Page 10 of Managing the Major

“Oh, no, please don’t pull her away. If you could just let Mama know I am with Uncle, that would be perfect.”

Alastair finally grasped the gentleman’s name and hastily offered introductions. By the time he looked again, Miss Merrick had disappeared from view. Hopefully, he didn’t wear the same besotted look as Secretary Smythe fixed on Abigail.

*

Octavia finally spotted Major Fairfax. “The major is over by the curtains, conversing with two women. I think one is the young lady he’s sponsoring this Season,” she whispered to Genevieve.

“We should finish our punch, then stroll towards him. You can accidentally drop your fan as we come near.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Is that the best you can do?”

“Shhh. It always works.”

Once a footman collected their empty glasses, Genevieve hooked her arm in Octavia’s, and the two meandered through the crowd toward Major Fairfax and his companions. Twice, they were interrupted by people wishing to converse, but at last Octavia drew closer. Unfortunately, the major was bending to hear something the debutante said and didn’t see her approach. Really, how obtuse could one man be?

She let her silk fan slip to the floor and gasped loudly in dismay. Scarcely a moment passed before a gloved hand offered her the fan. Major Fairfax must have noticed her approach to retrieve it so quickly. With a flicker of triumph, she looked up and met his eyes.

They were light brown with shards of green around the irises. She swallowed, her throat dry.

“Miss Merrick, I believe this is yours?” He gave an apologetic smile, showing even white teeth. “It was not my intention to startle you, but this beautiful fan might have been crushed underfoot.”

She looked down. Something about seeing the delicately boned fan in his large palm sent a rush of heat to her face. “How clumsy of me,” she faltered as she took it, slightly breathless as her fingers made contact with soft leather and warm flesh.

Was she mistaken, or did he draw in his own breath quickly? Returning her eyes to his face, she noticed the slightest tinge of color on his cheekbones.

“If you recall, we met the other day in Hyde Park. I’m Major Fairfax, the poor fool who was ignorant of your reputation as London’s premier horsewoman.” He took a step back and bowed, leaning slightly on a gold-tipped cane.

He was much taller, and her eyes were even with his chin, which held the faint dent of a dimple. Octavia wasn’t quite ready to forgive his earlier rudeness, so she kept her voice cool and polite. “I remember our meeting quite well, Major Fairfax. This is my good friend, Lady Hope.”

He bowed again. “Lady Hope, I believe I have seen your husband, Lord Hope, on the floor of Parliament. He’s a very eloquent speaker.”

“Do you follow politics, Major Fairfax?” She regarded him with curiosity. “Lord Hope is rather a keen student of military history, as is his father. You might enjoy conversing.”

“We share similar interests, then. Lady Hope, Miss Merrick, may I introduce my sister, Mrs. Croyden, and her daughter, Miss Abigail Croyden?”

So, the major sponsored his niece this season, and the graceful older woman was his sister. It was silly, but she was almost giddy with relief. The girl was indeed lovely, with near-perfect features. Octavia saw little resemblance to the major, but he and his sister shared the same classic profile and wide-set hazel eyes.

“It was a pleasure meeting you and your family, Major Fairfax, and I don’t mean to rush away, but I promised Lord Hope I would join him,” Genevieve said, giving Octavia a sly look. One would never call her friend subtle.

“Is this your first season, Miss Croyden?” Octavia asked as Genevieve departed with a swirl of skirts.

“Yes, Miss Merrick. I’ve attended so many wonderful events thus far and made so many acquaintances that my poor head is in a whirl.”

“A debut is always equally exciting and nerve-wracking. Mine was some time ago, but I can still sympathize. Perhaps there’s some wisdom or advice I can offer you and your mother to help you navigate your first London Season.”

Abigail’s soft brown eyes opened wide. “That is very kind, Miss Merrick.”

“Indeed, it is,” Mrs. Croyden added. “We would be delighted to have your guidance.”

Octavia was about to reply when she spied a familiar figure approaching. Sir William Denton was a good friend of her family, but she groaned inwardly at the interruption.

“Good evening, Miss Merrick. Forgive my intrusion, but I have just returned to town. How delightful to see you again.”

“Sir William, may I present Mrs. Croyden, Miss Croyden, and Major Alastair Fairfax? Sir William Denton is a great friend of our family. It’s wonderful to know you’re here for the Season, Sir William. Have you seen the earl yet?”

“Just now. Actually, my purpose is twofold. Lord Richard and his countess are waiting for you with Lady Merrick.”

“Major Alastair’s niece makes her debut this season. If you are fortunate enough to dance with Sir William, Miss Croyden, you will find he is an excellent partner.”