Page 13 of Managing the Major

“Isn’t it exciting? Your major is a hero!”

Octavia had given up correcting the oversight that Major Fairfax somehow belonged to her. “Yes, his military career is quite admirable; however, I wish to know more about the person. After all, he did not make a favorable impression at our first meeting.”

“Well, you know he’s brave…and intelligent enough to strategize in battle. And he is handsome, Octavia. He obviously cares about his family, or he wouldn’t have sponsored Miss Croyden.”

“He seems to have very antiquated notions of women…and that’s tiresome, to say the least.”

“Well, it’s a tad disconcerting, yes, but his manner last night was pleasing. And he did seem to offer an apology of sorts.”

Octavia gave her a scornful look. “Which did nothing to address his open censure of my activities. I won’t deny I find the man attractive, but really—could you imagine us together? It would be like mixing fire and water.”

“But who better to improve him? If his attitude is behind the times, I’m sure you can bring the major around to a more modern way of thinking. I’ve never known you to veer from a challenge before, Octavia, and this one might prove interesting. What if you could turn our megalosaurus into marriageable material?”

She looked at Genevieve suspiciously. “Have you been reading Evan’s science journals again? What on earth is a megalosaurus?”

“It’s—oh, never mind. You know it can’t be good.”

“I don’t want to be married—at least, I think I don’t. Things are perfect now. Good Lord, just because I think a man is interesting doesn’t mean I want to marry him.”

“Then think of the service you could do for all the women longing to be wed this Season. There is a surfeit of raw material in Major Fairfax. I’m sure he longs to settle down after everything he’s endured in war and being injured, and whatnot. You can make sure he’ll have his pick of prospective wives.”

Genevieve’s reasoning was sound; after all, no man wanted to be a bachelor. Major Fairfax was most likely uncomfortable with negotiating the ton and somewhat shy about his physical limitations. She could bring him out of his shell, improve his social skills, and broaden his mind, with dispelling any misogynistic ideas first on the list.

And in the meantime, she would have time to decide if he was capable of changing her mind about married life. If that didn’t come to pass, she would send the major on his way with better prospects and her sincere good wishes. “You have a point. And I’ve already opened the door to our enterprise. Mrs. Croyden and her daughter are calling tomorrow, and he will join them.”

“That is unbelievably fortunate!”

“Yes, isn’t it? I had half decided I would offer assistance to Miss Croyden in her first Season…what better way to get closer to the major and implement our plan?”

“Absolutely! Why not take Abigail Croyden under our wing as well? I already have some ideas for matchmaking in that direction.”

“Genevieve! I’ve just had the most perfect solution to crown our efforts.”

“Oh my, you’re inspired today. Do tell me.”

Octavia, too excited to sit still, got up to pace the drawing room, her mind working furiously. Freya barked with excitement and jumped down to follow her. “Sir William Denton. How perfect!”

Genevieve blinked. “But he is far too old for Miss Croyden, although certainly an eligible bachelor.”

“Not for Miss Croyden, silly—for her mother.”

“Oh.” Her friend’s mouth fell open slightly. “Octavia, what a fabulous proposition! Sir William has never married, and I, for one, don’t believe it’s because of your sister-in-law…he’s just never found the right woman.”

“Exactly, Genevieve! And Mrs. Croyden is extremely attractive and agreeable. Surely, she dreads the prospect of living alone when her daughter marries—who wouldn’t? Mrs. Croyden must long for an eligible partner as much as Sir William does.”

“Of course. She might have no other option than to live with her brother, and that would be dismal indeed. How clever you are, Octavia! We are in a singular position to help Major Fairfax and his entire family. I can hardly wait to get started. How should we proceed?”

Octavia resumed pacing, while Freya stretched out on the Aubusson carpet, tilting her head to one side. “Tomorrow, I’ll introduce Mother and gain their confidence. Then we must make certain they plan to attend the musicale at Lady Jersey’s on Saturday. Fiona is playing, so Sir William is sure to be there. And everybody in town will come to the first concert of the Season, so we can decide on some suitable prospects for Miss Croyden.”

“The Croydens may not have an invitation,” Genevieve warned.

“That’s easy enough to rectify. Richard is a great favorite of Lady Jersey, and she’ll do anything he asks. A mere word from my brother and they’re good as invited.”

They were still busy making plans when Lady Amelia wandered in.

“Hello, Genevieve. I didn’t realize you were with Octavia. Should I order some tea? It’s a bit early, but perhaps some refreshment will perk me up. It’s a quiet afternoon, and I can’t decide if I am bored or merely sleepy.”

“I think not, Mama. We are toying with the idea of shopping. Did you just come from Valentina, Mama?”