Page 76 of Managing the Major

“You look thoroughly kissed.” His voice was deep and amused.

“Well,” she said tartly, “I doubt if Jerome thinks we’re in here discussing the weather.” She gave a loud shhh as he dissolved in laughter, and a few minutes later, the landau came to a stop.

When Jerome held open the door, she quickly descended the steps, hoping Alastair had exaggerated about her appearance. She was very glad when he engaged the tiger in conversation, diverting his attention as she hurried to her room.

Chapter Thirty

Major Fairfax Learns of a Distressing Situation

Monday dawned rainy and somewhat cold, so Alastair missed his morning walk and his ride at Merrick. He braved the steady downpour to go work with Professor Voelker at the gymnasium and then decided to have a go at the fencing studio. By the time he left, the rain had tapered off in time for a meeting with Rafe for luncheon at Boodles.

“What marvelous news about your hospital project, Alastair,” Rafe pronounced, slicing into his steak. “When Lord Merrick decides to do something, things happen quickly.”

“Yes, I’m fortunate to have him at the helm. We’re to meet on Wednesday to discuss setting up the trust. By then, he thought to have enough backing.”

“So, he’ll handle the money end of things, eh?”

“Completely. And he’ll set up a committee of trustees, which I’ll lead, while he remains in charge of distributing funds and monitoring donations. Evidently, Richard has done this before several years ago, working with St. James parish to set up a home for aged pensioners.”

“Have you come up with a location yet?”

“We agree it would be better to add a new wing to an existing hospital rather than building a new structure. The two most likely choices are the London Hospital or St. George’s. And by some miracle, Richard has retained Sir Jeffrey Wyatt to build it at a very nominal fee.”

“Lord, that is a coup! Congratulations on that. This project should keep you busy for quite a while. Have you discussed it with Octavia?”

“As a matter of fact, I haven’t. Things happened so quickly, and all the discussion at Epsom took place out of her company. Come to think of it, I’ve never spoken of my hopes in that direction. I’m sure Richard will say something, or I’ll broach the subject eventually. It looks like Octavia and I may not see each other until Wednesday with this change in the weather. The ground will be too wet to ride for the next few days.”

A server came to take their empty plates, and he ordered a Bakewell Pudding for dessert. Rafe took a healthy portion; as always, Alastair shook his head in amazement at his cousin’s voracious appetite, which far belied his average build.

As he stirred cream and sugar into his coffee, Alastair searched for the words to reveal the decision he had come to after returning from Epsom. In the end, he just said the words, for himself as much as to Rafe.

“I’ve decided to ask Octavia to marry me.”

His cousin dropped his spoon with a clatter. “Pardon my astonishment, but did you say marry? I knew you were fond of Miss Merrick, but has it come to that?”

“I don’t see any reason to wait. These past few days at Epsom have only clarified my feelings. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, Rafe: She challenges and delights me at every turn. Of course, her beauty moves me, but it’s far more than that. I see Octavia as a companion for life, whatever may come. Her adventurous spirit, her active mind—even her impetuous nature, all suit me perfectly.”

Rafe sat back, his food forgotten. “I’m glad to hear you’ve put aside your reservations. Is Miss Merrick ready for marriage? Octavia is a very independent woman.”

“We’ve had several conversations recently that have led me to believe so. And yes—I’m still concerned about her reaction to my injuries, but I have confidence that she feels deeply enough to look past them.”

“Congratulations, Alastair…and my heartfelt good wishes for happiness to you both. I’ll stand up for you at the wedding, I hope.”

“I’d have no other, my friend. But we might be putting the cart before the horse. She has to accept, and I have to have her family’s blessing.”

“Do you foresee a problem there?”

Alastair sighed. “I hope not. I have the means to live comfortably, but certainly not in the style to which she’s accustomed. But I believe Octavia will be persuasive, and I intend to support her interest in horses and anything else she cares to do with her life.”

That off his chest, Alastair helped himself to a second dish of pudding and asked Rafe for suggestions on where and when to propose. Of course, it was out of the realm of possibility for his cousin to be serious, and he offered suggestions like “Tattersall’s during the Saturday auction” or “on the dip at Newmarket Track.” When all merriment subsided, Alastair decided he’d ask Octavia at the end of the week, on one of their early morning excursions to Hyde Park.

The rain started again at dinnertime, and Alastair spent a quiet evening at home reading and catching up on correspondence. His footman knocked around seven with a letter from Octavia.

Dear Alastair:

How are you on this dreary Monday? Mama has gone to stay with Valentina until the baby is born, so I’ve been trying to occupy myself while here alone. Ho hum! Genevieve is recovering from Epsom in the country with Evan, and Richard had to take care of business in Seldon unexpectedly, so there is not much to do but read and rest.

Freya is very glad to see me home and has stayed close by my side as I started reading The Last of the Mohicans, which you recommended last week. It is very engrossing, but during a break in the weather, desperate for some activity, I went down to the barn and spent a few hours helping Peter bed the stalls.