Roswell sighed. “It is Octavia,” he replied. “She is being entirely unreasonable.”
“Are you surprised by this?” she teased. Octavia was much like her. They both did things their own way, in their own time, and wanted more from this life than what was expected of them.
“No, but I just wish she would listen to me.”
Surprising even herself, Anette took a step towards him and asked, “What were you trying to tell her?”
Roswell ran a hand through his hair. “A gentleman caller came to visit Octavia and I did not care for him. He claims that he works with Fredrick, but I found his explanations to be lacking,” he shared. “I don’t trust the man.”
“Did you explain that to Octavia?”
Roswell frowned. “I tried, but she accused me of being rude to our guest. She even agreed to meet with him again.”
“That must be frustrating, but your sister is a clever young woman. I have no doubt that she will discover the man’s true nature, assuming his intentions are dishonorable.”
“Of course they are dishonorable,” Roswell said, his voice rising. “I should have known that you would side with my sister.”
“I am not siding with anyone,” she attempted.
Roswell started pacing the small room. “Even if I believed this man, which I don’t, Octavia is entirely too young to entertain suitors.”
“She is eighteen and is in her first Season.”
“Yes, that is far too young to secure a husband.”
Anette gave him a knowing look. “I am only a year older than Octavia. Are you saying I am too young to marry?”
“No, but it is entirely different for you,” Roswell said. “You may be in your first Season but that is because you delayed your debut. You spent an extra year at your boarding school, helping the other students achieve success.”
“That is only because my parents were part owners of the boarding school. They thought it would benefit me and give me additional time to fall in line.”
Roswell stopped pacing and met her gaze. “You don’t need to fall in line, Anette. You are perfect just the way you are.”
“My parents do not think so,” she admitted sadly. “I am an utter embarrassment to them.”
In a few strides, Roswell closed the distance between them. “You do not have anything to prove to anyone. Besides, I like the way you are.”
“You do?” she asked.
He smiled, only this time it reached his eyes and she believed it. “I do, and I always have. When I am with you, I feel like I can do anything. You help me let go, feel free, and give me permission to move forward with my life, without the fear of judgment.”
“You are kind to say so.”
“It is merely the truth.”
Anette felt a flush rising on her cheeks, and she realized the conversation had become too serious for her comfort. Knowing she needed to change topics, she asked, “What do you intend to do about Octavia?”
That was the right thing to say because Roswell took a step back and let out a groan. “I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions?”
“If it would help, I could call upon her and speak to her,” she suggested.
He shook his head. “No, because that would only cause her to dig her heels in further and continue to do as she pleases.”
“Perhaps you do nothing.”
“Pardon?” Roswell asked, giving her a weary look.
“Hear me out,” she encouraged. “If you press Octavia, you know what will happen, but if you do nothing, she might get tired of the gentleman on her own.”
