“Not in the least,” Lord Kendal said. “My name is Harred, and I will gladly repeat it as many times as you require.”
Doctor Wallis’s gaze swiftly shifted towards Octavia, and the confusion in his eyes was unmistakable. She cast him a pleading look, silently hoping he wouldn’t expose the ruse they had concocted.
After a brief moment, Doctor Wallis tipped his head at Lord Kendal. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled at Octavia. “My lady.”
Octavia released the breath she had been holding, feeling reassured that the doctor was indeed willing to play along.
Her mother glanced at the satchel that was over the doctor’s shoulder. “Are you here to apply the leeches?”
“I am,” the doctor confirmed.
Turning her attention towards Octavia, her mother asked, “Will you visit me tomorrow?” She glanced up at Lord Kendal. “Both of you?”
Lord Kendal smiled down upon her. “We would be happy to.” He held his hand out to Octavia. “Shall we, my dear?”
Octavia slipped her hand into Lord Kendal’s and allowed him to assist her in rising. “Thank you,” she murmured.
He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. It was so effortless that it just felt natural to be so close to him.
They didn’t speak until they arrived in the corridor and saw that it was empty. Where had Fredrick gone to, she wondered.
Lord Kendal dropped his arm and took a step back, creating more than enough distance between them to be proper. “I say that went rather well,” he said.
“That it did,” she agreed. “I should warn you that my mother might ask the same questions tomorrow as she did today.”
“That won’t be an issue.”
Hoping her words properly conveyed her gratitude, she said, “Thank you for what you did in there. You made my mother very happy, even if it was just for a moment.”
Lord Kendal’s eyes crinkled around the edges. “Then I accomplished what I set out to do.”
Fredrick’s voice came from down the corridor. “That didn’t take too long,” he acknowledged.
Octavia tore her gaze away from Lord Kendal as she revealed, “Doctor Wallis arrived.”
“Ah, no doubt to apply the dreaded bloodsuckers.”Fredrick shuddered. “Those are terrible little creatures that are a form of torture.”
Lord Kendal shifted in his stance and said, “If you will excuse me, I must be going. I have work that I must see to.”
She was about to offer to walk him to the main door, but Fredrick spoke first. “I shall see you to the door,” he said, indicating that Lord Kendal should go first.
With a glance at Octavia, Lord Kendal stated, “I shall return tomorrow so we can visit your mother once more.”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
As she watched Lord Kendal walk down the corridor with her brother, she knew in her heart that very few gentlemen would have done what he did. And what he did, playing the part of a devoted husband to her, meant everything to her.
Chapter Seven
The morning hour was late as Harred sat at his desk in the study. He was reviewing the ledger that his man of business had given him.
He leaned forward in his seat and rubbed his eyes. He had been at this for far too long and hadn’t gotten much done. Perhaps he should take a break and eat breakfast. It might do him some good because his thoughts were constantly straying to Lady Octavia. Which was becoming a problem. He had no intention of pursuing her so why was he biding his time until he could call upon her again?
No good would come out of dwelling on Lady Octavia. She was his friend’s sister and he had no intention of taking a wife, especially at this time. He barely had any time to himself and his brother was causing havoc wherever he went. Why would he wish to bring a wife into this house of madness?
Yet just the thought of her made him smile.
Botheration.
