Page 11 of Managing the Major

“How fortunate you should say so, Miss Merrick.” Sir William graciously took her hint. “A country dance is next, and I was in search of a partner. Would you do me the honor, Miss Croyden?”

He offered his arm to Miss Croyden, which she took rather shyly. Sir William, though close to Richard’s age, was distinguished and very charming. There were once rumors of a rivalry for Fiona’s hand between the two; nonetheless, he was always a welcome visitor at Merrick House.

Mrs. Croyden watched them take the dance floor with satisfaction.

“A well-timed suggestion, Miss Merrick,” the major commented. “Thank you.”

“Perhaps you could call at Merrick House on Friday, Mrs. Croyden. My mother will be there, and I’m sure she would enjoy offering suggestions to make the most of Miss Croyden’s Season.”

“What a lovely idea! Of course, we will come. Perhaps you might send a note and suggest a convenient time to arrive. We reside on Pont Street, not too far from my brother, who has been kind enough to rent a house for the Season.”

“Do you not live in London, then, Major Fairfax?” Octavia asked.

“My estate is in the country, but I’m here to sponsor my niece during her debut.”

“If you’ll both excuse me, I see a friend sitting by herself, and will keep her company for a bit.” Mrs. Croyden inclined her head. “It was such a pleasure to meet you, Miss Merrick. And thank you for your kind invitation to call on Friday.”

And with that, Octavia faced Major Fairfax alone. He stood attentive yet relaxed, as if he could wait indefinitely for her to speak. She supposed that was something he had practiced in the military and wondered how he would look in a scarlet coat. Impressive, no doubt.

“Would you like me to find a chair for you, Miss Merrick?”

“No, thank you, Major Fairfax. My brother is expecting me, as Sir William indicated. You must be very proud of your niece. She’s extraordinarily beautiful, and I find her manners very engaging.”

“Abigail is too beautiful, I’m afraid. It might be necessary to carry my flintlock and ward off an excessive number of suitors for her hand. I can see why parents find presenting their daughters to society an all-consuming task.”

“Is Miss Croyden the niece you mentioned yesterday?”

He colored slightly. “Yes. As you can guess, I no longer ride, but Abigail often hacks out at my country residence in Lewisham.”

Octavia wondered about his injuries. Officers were typically mounted, so Major Fairfax must have ridden extensively at some point. She stole a look at his tall figure. Even with the close-fitting coat, she could sense the physique below the dark cloth—well-structured muscles, lean torso, and wide shoulders. She dared not look lower at his solidly carved thighs, but she wanted to. Heavens, what was the matter with her?

“I must go find the earl, but perhaps you’ll accompany Mrs. and Miss Croyden when they call on Friday, Major Fairfax.” Where that came from, she wasn’t entirely sure, but it was too late to recall the words.

He bowed, leaning slightly on the gold-handled stick.

“What a delightful idea, Miss Merrick. I shall look forward to it.”

By the time she reached her mother, Lady Amelia sat conversing with Lady Sally Jersey, while Genevieve and Lord Hope waltzed in the ballroom. Fiona was missing, but she found Richard nearby.

He took her hand. “The quadrille is next. Would you care to dance with me, Scamp, or is your dance card full?”

She made a face. “The music is loud, and I’d much rather talk, if you don’t mind. It seems forever since we’ve had the opportunity, and I’ve refused to hold any dances tonight so I could spend time with family.”

Her favorite partner, Viscount Appleton, had expressed disappointment when she told him, but soon recovered, escorting no less than four young ladies to the dance floor since her arrival. He seemed very young and uninteresting compared to Major Fairfax.

“Did you speak to Jerome about coming to Merrick House?” she asked. Although Richard still kept apartments there, after the birth of their first child, he relocated his new family to a grand house in Kensington, complete with custom-built stables and exquisite gardens. Jerome had accompanied him, along with Hansen, the Merricks’ long-standing majordomo.

“Yes, I have, and he can visit you tomorrow at ten if that’s not too early.”

“Perfect.”

“I have a three-year-old Irish mare better suited to riding than carriage work that I will send to you. She should make a dashing lady’s mount, and is suitable for breeding as well.”

“Oh, excellent. I have several people inquiring about a riding horse. Have you spoken to Valentina lately?”

His face sobered. Their sister carried her fourth child and was having a difficult time. The doctor had confined her to bed until the birth. “She’s doing well, but Denys cannot hide his concern. The physician thinks it might be twins again.”

“That is concerning indeed. I plan to visit her on Friday or Saturday. And you might be interested to know, I spoke with Major Fairfax tonight.”