Page 88 of Managing the Major

“I always will,” he said. “You have my word on it.”

“Then you have my blessings, Alastair.”

*

Octavia had been to gatherings at Countess Lieven’s salon in the past, but this was the first dinner party she would attend hosted by the countess. Genevieve was actually a closer friend, but as an unmarried Merrick, Octavia was always a popular guest at prominent affairs. Hostesses never lost hope of success in their attempts to match her with a husband.

She chose a Gros des Indes dress that was the color of aquamarines with a wide sash and ecru lace for the occasion. Marie did her hair up very high, with ostrich feathers and ivory combs.

There was no need to be provocative with Alastair absent, so she went with fashionable and a bit haughty to discourage admirers. After putting on matching slippers and taking her fan and reticule, Octavia ran downstairs with Freya barking at her side to wait for Genevieve’s coach.

Countess Dorothea Lieven’s famous salon was in the Russian Embassy, where she lived with her husband, the Russian ambassador. Genevieve had mentioned that the count wasn’t expected to attend this evening, but Lady Castlereagh and her husband would be there, and Lady Jersey, among others that Octavia would recognize.

“Is it true that the Countess Lieven is having an affair with Lord Palmerston?” Octavia asked as the carriage rumbled down Dover Street.

Genevieve shrugged. “It’s anyone’s guess.”

“Why do people marry just to have affairs? But then, I suppose it’s because not everyone is fortunate enough to marry for love.”

“While we’re discussing love, did you make your feelings clear about Alastair to Richard last night?”

“Not in so many words. I told him about Lucifer’s accident and that Alastair came to look after me when I was upset. Richard seemed a bit preoccupied, most likely with Valentina. However, Alastair is coming to Merrick in the morning to ride, so I should have more news to give then.”

The coach pulled up at Ashburnham House, and they alighted. A liveried footman escorted them into the embassy and Countess Lieven’s sumptuous quarters. The supper room was lit by candelabras set around the long table and sconces on the deep crimson walls.

The countess welcomed them warmly and escorted them to the center section of the table, which Octavia recognized as a coveted position in the hierarchy of social seating. The dining table was nearly full; their hostess thoughtfully put Genevieve and Octavia next to each other with attractive gentlemen sitting on each side. As the footman pulled out Octavia’s chair, the woman sitting across the table turned from her companion and lowered her fan. It was Lady Crawford.

She couldn’t cover a moment of dismay. Of all the people to be confined with for a meal that would last at least three hours, how could she be so unlucky?

“Good evening, Miss Merrick,” Lady Crawford said cordially. She wore pale green, and her strawberry-blonde hair was a complicated arrangement of coils and braids. Diamonds hung from her ears and around her throat.

“Lady Crawford.” Octavia inclined her head coolly and took her seat.

“And Lady Hope is with you. How charming.”

“Good evening, Lady Crawford,” Genevieve replied. “Is the viscount joining us tonight?”

A gleam of annoyance flickered in her blue eyes at the question. “Why no; he is spending time at his country estate, which I presume explains Lord Hope’s absence as well. How we long for those times, Lady Hope, don’t we, when the bear goes to his den?” she said, laughing gaily.

“How perceptive you are, Lady Crawford. But Lord Hope is very indulgent, you know; even if he is in London, I still go where I choose, so it’s no matter if his den is in the country or in Mayfair, hmmm?”

Lady Crawford closed her fan with a snap, and Octavia couldn’t help a smile. Genevieve always gave back as good as she received, and most ladies of the ton knew better than to provoke her.

She was glad to see Lord Ehnes sitting to Lady Crawford’s right; the more familiar faces, the better. Fortunately, Countess Lieven’s gatherings were quite informal in structure, and her guests were encouraged to mingle, including those sitting across from each other. She exchanged greetings with Lord Ehnes and turned to the gentleman beside her. He was rather florid in complexion and as he introduced himself, she caught a whiff of spirits on his breath.

“How pleased I am with my assignment, Miss Merrick, to sit next to the loveliest woman here. How is your esteemed brother, the earl? I must confess, I lost a pretty penny when his horse won at Epsom.”

Thankfully, the first course was consumed amid much chatter all along the table. Octavia leaned aside to whisper to Genevieve. “Can you believe I am seated across from Lady Crawford? And who is that dreadful man next to me?”

“That is Baronet Whitefall. Not only is he loose with the brandy but also with his attentions. Keep your fan handy.”

The wine flowed freely, as did the food. Each course featured at least fifteen dishes, and they were on two hours, and the third remove when the desserts appeared. Up to this point, Lady Crawford had steered clear of any improprieties with Octavia, but observing her almost feline air of satisfaction and superiority, it was difficult to believe there wasn’t something coming soon.

Over ice cream, she loaded her weapon. “Miss Merrick, I understand that you and Major Alastair Fairfax often go riding in Hyde Park together. It’s quite wonderful that he’s recovering from the dreadful injuries he sustained in Burma, don’t you agree?”

Why would Lady Crawford bring up Alastair now, knowing nothing was possible between them, given her current marriage and their past history? “That is something Major Fairfax does not discuss with me. I have merely helped him find a suitable horse and assisted with its training.”

“Ah, yes, you are a notable equestrienne, aren’t you?”