Octavia to consider.
“I cannot go to Bath. It is his favorite town.”
“He will not be in Bath, but in London,” Elizabeth reminded her.
“Yes, but enough of Society will be there and I do not wish to encounter anyone I know or be forced to listen to the happy news and feign happiness as well.”
Elizabeth nodded. “What of Southampton or Hastings? I find that being near water, or walking along a beach can be soothing.”
“Of course!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “I do not know why I did not think of it before.”
“Think of what?” Elizabeth asked.
“Seaford! It is where my mother was born and raised. Her ancestors had made their fortunes in shipping before the harbor disappeared. They moved to another port but kept their home along the coast. It is now owned by my brother, and he keeps a small staff in residence because that is where he likes to retreat when he wishes to be alone.”
“It sounds as if you have found your own solution.”
“Yes, I have.” Octavia relaxed for the first time in days. “Thank you for being my friend and confidante.”
“It is my pleasure, Octavia. May you find the peace that you seek.”
As soon as Octavia took her leave, she went straight away to Leopold and informed him that she needed to be gone from London as it had become too much, and that she would like to holiday in Seaford.
While he was concerned, he did not argue that she needed to remain. He then arranged for the carriage and outriders to protect her on her travels and sent word ahead to have the cottage prepared.
Though many would have waited until the following morning to embark on travel, Octavia could not leave London quickly enough. The packing was rushed and while her maid was flustered, she did not try and talk Octavia out of leaving on such short notice, and before the first calls were being made during afternoon visits, Octavia had already left.
Angelo dressed for his meeting with Lord Seamus Delaney, Marquess of St. Mullin. He had not scheduled an appointment but had assumed that Lord St. Mullin would meet with him when he called and asked for an audience.
