“You have a pet peacock?” Mr. Barnard asked.
“I do, and it was a huge mistake on my part,” Octavia admitted. “Freddy is relentless about chasing me whenever I step out into the gardens.”
“Our father did acquire some female peacocks in an attempt to soften Freddy, but it didn’t work,” Roswell shared.
Mr. Barnard abruptly rose. “Well, I should be going,” he said. “I do not want to take too much of your time.”
“You could do no such thing,” Octavia responded.
“I will come by tomorrow to collect you for our carriage ride through Hyde Park,” Mr. Barnard said.
Octavia offered Mr. Barnard a private smile. “I shall be looking forward to it.”
Rising, Roswell said, “Allow me to walk you out.” The sooner that Mr. Barnard left, the sooner he could breathe again.
Mr. Barnard tipped his head. “Thank you, Lord Roswell.”
As they walked towards the main door, Roswell clasped his hands behind his back and informed him, “Octavia’s companion will be joining you tomorrow.”
“I would expect nothing less,” Mr. Barnard responded.
Roswell opened the door. “Good day, Mr. Barnard,” he said, standing to the side to let the man depart.
Once the Frenchman stepped through the door, Roswell closed it a little more forcefully than necessary. Good riddance, he thought.
Octavia’s voice came from the doorway to the drawing room. “Why do you insist on being rude to Mr. Barnard?”
“I don’t like that man,” he replied.
“That is not fair of you, especially since you hardly know him,” Octavia contested.
“I know enough.”
Octavia rolled her eyes. “You are vexing, Brother.”
“Mrs. Harper will be accompanying you tomorrow on your carriage ride with Mr. Barnard,” Roswell said.
“That is hardly necessary—”
Roswell cut her off. “That was not a suggestion,” he stated, his words coming out much harsher than he had intended.
With an annoyed look on her face, Octavia approached him and said, “You do not get to dictate my actions.”
“I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“By ordering me around?” she asked.
Roswell felt some of his anger dissipate and he wondered if he had perhaps gone too far. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Octavia tilted her chin stubbornly. “I can take care of myself.”
“Just appease me on this, please,” Roswell said.
His sister considered him for a long moment before saying, “I will take Mrs. Harper tomorrow, but only so I can prove you wrong. Mr. Barnard’s intentions are completely honorable.”
“Thank you.” Roswell was pleased that she had conceded so easily.
Octavia shook her head. “I don’t know why you are so distrusting of him,” she said before she headed up the stairs.
