Lydia looked lovely, and Octavia suspected a great deal of thought had gone into her appearance that night. Her dress was light green and made of layers of the thinnest silk. It was a stunning dress, the layers flowing as she walked. No expense had been spared on the Forthill women’s wardrobes.
Curiously, neither of them asked anything about her. An oversight, Octavia was sure.
“I understand Lord Forthill will be leaving London for a while,” Cressida said. “Is he perhaps returning to his estate?” As if she would know.
“I have heard a rumor that something unfortunate has happened to his estate due to constant underinvestment and neglect. Only a rumor, so I have no idea if it is true.” Having no loyalty to protect Fortescue’s reputation, she felt little qualms about engaging in the little falsities. Well, perhaps she didn’t feel good about it, but the look of concern on the women’s faces showed their dismay. And really, if she were to discourage people who were solely interested in him for the size of his estate, she would be doing him a distinct favor.
If she were a man, she could be called out for such a statement. Perhaps it was bad form. Sometimes, winning made her lose sight of the broader context. Then again, Lord Fortescue’s wealth and position would survive a carelessly cast aspersion. Only an idiot would believe such a rumor.
Eliza’s laugh drew Octavia’s attention and she left the Forthill girls behind. Really, Caius should be doing something. Smiling, she approached and kissed Eliza on the cheek before giving her hand to Lord Fortescue. “Good evening,” she said. No doubt the Forthill girls were upset behind her back. “Such a lovely evening.”
“I am honored to be invited to your beautiful home.”
General and expected platitudes. They both played their parts.
“Lord Fortescue, you know my sister, of course,” Cressida said, having joined them. Lydia angled herself in the best possible light.
“Has Mrs. Broadman returned from her journey?” Octavia asked, a conversation the Forthills had no interest in.
“Yes, it was a very successful tour.”
Oh, great, so the business would be growing again. On one hand, she was proud of Eliza doing so well, but on the other, it seemed to require more of her attention. “That is wonderful. I was just telling Miss Forthill how you and Caius were considering a trip to Paris.”
“I adore Paris,” Lydia said. “I hope to go again myself someday.” By that she meant her honeymoon. “Have you been, Lord Fortescue?” Her expression was both wistful and coy. Clearly, Octavia’s petty statement hadn’t put either of them off.
“I went as a young man.”
“Did you do a tour?”
“Yes.”
Octavia hadn’t known this, but then why would she know?
“You must have gone to Italy, then,” Cressida said. “Julius is very keen to return.”
“Supper is ready to serve,” Mr. Tennyson said as he entered the room.
Lydia Forthill ducked in and placed her arm in the crook of Lord Fortescue’s arm. “I’m famished,” she said with a smile. The action was brazen, but it would likely mean Fortescue would take the seat next to her.
“I think someone has a soft spot for Lord Fortescue,” Eliza said.
Octavia snorted. “The whole family, apparently. I doubt he’ll be able to sustain the assault. He’s leaving London. Perhaps to get away from the sustained campaign.”
Eliza chuckled and chided her at the same time. “You can’t say such things.”
“I wouldn’t doubt if it’s true. He is the most eligible bachelor of the season.” And Octavia had made sure to point that out to the right people. Shortly after, it turned out that Lord Fortescue was leaving London. It had to be cumbersome to be such a sought-after prize. Lydia Forthill had considerable competition. If she’d thought of it, she would have invited some of the most attractive contenders, but she hadn’t known people had been invited for matching purposes.
Of course Lydia sat next to Lord Forthill on Julius’ left, with Cressida on his right. Octavia took Caius’ left and Eliza his right. It accommodated Lydia in a placing they hadn’t originally planned for. Or maybe Julius had known, but hadn’t shown the foresight to invite yet another guest to make it even numbers.
The soup course was served and it was a familiar and comforting taste. As soon as it was finished, Julius clinked his wineglass with a small spoon. “Now I need to make an announcement,” he said, looking nervous.
This was a moment Octavia hadn’t looked forward to. Cressida was beaming.
“As most of you are aware, Cressida has agreed to make me the happiest of men by becoming my wife. The engagement is to be announced in the papers in the morning, and the banns posted. We are to marry in one month.”
“Congratulations,” were heard from several parties around the room. Lydia was dabbing her eyes with the napkin, being so overcome by emotion for something that everyone knew was happening. Octavia wanted to roll her eyes, but it was an inappropriate moment. This was Julius’ moment, and he had decided he wanted to make his life with Cressida Forthill. “Congratulations, brother,” Caius said and held up his glass for a toast.
“We are naturally very excited about this and hope you will all celebrate with us. An engagement ball is planned.” Not something Julius would have promoted, but finally the ballroom would get a proper airing. “You are all most heartily invited.”
“You will come, won’t you?” Lydia said pleadingly to Lord Forthill, as if she would be personally hurt if he didn’t. This time, Octavia couldn’t
