“What is wrong?” he asked by way of a greeting.
She glanced up, looked him in the eye and swallowed. “I wish to apologize.”
“What could you possibly need to apologize for.”
She turned away from him and poured a glass of brandy. Her hands shook so much that she nearly spilled from the decanter.
“Octavia, what is wrong?”
She said nothing as she handed him the glass. He took it, then set it aside. He may need it later, but not right now. Not when he was so worried about Octavia. Something was dreadfully wrong, but he could not imagine what it might be.
“You should know that I will leave London tomorrow and likely not return, ever.”
“Why?”
“It’s important that you know that I do not want to make your life any more difficult.”
“I do not know how you possibly could.”
She blew out a sigh and walked to the window. “This was not supposed to happen. I did not think it possible. I swear to you, had I known it could happen I would have told you. I honestly did not know.”
“I still do not know,” he said, at a total loss as to why she was so upset and apologetic.
“I am expecting.”
Angelo’s heart hitched. He could not have heard her correctly.
“What did you say?” he asked slowly and carefully.
“I am going to have a child. Your child.”
Angelo couldn’t help it, but he started laughing. This was the very answer he needed, wanted. He did not have to kiss Lady Briana or meet with Lord St. Mullin because he was now free to marry Octavia, the woman he loved, and still provide an heir.
Octavia whipped around. “This is no laughing matter.”
“I suppose it is not, but I cannot help myself.”
“I promise that I will keep this secret, which is the reason I am leaving Town. Nor will I ever name the father.”
The joy he felt earlier dissipated. “Why would you do that?”
“You are to marry Lady Briana. What you tell her is up to you, but I will not bandy your name about, or even reveal this pregnancy. She does not need that weighing on what should be some of her happier days.”
Now he understood.
“I am not marrying Lady Briana.”
Octavia frowned. “You cannot break of your betrothal now. It would ruin her.”
“Octavia, let me explain...”
“She should not be forced to suffer because of me…because I was wrong.”
“I am not betrothed,” he informed her.
“What? Why? You were going to speak with her father. I cannot imagine that he would have rejected you.”
“I could not bring myself to do so.”
