“No, I don’t,” Octavia replied. Which was the truth. Itwould be much easier to converse with Ruth without her companion in tow.
The sound of laughter drifted out from the drawing room and Octavia found herself being drawn to it. The first voice sounded like Ruth, but she didn’t recognize the male’s voice.
As she approached the drawing room, the butler spoke up from behind her. “Do allow me the privilege of announcing you.”
Octavia nodded. She didn’t want to give Mrs. Harper another reason to lecture her. The good thing was that she was fairly confident her companion would fall asleep the moment she sat down. She always did, except when she was in the coach and she thought she had being right on her side.
After the butler announced her, Octavia stepped inside of the drawing room and saw Ruth and Lord William. They were sitting on the same settee and they both wore smiles on their faces.
Octavia was confused. They appeared to be enjoying one another’s company, but what had happened to cause such a radical transformation?
Lord William rose and bowed. “Good morning, Lady Octavia.”
She dropped into a curtsy. “Good morning, my lord,” she greeted.
He turned back towards his wife. “If you will excuse me, I will leave you and Lady Octavia to it.”
Ruth’s smile grew more, if that was even possible. “That is most kind of you, William,” she responded.
After Lord William departed from the room, Octavia gave her friend an expectant look. “Pray tell, what has transpired between you and your husband?”
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Ruth gushed.
“It is, but how?” she asked.
“Lord William apologized for his behavior and he told me that he wants to start over,” Ruth replied.
Octavia knew that people could change, but generally it didn’t happen that quickly. Which made her wonder what Lord William was about. “Do you think it is genuine?”
Ruth’s smile dimmed. “Of course he is being genuine. Why do you ask?”
She sat down next to Ruth. “I do not mean to be a naysayer but I question his motives.”
Apparently, Octavia said the wrong thing because Ruth visibly tensed. “His motives?” she repeated. “Have you considered that William made a mistake and is man enough to own it?”
Octavia could hear the terseness in Ruth’s voice but she wasn’t ready to back down. She feared that her friend was blinded by feelings for her husband. “I just think you should consider—”
Ruth abruptly rose, stilling her words. “I think you should go.”
“Pardon?”
“William apologized and I forgave him,” Ruth said. “What happened was in the past, where it will remain.”
Rising, Octavia responded, “But he said some terrible things to you.”
“He explained that he was under a great deal of pressure and he promised that it won’t happen again,” Ruth shared.
Octavia arched an eyebrow. “What kind of pressure did Lord William say he was under?”
“My father is being entirely unreasonable about my dowry and we are going to speak to him later today. Together.”
“Do you think he is more interested in obtaining your dowry than a relationship with you?” Octavia asked.
Ruth frowned. “You know nothing about love. Why should I take advice from you?”
“Love?” Octavia asked. “Who said anything about love?”
“I will get Lord William to love me,” Ruth said with a determined look on her face.
