Her quiet laugh was shaky as she reached up to caress his cheek. “So long as I am the only woman you are seducing.”
“There will never be anyone else for me. On that you have my promise.”
Epilogue
“Last evening was not so terrible,” Octavia observed as she sipped her tea. “Shortly we will learn if our sisters were a success.”
Octavia had taken a seat near the empty fireplace and Lavinia sat in the matching chair. From here they could observe the various callers, if there were any. Aurora and Sabina, their younger sisters, were on the settee near the tea service. Across from them was Augustus, her youngest brother, to keep watch. Leopold was absent and intended to remain so. He would not be home to callers—ever. He had little patience for nosey mothers and their simpering daughters. Whereas Augustus had no fear of the same since Leopold, the duke, was who everyone wanted, not the brother who was third in line. Now that Crispin was wed, he’d likely father a son, which would push Augustus even further from the lofty title.
It was not long before misses arrived, eager to meet His Grace, and were forced to settle for Aurora, Sabina, and Augustus. There were also visits from eligible bachelors, who Octavia watched carefully. Were they interested in her sisters or more interested in being the brother-in-law to a duke? So often it was too difficult to tell until a courtship had progressed.
“What do you think of hiring an investigator if any show true interest?” she whispered to Lavinia.
“Leopold has already planned on doing so. He trusts no one.”
Octavia continued to sip her tea as callers remained for not above fifteen minutes, though sometimes it was difficult to tell when there were so many present at one time.
At least they would not be shunned, and Octavia anticipated the arrival of invitations for the entire family and not simply for His Grace.
However, watching the females giggle with her sisters and observing the bachelors fawning over them was not at all helpful to Octavia. The type of rake she sought would not call on a miss, nor would his reputation be mentioned in polite company. But, where else could she learn the names of any rakes who held promise. She had known them two years ago, but much could have changed, and those gentlemen may now be reformed.
Her focus turned to Augustus who remained polite and observant, as an older brother should. At the age of four and twenty, it was possible that he might know. If he didn’t, it would be easier for him to learn.
As the last of the guests took their leave, her sisters smiled and relaxed. Octavia was confident that the fear of the family scandals ruining their futures could now be put to rest.
Done with his duty, Augustus stood. “I am off to White’s.”
“Wait,” Octavia called. “A word please.”
All three sisters looked to her with curiosity.
“In private,” she clarified.
Her sisters frowned and studied her as if they wished to know what this was about. However, Octavia stared them down and they were soon gone. Octavia closed the door.
“What is this about?”
“What do you know of the gentlemen who called today.”
Augustus shrugged. “Suitable enough I suppose. Some are titled, others are younger sons.”
“What do you know of their reputations?”
“Little. I am leaving it to Leopold to determine the worth of any gentleman who may show an interest in either Aurora or Sabina.”
Octavia crossed to the sideboard and poured herself a glass of brandy and one for Augustus as well.
“What are you about, Octavia?”
“You are aware that my marriage was not pleasant.”
“I have been led to believe such, just not how unpleasant.”
“Kepple could be, um, difficult. He also kept mistresses. He had one when we wed, and rarely was without one.”
“It is the way…”
She held up her hand to silence her brother.
