Fredrick shuddered. “I don’t need a wife, at least not in this case.” He gestured towards the corridor. “You mustn’t keep Harred waiting.”
She reached up and placed her hands on her cheeks. “I must look a fright.”
“You look lovely,” her brother said. “I will be down in a moment. I just wanted to speak to Mother before I join you for dinner.”
Octavia didn’t need to be told twice. She was excited to see Harred and she found herself hurrying down the corridor. Once she descended the stairs, she stopped at the large mirror that hung in the entry hall.
She took a moment to study herself in the mirror and saw that her eyes held a slight redness to them. But would Harred even notice? She hoped not. She didn’t feel likeexplaining what had upset her. It might start her crying all over again.
As she stepped into the drawing room, she saw Harred was standing by the window and he was looking out over the gardens. His hands were clasped behind his back and his expression was etched in concentration.
She decided it was time to make her presence known. “Hello, Harred.” She smiled, hoping to distract him.
He unclasped his hands and turned to face her. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them and stopped in front of her. “What is wrong?” he asked, the concern evident in his features.
Octavia should have known he would have seen through her facade. “I just came from my mother’s room and she…” Her voice hitched. Dare she continue and risk making a fool of herself?
Harred placed a hand on her sleeve. “She what?” he prodded gently.
She could feel the tears pricking at the back of her eyes. “She… uh… didn’t remember me.”
Her words had barely left her mouth when she found herself wrapped up in his arms. “I am sorry, my dear,” he whispered.
Octavia allowed herself to relax into his arms and she found great comfort there. There was something familiar about being in his arms, something that felt very much like being home.
After a long moment, Harred dropped his arms and he took a step back. “I do apologize for my brazen actions—”
“Do not apologize, please,” she said, speaking over him. “You did nothing wrong.”
Harred watched her with a tenderness that she had never witnessed before and she realized that no one had ever looked at her like that. For the briefest moment, she felt cherished, loved.
“I am sorry about your mother. I cannot even imagine what you are going through,” he said.
“It is hard,” she admitted, “but I shall manage.”
“If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.”
She offered him a smile, but she knew it was a weak one. She was appreciative of what he was trying to do, but she just wanted to return to his arms. They had a way of comforting her that no words could do.
With a glance at the door, she said, “Thank you for coming to dinner. It will be nice to have you here.”
“It is my honor,” Harred responded.
“Our cook made mutton.” The moment the words left her mouth she wished she could take them back. Why would he care about mutton?
He smiled, and she was briefly distracted by the warmth of it. “I love mutton.”
“Good, perhaps you can take some home with you.” Could she not stop rambling? No doubt that Harred had his own cook and didn’t need to return home with their mutton.
Harred didn’t comment on her obvious discomfort. “That is kind of you to offer, but I do not want to deprive you of your mutton.”
Octavia pressed her lips together, hoping she could think of something clever to say. She had exhausted the conversation about mutton. What must he think of her?
“You look lovely this evening,” Harred said as he perused the length of her. The way he said his words she knew he was in earnest, making her feel beautiful.
“Thank you,” Octavia responded as she ducked her head to hide the blush that was forming on her cheeks.
Fredrick’s voice came from the doorway. “Carson just informed me that supper is ready. Shall we adjourn to the dining room?”
