Saying that, having an uncertain schedule was going to serve him well.
“You are always welcome. Are you dining tonight?”
“I am.”
“Then perhaps we should dine together, unless you have other plans?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Howard checked his watch as if he was making determination of what his options were, then he replaced it into his waistcoat pocket and smiled. “I hear Rutledge has gotten himself into a bit of hot water with his estate.” Rutledge, another classmate, had always been impetuous, and made quick decisions that often turned out to be disastrous. So this wasn’t entirely unexpected. No doubt the man was cursing his ill luck.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’ve been trying to tell him he needs to change some of his farming practices, but you remember, you cannot pin him down to tell him things for the life of him. I’ve made some changes, and have reaped productivity rewards for it.” Howard had always been a farmer at heart. He enjoyed the work and was studious. No doubt, he had the best land management strategies of anyone. It, unfortunately, wasn’t a topic Finn could get enthusiastic about, but he was skilled at hiring good people.
The supper was enjoyable, going over what they’d heard about their classmates over the years. It entailed gossiping like fishwives, but there were acquaintances in Howard’s circle of friends that Finn hadn’t heard about in a long time. It seemed a lifetime ago since he’d thought about these people who’d been important to him at one time.
“Why don’t you come over for supper tomorrow night?” Howard suggested.
“I already have plans with Julius Hennington.”
“Oh?” Howard said with surprise. “A difficult lot from what I hear. I don’t know him, of course. Well connected. Sizeable estate, too.”
Finn hadn’t really paid attention to the size of the Hennington estate.
“Wasn’t there some scandal about the brother’s wife? I recall something from years ago.”
The statement grated him. It was unfair that Eliza was still tarred by that scandal, but it would never entirely go away, and people who didn’t know her well still perpetuated it. “I have met her. She’s a lovely woman.” Instantly, he disliked Howard, which made him wonder about his own reaction to hearing these old accusations. Maybe it was the unfairness that made him so defensive of her. There had always been something in him that sympathized with the underdog, especially the unfairly treated.
“I’m afraid I must return home,” Finn said. It was unfair of him for judging Howard on something he brought up just like anyone else would, but he still judged the man for it. “It’s been a pleasure, of course,” Finn said and rose. The supper was done. He could have sat around and chatted for another hour, but he’d lost his enthusiasm for it. “Until next time.” It could well be that the next time he saw Howard, he wouldn’t care, but right now, he did.
Not lingering, he left the club to emerge on the dark streets of nighttime London. London was never safe, but particularly not for lone figures walking after hours. Finn knew how to hold his own if he had to.
The evening, however, made him wonder how much of his regard for Eliza Hennington had to do with the injustice done to her. Clearly, he liked her, but his protectiveness might stem from how the world had treated her, including the family she’d belonged to. Perhaps it had colored his view on the Henningtons too. Julius was amusing, and Finn enjoyed his company, but it was perhaps fair to say that his view on Caius Hennington, and by extension, his sister, was colored by how Eliza had been treated in the aftermath of the scandal.
Like he’d just responded to Howard, his judgment had perhaps been a little harsh. Still, Octavia Hennington was deeply aggravating. Aggravating to the point where he did respond to her maneuvers. Typically he let things like that flow off his back, but she got under his skin. A tiny bit, but enough that he couldn’t deny he reacted to it.
Chapter 11
TAKING A DEEP BREATH, Octavia entered the salon where her brothers and their guests were waiting. She smiled brightly, as she was expected to do. Why had Julius been so careless to invite Lord Fortescue? Eliza was even speaking to him as Octavia walked in, and Caius seemed utterly uncaring, standing over by the fire with Julius.
“Octavia, you finally join us,” Cressida said with a hint of rebuke in her voice. Perhaps she should have been here serving when Cressida arrived. It was Julius who’d invited her, and he could be responsible for entertaining her. If Cressida thought she had a natural slave and companion in her sister-in-law, she had better think again. Octavia wasn’t her brothers’ lapdog, and she certainly wasn’t going to be for their wives.
Octavia ignored the statement, and the underlying implications. “You look well, Miss Forthill. That’s a beautiful dress.”
“Thank you. I just had it made. It’s the latest fashion from Paris.”
Oh, and how she didn’t care. It was a nice dress, but she’d only said it for something to say. Unfortunately, she was stuck with the woman now, because Julius wasn’t taking care of her. “I’m trying to encourage Caius and Eliza to take a trip to the continent. They like Paris, so going to enjoy the city would do them good.”
Now Cressida didn’t care about the conversation. “We’ve been speaking about Italy,” she said. “Julius has a soft spot.”
Smiling tightly, Octavia grated at being told what her brother’s preferences were from someone who barely knew him. Further to her displeasure, Lydia Forthill walked into the room. “Another guest,” Octavia said, having been unaware that Lydia had been invited. “I hope you’re well, Miss Lydia,” Octavia said as the Lydia joined them.
“Of course. Never better,” she replied sweetly. Lydia’s eyes immediately
