Octavia had never been so utterly grateful when she was dropped off at Caius’ house. Cressida hadn’t seen why it was necessary to do the detour, when it was better that Octavia rest for the night and then make her way to Caius’ in the morning. What Cressida didn’t know was that Octavia had given her brother the suggestion there would be serious pain involved if he didn’t do as she wished, so he weighed up the worse of two evils and ignored his wife’s recommendation.
*
“You look lovely,” Eliza said as they regarded Octavia in the mirror. “That is a spectacular gown.”
Yes, it was a spectacular gown, one that she didn’t wear too often in order to make it more so. Gowns became less spectacular when one became known for wearing them.
“You look lovely yourself,” Cressida said.
“Well, my gowns are getting a little tight around the middle,” Eliza admitted and stroked her belly. The worst of the illness seemed to have passed, which was a mercy, because witnessing it was distressing. Experiencing it had to be worse, to the point where Octavia had wondered if she ever wanted to get married at all.
“It’s time,” Caius said, appearing at the door, looking dapper in his dark attire. As always, his eyes rested on his wife, and Octavia was glad to see it. Lord Fortescue would gain no purchase there. Caius and Eliza were as in love as they ever had been.
“Right, let’s go,” Octavia suggested. There was a nervousness in her ahead of the evening, both because she knew this was so important for her brother, and also, she would see Fortescue for the first time in three weeks. A whole week of it she’d had to spend in Cressida’s company as their travel to London was put off twice, and the other two, she’d had no reason to go see him. She had missed him, though. There wasn’t even a hint of contentiousness in her relationship with Eliza and Caius. They were just so happy it wouldn’t even occur to them. And Julius was out of reach because of Cressida, which meant Octavia hadn’t had a single person to argue with. Arguing with Cressida was pointless and anything but amusing.
The carriage ride was short and the queue to be received was long. This was definitely going to be the event of the season, and it was something to be proud of.
Her brother and Cressida received guests, along with Lydia. Julius was happy to see them, his wife was less so, and her sister was indifferent.
“Has his majesty arrived yet?” Caius asked.
“Not yet, but I believe he is to arrive shortly. Go be lovely to our guests,” Julius said. “Particularly you,” he said, pointing at Octavia. “And I will not forgive you if you are not utterly charming to Prince von Zweibrücken. I know full well you can charm the tail of a donkey if you wish to, and I order you to charm the man.”
“Fine,” Octavia said with a roll of her wrists. “I will charm the man.”
“We should introduce him to Lydia,” Cressida said pointedly. It seemed the Forthill sisters had upped their ambition. Lord Fortescue was no longer their priority. He would no doubt be crushed by this revelation. While Julius assured his wife, Octavia took a moment to look into the ballroom and the gathered notables. It was certainly well attended. She saw known faces, but she didn’t see Fortescue. Had he not turned up as he’d said he would? Rude.
“Now go, we have people to receive,” Julius urged and they walked into the ballroom.
“Octavia, the sweetest of sweet,” James Fervoy said, looking as dashing as always. Funnily, he didn’t show his disregard for Eliza in the least bit. The hypocrisy of the man was nauseating.
“James,” she said, utterly devoid of enthusiasm. His jovial smile faltered a fraction. With some men, it took a few times for them to understand that they were no longer in favor. “You know,” she said, stepping closer, “I heard Lydia Forthill mention to her sister how handsome you looked tonight.”
He watched her for a moment with the blatant redirection of his interest. While he was mean as a viper underneath that beautiful face, he wasn’t stupid. “Oh really?” he said, and looked back in the direction of the main hall. Redirection accepted and completed. “She is inordinately pretty. Quite possibly the prettiest girl here.” And a parting shot. Octavia smiled. Goodbye. Hopefully he would make a pest of himself.
With him gone, she spotted Fortescue along one of the walls, chatting with a couple of men. Her attention brought his and he looked her way. When he saw her, he raised his glass in salute. By the look of him, he was no longer wearing his brace, nor was his stance stiff and awkward. He seemed back to normal.
As she watched, he excused himself and came over to her. “Miss Octavia,” he said. “You look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you.” And yes, she did look stunning in that gown. “You look very relaxed comparatively. You no longer use the brace.”
“No, I can forego it now.”
“Back to normal, then?”
“Not quite. I’m still foregoing the riding.”
That was understandable, she supposed.
“Have you a dance card yet?”
“Do you wish to put your name on it?” she asked with surprise.
“I shall.”
Octavia didn’t quite know how to respond. “Then I will reserve a dance for you. The quadrille perhaps?”
“If you wish.”
“I look forward to it.” How was it that this felt so very awkward? It wasn‘t as if it was the first time they’d danced together. It was, however, the first time they would dance together after there was gratitude
