Page 17 of Managing the Major

She was dressing for Major Fairfax, and it wasn’t wise at all. So what if I am? She intended to see Mrs. and Miss Croyden matched with suitable men, and a flirtation with the major wouldn’t interfere in the least.

Octavia fastened the diamond and pearl drop necklace and slid in the matching earrings. She would very much like to experience a kiss with Major Fairfax.

Discreet kisses these days did not always mean marriage, especially if undiscovered. She had kissed Thomas Atweller in Lady Willoughby’s gardens—several times, in fact. But he had been practically engaged, and she, tipsy on two glasses of rum punch. They both agreed it was pleasant, but something best forgotten.

Marie handed her a challis shawl of pale pink to match her slippers and fan.

“You needn’t wait up, Marie. Mama’s maid will help me undress.” Octavia bent to pat Freya and hurried out of the room.

Downstairs, she found Lady Amelia in the entrance hall, dressed in mauve silk, a color Octavia never wore, but it flattered her mother immensely.

“How lovely you look, Mama. Are we ready?”

“Yes, dear. The carriage is waiting outside.”

Lady Amelia usually arrived at social engagements well after the appointed hour, but tonight finding seats up front was imperative.

A footman helped them into the black and silver Merrick coach, and they headed toward Grosvenor Square. Lady Jersey, or Sally as Richard called her, doted on her brother and took full credit for their marriage. Her advice smoothed their turbulent courtship.

By the time Octavia and her mother alighted from the coach and entered the white-columned house, the ballroom was almost full. Richard had already reserved the first row of seats, which was enough to accommodate Major Fairfax and the Croydens. She would miss Genevieve, who had met Lord Hope in the country for a few days, but Octavia promised to relay all the details of the evening.

She spotted Major Fairfax immediately, deep in conversation with Lady Jersey. She and her husband were huge friends and supporters of the Duke of Wellington, so it made sense she would know the major, at least by reputation.

Major Fairfax looked up and met Octavia’s eyes. She felt a distinct ripple of pleasure as he finished his conversation and made his way across the room to her. He carried no walking stick tonight, and noticeably favored his injured leg. It scarcely detracted from his perfect carriage and imposing figure. A bottle-green coat and buff trousers emphasized his wide shoulders and athletic build, and the white cravat, simply styled, set off a well-tailored gold waistcoat. His dark blond hair gleamed in the candlelight.

“Ah, here comes Major Fairfax. He is looking very handsome, is he not, Octavia?”

She rolled her eyes, well aware of where this was heading.

“That is a terrible habit, Octavia, and I daresay will cause wrinkles in the future,” Lady Amelia whispered as the major reached them.

“Lady Merrick, Miss Merrick,” he greeted them with a slight bow.

“Oh, let us not stand on ceremony, Major Fairfax,” her mother protested. “I count us as friends, and you may call me by my name now.”

“You are very kind, Lady Amelia. We enjoyed our visit to Merrick House, and Abigail could speak of nothing else on the way home.”

“It was my pleasure, Major Fairfax. I received a lovely note of thanks from Mrs. Croyden this morning. We’re hoping your family might join our party tonight. My son expressed a particular desire to meet you.”

“I would like that very much. My sister and niece are speaking with Sir William Denton, who was kind enough to bring programs.”

Octavia wondered if she was invisible. Major Fairfax and her mother seemed in no hurry to include her in the conversation.

“According to the schedule, the countess performs first.”

“Then I’ll hurry to fetch them, so I might introduce you before everyone is settled.”

As her mother went to intercept Richard and Fiona, Octavia searched for a topic of conversation. Major Fairfax seemed perfectly fine with silence, and it was irksome, to say the least.

“Is your friend Captain Prescott planning to attend, Major? I hoped to renew our acquaintance.” In truth, she scarcely remembered the captain, but it often stirred things up to express interest in another gentleman.

“The Crown has made use of my cousin in a diplomatic capacity since Almack’s, but I believe he’s returned. Shall I say you enquired after him, Miss Merrick?”

She unfurled her fan with a snap.

“Titania, queen of the faerie world,” the major said inexplicably, then smiled at her quizzical look.

“Tonight, I can easily see you rebuffing Oberon and making a dramatic exit with your train of stars, followed by an entourage of faeries. That gown is one Titania might wear…ethereal, yet worldly at the same time.”