Page 32 of Managing the Major

He had the grace to flush. “Please forgive my abrupt departure earlier. I’m not quite myself this evening.”

Octavia glanced over at Mrs. Croyden, still conversing with the couple. “I do hope nothing is amiss.”

“Not at all. Good evening, Lady Hope. Abigail, I see Mr. Von Berger approaching—my guess is to claim another dance.”

Miss Croyden accepted the invitation, her eyes shining with pleasure as they found places for the quadrille. Mr. Von Berger looked just as besotted, and Octavia congratulated herself on a well-orchestrated plan. When Sir William joined Mrs. Croyden at the refreshment table, her evening seemed complete. Except for the mystery surrounding Alastair’s former acquaintance.

Fortunately, Genevieve came to her rescue. “Major Fairfax, was that Viscount Crawford speaking with you earlier? He was a great favorite of my Uncle Alfred but married several years ago and went to live abroad.”

A muscle ticked in his cheek. “It is. The viscount mentioned his wife was homesick for London, so they returned. I’ve just met him, but Lady Crawford grew up close to Fairfax, and our fathers knew each other well. Speaking of the country, may I say how glad I am that you will accompany Miss Merrick this weekend? Are you an equestrienne as well, Lady Hope?”

Alastair had skillfully diverted Genevieve’s attempt to gather more information about Lady Crawford.

“Adequate at best, Major Fairfax…my husband, Lord Hope, is the sportsman of the family. But in exchange for the kind invitation, I’ll do my best to keep up.”

He smiled at her quip. “I am happy with whatever pleases you, Lady Hope. Tomorrow I’ll leave and make preparations. Have you decided which day to arrive, Miss Merrick?”

“I thought perhaps Friday morning before lunch.”

“Excellent.”

“I don’t wish to impose, Major Fairfax, but my family has a connection with a breeder in Surrey who produces quality, well-mannered riding horses. One arrived this morning, and I confess, I thought of you immediately. May I bring it for you to try?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Far be it from me to doubt your expertise, Miss Merrick. By all means, bring the horse. I also have two or three still in my stable for you to use, but only one lady’s saddle, I fear.”

“Have you heard the fairy tale of the princess and the pea, Major Fairfax?” Octavia smiled. “I’ll be happy to bring my saddle, thank you.”

Genevieve’s attention waned, as it usually did when the conversation turned to horses, and she excused herself to find a dance partner. Now that they were alone, perhaps Alastair would explain his puzzling behavior. Something definitely weighed on his mind.

He looked about to speak when Richard strolled up. Though she loved her brother dearly, Octavia itched to box his ears—would she never have a moment alone with Alastair?

“Major Fairfax, it’s good to see you again.” He extended his hand genially. “I’m afraid there was not much time for talk at the musicale on Saturday.”

“Lady Seldon’s gift is extraordinary, my lord,” Alastair responded with a firm handshake. “It was a pleasure to hear her play.”

“My wife has an affinity for Mr. Mendelssohn’s music, I believe. The composer visited London last fall, and they fast became friends. But you must hear Lady Seldon play Beethoven—I don’t believe there’s a better interpretation to be found.”

“I hope I might enjoy that experience one day.”

Watching them together, Octavia thought herself with the two most handsome men in London. She was happy that Alastair looked relaxed again, and that Richard offered the opportunity to become better acquainted. He really was the best brother in the world.

“Lady Seldon and I are arranging a small dinner party next Saturday, and our guests usually persuade her to play. I’ll see that you receive an invitation. Did Mother not come tonight, Octavia? Is anything amiss?”

“Not at all. She’s merely tired. Mama and I attended Lady Willoughby’s card party last night with Genevieve and stayed very late.”

“And yet you were riding early this morning,” Alastair looked down with admiration, and she felt a warm glow of pleasure at his compliment.

“I hear my sister and Lady Hope are planning a trip to your country estate to appraise some horses, Major Fairfax.”

“My home is just a modest property, Lord Seldon. Although I possess quite a bit of land, there are no tenants at the moment, save my steward. However, my father was an outdoorsman, and the ponds and woods are well stocked. Your sister and her companion will enjoy exploring, I think.”

“I’ve often taken Octavia shooting with me at Seldon—she is a very good shot with rifle and pistol.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. Miss Merrick seems to excel at whatever pursuit she chooses.”

Richard smiled down at her affectionately. “Yes, she does. It has always been that way.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “I promised Lady Seldon we would return early. Declan has a slight cold, and she doesn’t want to leave him entirely to our nursemaid. Please give my regards to Mrs. Croyden, Major Alastair. By the way, I noticed Miss Croyden dancing with young Theo Von Berger. His father has dealings with some of my business interests—an excellent family. I highly recommend the connection.”

Octavia tried not to look smug. Perhaps she should involve herself in matchmaking more often.