“The less people that know, the better, at least for the time being,” Fredrick remarked as he waited for their sister at the bottom of the stairs.
Octavia came to a stop in front of them and lowered her voice. “We could always do some spy stuff,” she said, her eyes holding a mischievous glint in them.
“Spy stuff?” Roswell asked.
“You know, what spies do,” Octavia replied.
Fredrick looked amused. “What exactly do spies do?”
Octavia waved her hand in front of her. “I’m not entirely sure but we can go stop people that have nefarious intentions.”
“How do you find these people?” Roswell inquired.
Octavia pressed her lips together before replying, “We could ask Kendrick. I am sure he would know what to do.”
Roswell gave his sister a pointed look. “I hate to disappoint you but Kendrick will never allow you to become an agent. It is far too dangerous for a lady.”
“Did I not prove myself last night?” she asked.
Fredrick shook his head. “I think two spies in one family is enough. You need to focus on—”
Octavia spoke over him. “Do not say that I should focus on getting married. I can be so much more than what Society dictates.”
“If I had my way, you would have never learned that I was a spy,” Roswell said. “Being a spy is not a game, but it can be a matter of life or death. I do not want that life for you.”
“It is so much more exciting than sitting around and working on my needlework,” Octavia muttered.
Fredrick gestured towards the dining room. “Come, let us discuss this over breakfast. I am rather famished.”
They all entered the dining room. As they sat around the table, Octavia reached for her teacup and bluntly asked Roswell, “Are you going to offer for Anette today?”
“I have every intention to,” Roswell replied.
“Good,” Octavia responded. “Life will be much more exciting once Anette is living here with us.”
“You are assuming she will say yes,” Roswell said.
Octavia blinked, as if she hadn’t considered that as a possibility. “Why would she say no?”
Roswell leaned to the side as a footman placed a plate of food in front of him. “I am never quite sure what Anette will do. That is one of the reasons why I have always been so beguiled by her.”
“Women are fickle creatures, but I have it on good authority that Anette cares for you,” Fredrick said.
“Caring for someone is not the same as loving them,” Roswell remarked.
“I saw the way you two looked at one another last night and it was rather revolting,” Fredrick joked. “I would gladly wager that Anette will accept your offer.”
“Can I get in on that wager?” Octavia asked. “I have some pin money that I can use for this occasion.”
“I would be remiss if I did not inform you that a lady does not gamble,” Fredrick said.
Octavia narrowed her eyes playfully. “Do you intend to lecture me on how to be a proper lady?”
Fredrick put his hand up. “My apologies. I withdraw my previous comment.”
“Thank you,” Octavia said as she turned her attention towards the window. “It would appear that Freddy is pleased that you have returned home.”
The peacock strutted by the window with his feathers on full display.
