“I see you are here,” Cressida said, as if she wouldn’t be invited to her own engagement announcement—although Cressida didn’t know that. “Dear Caius and Eliza must be here too,” Cressida said, looking around to see them. They were over by the sofa. Caius insisted Eliza stay off her feet as much as possible, and Eliza was trying to bear his overprotectiveness. “It will be so lovely to see them.”
“Octavia,” Lydia said curtly. The girl hadn’t said more than two words to her since Prince von Zweibrücken decided he preferred her company to either of the Forthill sisters. The man had left a week back and Octavia felt it was right to confess that her heart had become entangled. Perhaps it always had been. It was hard to discern the exact point in which her heart had become so. It could even be the moment she’d seen him injured in his room, so vulnerable and helpless. It had felt so wrong seeing him like that. There had always been something formidable about him, something unstoppable and dangerous. From the start, something about him had thrilled her.
“This is a lovely house,” Lydia said, taking in all aspects of the salon. “I love the African art. Lord Forthill is an accomplished man. The decor could use a woman’s touch. I’ll be sure to tell him.”
“I’m sure he would appreciate that,” Octavia replied.
They left her without another word as Cressida insisted on saying hello to their host. Lydia was placed front and center, and no doubt flattery would flow.
“Now, what a curious invitation,” Melville said, appearing at her side.
“Is it?”
“I didn’t foresee that Fortescue was the type to plan suppers with your friends. It seems quite a few of them are here. Curious indeed. But to answer your question, I have to be frank and say I’m not all that surprised. I take it your father will not be attending?”
“Too far to travel.”
“Has Lord Fortescue had cause to see him of late?”
Octavia didn’t answer.
“I suspect uncle gave him hell.”
“Well, he survived.”
“The match must have his approval, then. It wouldn’t surprise me if your father had shot him otherwise.”
“I doubt he would be that worked up about it.”
“Well, it would be something he’d enjoy, but all’s well that ends well. How is Julius’ new bride taking the news?”
“She is not aware yet.”
“I can see that. She’s still trying to garner interest in that horrid sister of hers.”
Normally, Octavia didn’t approve when Melville said such things about women, but the description was well-earned in this case. “They won't be pleased.”
“Well, I am pleased for you,” Melville said and kissed her on the cheek. “I think I saw this coming.”
“Really?” Octavia said, because she’d felt like strangling Fortescue much of the time when Melville had kept them company.
“It shall be an interesting evening.”
Hopefully not. Octavia greeted her other close friend as she arrived, and they both joined Rose while their husbands found other conversation. Congratulations were given again, and they confirmed that the banns had been posted at the local church close to Wilkeston House. Telling her friends made this all seem broader and more real. There was a larger context than just her and Finn, and after tonight, everyone would know.
Some time later, they were invited into the dining room and Cressida’s mouth drew into a slim line of disapproval as Octavia took the seat opposite Finn at the head of the table, her friends and Eliza beside her. In determining the seating arrangement, neither she nor Finn had particularly claimed the Forthill sisters, and it was just desserts as they ended up in the middle of the table.
“I have some words,” Finn said and stood as everyone else was seated. His nerves made him curt. Most people wouldn’t perceive it, but she did. “An announcement, actually. About the upcoming nuptials between myself and Miss Hennington.” His eyes came to her and he lifted his glass. “To my soon to be wife, Octavia. The future Lady Fortescue.”
Everyone joined him in holding up their glasses. Even the Forthill sisters, who looked furious. But right now, Octavia didn’t care about them. Finn might right then have been as handsome as she had ever seen him. There was no nervousness about him now. He looked absolutely pleased and whatever else was, this was always about the two of them.
Octavia took a deep breath. She was happy. Her friends and family here to celebrate her engagement to a man she loved. Nothing could be better.
Congratulations came from around the table. Julius seemed pleased, even as he was the one with the greatest hopes for a royal match. Octavia knew he liked Finn. They got on well together. Caius was a little more circumspect. They would get on perfectly well once Caius forgave him for his willingness to steal Eliza away at one point. Eliza, on the other hand, was probably the match's greatest supporter. She approved wholeheartedly.
The supper continued with a joyous energy and congratulations kept coming. An excellent match, they said. They ate and drank, and enjoyed the evening, until it was time for the women to retire to the salon while the men enjoyed their port and tobacco.
Rose and Annabelle went to find the privy and Eliza took her seat. Now the evening was starting to wear on her, and Octavia knew they would leave
