“Then we will take our leave,” Caius said. “Don’t bet the house.”
The narrowed look indicated there was definitely some rivalry between the brothers. Unfortunately, he didn’t fully understand these family dynamics. Love and competition at the same time. Julius’ words about his sister had been both dismissive and very tender.
“Ah, here everyone is,” Cressida Forthill said, approaching the table. “I was starting to wonder.”
Finn felt Octavia tense beside him, but her smile never faltered. “Care for another dance?” he found himself asking.
“No, but thank you. I need some rest,” she said and left them.
“Father has some people he would like you to meet,” Cressida continued, smiling serenely.
Caius and Eliza said their final goodbyes, and Finn found himself left with Julius and his intended. “Then I will seek him presently,” Julius said. “Where did you see him last?”
“Toward the dining room.”
“Well, then. As the round is finished. let’s see what delight he has in store for us,” he said and rose. “Forthill,” he said with a nod, and Finn was left wondering if he should follow Caius’ leave and end the evening. Truthfully, after this, he wasn’t sure he could handle any more dancing and flirting. His meager tolerance had been worn out.
Chapter 9
“HOW COULD YOU INVITE him to supper?” Octavia demanded as she found Julius in the dining room. It was close to midday.
“Not so loudly, please.”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Octavia said just as loudly. “You invited that man around when we’re supposed to be pushing him away.”
“Because your efforts are unnecessary.”
“How can you say that? It’s pure arrogance on your part. Your belief that Hennington men are naturally irresistible and can expect no competition is simply delusional.”
“Maybe it’s Eliza I have greater faith in.”
“She may not show it, but she’s been very angry with Caius, for years. Her trust was utterly broken. If you think their relationship is rock solid, you are delusional. There is still ample opportunity for Caius to stupidly scupper this marriage.”
“He isn’t the young man he was when he left.”
Really, judging by Julius’ choice of fiancée, the notion that the Hennington men were wise was immediately overturned. On this thing, she felt torn. She wanted to be supportive of Julius’ choice, but Cressida was simply not the person she would choose. Not that there was a contender standing in the wings. Her brother was onerous, difficult and stubborn. She should be grateful he’d found anyone at all. And maybe it was a good choice. In terms of family alignment, it was a very good match. And truthfully, Cressida’s snobbishness matched Julius’, so they were well suited in that regard.
“The least you could do would be not to tempt fate and invite that man to everything.”
“I invited him to one supper. It is hardly anything. He’s quite good company. I like him. And who’s to say that having him around won’t remind Caius not to take anything for granted. It might actually serve them well.”
It was hard to argue the logic. The fact that Eliza had another choice, a very good one, was probably a good reminder to Caius to hold what he cared about very closely.
“Reasonable people are quite rare,” Julius continued. “The man is also very good at making investments.”
Octavia rolled her eyes. She should have known there would be some selfish reason for why Julius wanted to associate with this man.
Julius buttered some toasted bread. “I find the choices he’s made in that regard rather inspiring. And I cannot tell you how rare that is. He’s an interesting man.”
First Eliza and now Julius. The man wasn’t that charming. Granted, Eliza’s loyalty stemmed from the man standing by her throughout a very grim period. To Eliza that said much about his character, but Octavia wasn’t quite as convinced. Men were sometimes very honorable when it served what they wanted, and in this case, he’d wanted Eliza. Her loyalty could be completely misplaced.
With a huff, she left the dining room and returned to her tea in the sunroom. Right now, she felt a little betrayed by Julius. Clearly her brother couldn’t see how attractive Lord Fortescue was. Lydia Forthill certainly could. The girl had been vying for his attention throughout the party, and Octavia was pleased to say he hadn’t seemed all that enthusiastic about it.
And then there was the issue of how to deal with the rudeness of the Forthills. Octavia had a forgiving nature, but it only went so far. That wasn’t true. If people acted callously, or stupidly, she wasn’t all that forgiving at all. So what should she do about the cut they’d delivered to her? She certainly wasn’t one to slink away and lament it. They didn’t know her if they expected she would take this lying down. And she certainly wasn’t going to be Cressida’s whipping post when Julius and her married. No, that was not happening at all, even as Cressida seemed to be setting up their future relations in that direction.
No, there had to be consequences for their actions. She just wasn’t sure how she wanted to mete it out yet. But would she go so far as to ruin Julius’ and her engagement? Julius seemed intent and keen on marrying her, and she understood that he did so to improve the prospects of the family—his children. It was an aim she understood. Ruining his plans because his in-laws had behaved atrociously was petty. Revenge was best when it was elegant rather than petty. Fundamentally, although she would be quite happy to rub Julius’ face in the dirt a time or two, she didn’t want to harm his prospects.
Mr. Tennyson appeared and Octavia looked over. “What’s happened?” she asked. Rarely did he disturb her when she had her tea, and would only do so if direct action was required.
“Lady Warwick has come to
