Page 59 of Managing the Major

Tea on Pont Street with Mrs. and Miss Croyden

When Octavia arrived at the Croyden townhome on Pont Street with her mother, they were shown into the drawing room by the footman and found Nerissa and Abigail sitting with Alastair, who rose to greet them. Her heart skipped a beat at his tall figure, clad in a dark-blue Newmarket coat and simply tied cravat. His waistcoat was a very elegant ultramarine patterned with gold, with the trousers he favored in buff.

She was glad that she, too, had dressed with care in a pale-yellow silk figured with small white flowers.

“Good afternoon, Lady Amelia,” he said, inclining his head deferentially and turning to Octavia. “Miss Octavia. May I say how much I enjoyed riding this morning? My horse is making excellent progress.”

His hazel eyes moved down her figure, almost a caress, and she felt like they were the only ones in the room.

“I’m so happy you’re pleased, Major Fairfax. Perhaps after another ride or two, we’ll venture into Hyde Park. Will you be out again tomorrow?”

“I’m planning on it.”

She turned to greet her hostess. “It’s so kind to invite us, Nerissa, and how pleasant that we may visit on less formal terms. I propose we use our given names. Don’t you agree, Mama?”

“Most certainly, my dear.”

“Indeed, we shall,” Nerissa replied. “I only wish we could do more to thank you both; your sponsorship of Abigail and support of my brother’s desire to ride again are extraordinarily generous.

“This is but a small token of our gratitude,” Alastair agreed. “Lady Amelia, we’re so pleased you were able to come. How is your daughter?”

She sighed. “Valentina is enduring much presently, I’m afraid. But the doctor is hopeful all will go well. I may go there next week and remain until after the child is born.”

Nerissa gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m sure that will be a great comfort.” She looked up, and her face glowed with pleasure. “I believe that’s Sir William at the door. Let me go tell the housekeeper to start tea.”

After she returned with Sir William, the conversation centered on the social calendar for next week and then moved to the upcoming match race Richard had arranged at Epsom Downs. When Nerissa mentioned the possibility that young Mr. Von Berger might pay his addresses to Abigail, she responded with charming humility and many blushes, and turned to Octavia in gratitude.

“Count Von Berger has invited us to dinner on Saturday, and Uncle Alastair is coming too. And we have you to thank, Miss Merrick, for the introduction.”

Privately, Octavia congratulated herself on two fruitful matchmaking efforts. She and Genevieve believed Theo Von Berger might make an offer for Abigail by the end of the month, and there was little doubt that the meeting between Sir William and Alastair would go well. Sir William shared the settee with Nerissa, and they occasionally exchanged openly affectionate glances.

Tea arrived with a tray of pastries. When it was her turn to choose, Alastair offered to serve Octavia, and she pointed out a chocolate croissant, her favorite from the selection by Les Douceurs. He passed the plate, brushing her fingers briefly. The small gesture sparked a shiver of delight, which he acknowledged with a blazing look, thankfully covered by a playful interchange between Nerissa and Sir William vying for the last macaron.

Alastair carefully chose a tarte tatin, and looked up, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

“Lady Amelia, I’d like to extend an invitation to you and Miss Octavia. There’s a small ceremony Sunday afternoon in Kensington Park to unveil a bust of Sir Archibald Campbell. I’ve been asked to give the dedication and say a few words on his behalf.”

“Oh, yes, please come!” Mrs. Croyden joined in. “We’ll be there with Sir William, and Alastair only consents to a few public speeches. He’ll be in full dress uniform with medals and the regimental sword. It’s quite impressive.”

“Nerissa…” he murmured, a tinge of red rising to his cheeks.

“I would love to attend. Mama, do you think you’ll still be here on Sunday?”

“I hadn’t planned on leaving until Monday morning, so yes…we will be there.”

“Perhaps I can assist by escorting the ladies,” Sir William offered. “You’ll need to go early and prepare, Major, and I could bring Mrs. and Miss Croyden in my carriage, and we will meet Lady Amelia and Miss Octavia at the event.”

“An excellent suggestion, Sir William,” Alastair agreed. “The ceremony begins at two o’clock, and I will most likely arrive a few hours before.”

With a sigh, Lady Amelia set her teacup on the table. “This has been lovely, Nerissa, but I’m ready for a quiet evening at home. Major Alastair, will we see you tomorrow at Merrick?”

“If Miss Octavia is agreeable, I had planned to ride.”

“Of course,” Octavia murmured, preoccupied with the image of Alastair in his royal uniform.

“Will half-past nine suit?”

“Er—yes, I believe so.” She wondered if they could steal some time alone, but Peter might be suspicious if she sent him to the park again.