Anette put her hand up. “I do not have an opinion since I hardly know the man.”
“You are of little help to me,” Octavia remarked, her words light. “I did not sleep well last night and I think it would be best if I go lie down. I can only handle so much stupidity when I am sleep deprived.”
Once Octavia started walking up the stairs, Anette said in a hushed voice, “She appears smitten with Mr. Barnard.”
“I know and that is what worries me,” Roswell stated. “She isn’t thinking clearly and she could get hurt.”
Anette gave him a knowing look. “Your sister is not a child anymore. You need to let her forge her own path.”
Roswell heaved a sigh. “I do not think I can.”
“You can, and you will,” Anette said. “You mustn’t hold on too tightly or else she will grow to resent you.”
“My sister is still so young.”
“In your eyes, maybe, but she is eighteen years old and in her first Season.”
Roswell had to admit that Anette had a point, but he didn’t like it. To Society, Octavia was old enough to make a match, but he wasn’t ready to let her go and lead her own life.
A knock came at the door and the butler appeared from the side room to open it. As he opened the door wide, Caleb stepped into the entry hall.
“I see that you survived your carriage outing with Mr. Barnard,” Caleb joked.
“Barely,” Roswell responded.
Caleb shifted his gaze to his sister. “Shall we return home?” he asked. “I had the coach brought around front.”
“I think that is a fine idea,” Anette agreed.
Roswell wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to Anette, but he didn’t dare admit that. He didn’t think he could ever tire of being in her presence. When she was near, she seemed to calm his troubled soul, making him feel content- even for just a moment.
“Perhaps I should come with you?” Roswell asked.
Caleb gave him a baffled look. “Whatever for?”
“We could go get a drink at White’s after you escort Anette home,” Roswell said. They still had a traitor they had to catch and they could work out a plan at White’s.
“I could always use a drink,” Caleb remarked as he offered his arm to Anette.
Roswell followed them out to the coach and waited until they both were situated on the bench. Then he went to sit across from them.
Once the door was closed, he knew he only had a few short precious moments with Anette before they arrived at her townhouse. He wanted to make them count.
Roswell met her gaze and asked, “How do you intend to occupy yourself this afternoon?”
“Most likely, my mother will insist I work on my needlework,” Anette replied. “My lack of skill must be the only reason why I am not married.”
Caleb chuckled. “That is not the only reason.”
“I do not understand why a lady must be proficient in things that have no relevance. Why can’t a woman be praised for her intellectual prowess?” Anette asked.
“I do not disagree with you,” Roswell said.
Anette’s eyes held approval. “I knew I liked you, my lord,” she responded.
He held her gaze a moment longer than what would be considered proper before turning his attention out the window. How was it that he thought of Anette every moment and he still missed her?
The coach came to a stop and dipped to the side as a footman exited his perch. Once the door was opened, Caleb exited first and brought his hand back to assist Anette onto the pavement.
