Page 84 of Managing the Major

“I was hoping you would say that. We can do it all, sweetheart, and it will be even better this time.”

“How is that possible?” she asked breathlessly before his lips descended, and thinking became impractical.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Marriages are Planned

Dearest Alastair,

I’ve just had the best news! Valentina gave birth early this morning, and mother and baby Vivian are both healthy. I am beside myself with happiness!

Only such an event could distract me from thinking over and over again about everything that happened last night. I have been floating on a cloud of joy ever since.

However, we won’t be able to ride today, since as soon as it’s a decent hour, I plan to visit Valentina and my mother, who will probably stay a bit longer to help with the baby. Please come and ride Thor. Peter will help get him prepared once you arrive. He also has instructions to work Sigrun and will be there all day, so it isn’t necessary to send a message ahead of time.

I am bereft that I won’t see you this morning and have the chance to steal a kiss or two when Peter is occupied with other things. Last night was completely wonderful in every way, and I can’t wait to be with you again. But we will see each other at Almack’s tonight, and I will give more details of Valentina’s most happy occasion after I see her.

You have stolen my heart completely, and I am yours,

Octavia

*

“You spent the night with Alastair?” For once, Genevieve was speechless and stared at Octavia in disbelief. “Octavia, how on earth did that happen?”

Octavia had dashed off a quick note to Genevieve immediately after writing Alastair, to say she would call early in the afternoon. She couldn’t wait to tell her Valentina’s good news and reveal how she managed a secret night with Alastair.

She spared her the details of Lucifer’s death, but told Genevieve of the accident, and the despondency and dark period that plagued her that afternoon, and how Alastair came to her rescue.

“Amazing that Peter took it upon himself to bring Alastair. You have a very good man there.”

“Indeed. Peter went to see Richard first, who was away at Seldon, so Fiona suggested that he seek out Alastair. I can’t tell you how he pulled me out of that dreadful pit of despair, but he knew exactly what to say. That was exactly when I knew that I loved Alastair and wanted to share my life with him. After realizing that, and with Lucifer’s awful accident, it was terrible being trapped at Merrick House—everything was too overwhelming. I needed Alastair by my side.”

“So, you persuaded him to take you to his home? Were you not worried about the damage it could do to your reputation?”

“I didn’t care at that point. You know how hard-headed I become when I want something. But Marie helped me leave undetected and covered for my absence. We took a hackney to Ovington Square, where Alastair took care of me and fed me dinner.”

“And nothing else happened?” Genevieve asked. “Knowing how you two feel about each other, I’m betting that isn’t the case. Although it does surprise me that the major succumbed to his passions.”

Octavia hesitated to tell her the rest, but she was speaking to a married woman after all and needed advice. “Alastair didn’t want to, but I seduced him.”

“What? Did you make love? Merciful heavens, Octavia!”

Haltingly, Octavia revealed some details, but not most of what happened. She wanted to cherish those secretly, and even now blushed in remembrance.

“But it was wonderful, and you’re convinced he loves you?”

“I am certain he does, Genevieve, but why hasn’t he said anything about marriage? I know Alastair well enough to swear he would never ask me to be his mistress. So what alternative is there but to marry? His letters to me, his words and actions last night all prove he wants a life together, but I don’t understand why he wouldn’t even mention it.”

She took Freya from her lap and took a restless turn about the room.

Even Genevieve looked perplexed. “Is he still worried about his injuries, and that’s keeping him away from marriage?”

“It can’t be…we discussed that, and I made it clear none of it matters to me. Alastair believes that now.”

Genevieve suddenly threw her hands up. “Of course!”

“What?” Octavia stopped pacing.