“I believe you.”
And with those three simple words, he was charmed.
Octavia kept her head held high as Lord Kendal escorted her to the dance floor. She couldn’t help but notice the people watching them and she wondered if she had done something wrong. Why were they garnering so much attention?
Lord Kendal leaned closer to her and said in a hushed voice, “I’m afraid I must apologize. I do believe that I am causing a stir since I hardly attend these social events.”
“May I ask why you came this evening then?”
He grinned. “I came only to collect my dance with you,” he replied.
Octavia felt a blush warm her cheeks. Why did she have such a reaction to Lord Kendal’s words, she wondered. She had been flattered by handsome men before- and Lord Kendal was definitely handsome- but there was something different about him. His words seemed genuine, as if she could trust his intentions.
With his full, dark brown hair, and straight, chiseled jawline, Lord Kendal’s mere presence commanded attention. But it was his piercing green eyes that fascinated her. They held pain, and a part of her wanted to tell him that he was safe with her. Which was just foolishness. She hardly knew him.
Lord Kendal gestured towards the dance floor. “It would appear that someone is trying to get your attention.”
Octavia followed his gaze and saw Lady Brentwood waving at her. She dropped Lord Kendal’s arm and rushed over to her friend.
“Rosamond,” she greeted as she embraced her friend. “What a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected to see you this evening.”
Rosamond dropped her arms and stepped back. “Malcolm was insistent that we come this evening.”
Lord Brentwood cleared his throat and stepped closer to his wife. “That is not even remotely true.”
Rosamond’s smile grew mischievous. “All right, I will admit it. I may have strongly encouraged him to come to the ball, but he is grateful for my insistence.”
Octavia remembered her manners and turned towards Lord Kendal. “Are you acquainted with Lord and Lady Brentwood?” she asked him.
“I am acquainted with Lord Brentwood, but not with his lovely wife,” Lord Kendal said as he performed a slight bow.
Lord Brentwood took his wife’s hand and remarked, “I daresay that we are holding up the dancing. We should get into position.”
As Octavia lined up with Lord Kendal, she felt a sense of relief that she was dancing with friends. It wasn’t as if she wanted to be a bad dancer but she just lacked the coordination that made it look effortless. But she could do anything for one set. She just needed to focus on the steps and remember to enjoy herself.
Fortunately, Lord Kendal had been true to his word. He was a proficient dancer and he didn’t let her fall. It wasn’t long before she started to relax as she executed the repetitive steps and she even found herself smiling a time or two.
The dance came to an end and she felt some disappointment that it was over. It had been far too long since she had so much fun dancing a set.
Lord Kendal offered his arm as he asked, “Dare I hope that you enjoyed yourself, my lady?”
“I did,” she replied. “It wasn’t as awful as I thought it would be.”
He gave her an amused look. “That is quite the endorsement,” he teased.
Rosamond approached her and said, “I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. If you have no objections, I shall call upon you soon.”
“I always welcome a visit from you,” Octavia responded. “Perhaps we can even go riding through Hyde Park.”
“That sounds wonderful, assuming you do not take issue with my horse,” Rosamond said.
“What is wrong with your horse?” Octavia asked.
Lord Brentwood interjected, “It is a very ugly horse.”
Octavia blinked. What did she say to such a remark? Surely the horse couldn’t be that ugly.
Rosamond exchanged a loving look with her husband before saying, “Malcolm isn’t wrong. Bella is rather ugly, but I will never part with her.”
