“Thank you,” she murmured as she withdrew her hand.
Fredrick came to stand next to her. “I wish you would remain in the coach. It might not be safe for you in there.”
“I do believe I have proven that I can handle myself under difficult circumstances,” Octavia said as she stared back at him, challenging him to deny it.
Fredrick pursed his lips before saying, “Just remain by me and do not let your anger get the best of you.”
Harred spoke up. “Again, I do not think my brother could do something such as this.”
“We shall see,” Fredrick muttered.
They walked towards the main door and it was promptly opened by the butler.
Stepping inside, Harred asked, “Where is my brother?”
The butler closed the door behind him and shared, “He left a short time ago, but he has yet to return.”
Harred did not look pleased by that information. “I need to speak to the grooms that are responsible for tending to my carriages.”
“That would be Steven and James. I will go inform them at once.” The butler eyed him with concern. “You have blood on your forehead. Would you like for me to send for a doctor?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Harred said. “Just send Steven and James into my study when they arrive.”
“Yes, my lord,” the butler said before he walked off.
Harred turned to face Octavia. “I apologize. I should have asked for some tea to be brought up for you or at least a biscuit. I know how fond you are of those.”
“I have had enough tea and biscuits, but thank you, my lord,” she replied in a gracious tone.
A smirk came to Fredrick’s lips. “I didn’t think it was possible for you to ever have enough biscuits,” he joked.
“It is a rare thing, but it is possible,” Octavia said.
Harred gestured towards a corridor and suggested, “Why don’t we wait in my study for the grooms? It will be far more comfortable than just standing around in the entry hall.”
Octavia had to admit that she wouldn’t mind sitting down. Her body was still aching from the fall she’d had earlier. “That is a wonderful idea,” she said.
As she followed Harred to the study, she couldn’t help but notice the tenseness that exuded off of him and her brother.
She had just stepped into the study when she saw Lady William sitting on the settee and she had a book in her hand.
Lady William looked up when they entered the room and let out a slight gasp. “My lord,” she said as she rose. “I do hope it is all right that I am in your study. You said I could go anywhere and…”
Harred put his hand up, stilling her words. “You are welcome to be in my study. This is your home now.”
Lady William’s shoulders relaxed and she looked visibly relieved. “Thank you, my lord,” she said as she closed the book in her hand. “You are most generous.”
“I believe I asked you to call me Harred,” he chided lightly. “Family doesn’t make use of titles.”
“Yes, of course,” Lady William rushed out. “I’m sorry. I am not used to being so informal or having a new brother, for that matter.”
Octavia felt bad for Lady William since she seemed to feel so unsure of herself. “Hello, Lady William,” she greeted. “You remember my brother, do you not?”
Lady William dropped into a curtsy. “Yes, I do remember Lord Chatsworth. You both were so kind to come speak to me at the soiree.”
“It was our pleasure,” Fredrick chimed in.
With a glance at the bookshelves along the side wall, Lady William said, “Harred has an impressive number of books in here. I do believe I could get lost in here rather often.” She paused as she seemed to collect her thoughts. “But I will avoid reading any books on religion or politics. I know those aren’t appropriate topics for women to learn about.”
