“It is just one bite, Brother,” she said as she tried to reach for the glass.
Fredrick relented with a sigh. “Fine, but one small bite.”
Octavia dipped her spoon into his glass and took a generous portion of his treat. After she ate it, she smiled. “That is delicious.”
“I do not think I have tried one flavor at Gunter’s that Ihaven’t liked,” Fredrick shared as he took a sampling of her ice. “It is only fair that I have some of yours.”
She sat back against the bench and realized that she was happy. It was nice having Fredrick home after so many years of him being gone. He had been fighting in the war on the Continent and he returned home just at the right time to help save her from some bad men that were intent on killing her.
Fredrick gave her a curious look. “You are quiet. What are you up to?” He narrowed his eyes playfully.
“Nothing,” she replied. “I was just thinking about how happy I am that you are home.”
The humor left Fredrick’s face as he said, “I had little choice in the matter. It was my duty to return home.”
Octavia was confused by his response. Did he not wish to be home? She opened her mouth to ask him, but he spoke first.
“We should eat before our ices melt,” Fredrick advised in a tone that in no way reflected the light tone he’d had in his voice only a few moments ago.
She wondered what had just happened. They were having such a lovely time, but now Fredrick seemed upset. Had she said something wrong?
As she ate her treat, a tall, dark-haired gentleman approached the curricle. He stopped next to it and addressed Fredrick. “Good afternoon, Lord Chatsworth,” he greeted with a slight bow.
Fredrick looked displeased by the intrusion. “What do you want, Lord William?” he asked in a dismissive tone.
“Nothing but the pleasure of an introduction to your lovely sister,” Lord William replied.
“I do not think that is a good idea,” Fredrick said. “Run along.”
So this was Lord William, Octavia thought. She had heard of Lord William’s dishonorable reputation. In fact, everyone had. He was a rakehell of the highest order. No respectableyoung woman would be caught conversing with him alone. But no harm would come from an introduction.
Lord William didn’t appear cowed by her brother’s lukewarm response. “It is just an introduction, my lord,” he pressed. “I have no intention of ruining your sister.”
That was evidently the wrong thing to say to Fredrick. In a low growl, he said, “I do not want you to even speak to my sister. Do I make myself clear?”
“Shouldn’t you let your sister decide that?” Lord William asked.
Octavia could see that her brother’s conversation with Lord William was starting to draw some unwanted attention from the other patrons. The last thing she wanted to do was end up in the Society page, especially if her name was associated with Lord William.
Placing a hand on her brother’s sleeve, she said, “Lord William is right. It is just an introduction.”
Fredrick did not look pleased, but he did as she said. “Lord William, this is my sister, Lady Octavia,” he stated in a rushed tone.
Lord William dropped into a low bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady,” he said.
She acknowledged him with a tip of her head. “Will that be all, Lord William?” she asked. “I do agree with my brother and I think it is best if you move along.”
To her surprise, Lord William took a step closer to the curricle. “Would it be acceptable if I called upon you later?”
Octavia could hear her brother take a deep breath and she saw him clench his fists. It would be best if she quelled his anger before he did something foolish. “I do not think that is a good idea,” she said.
Lord William didn’t look too disappointed- or surprised- by her response. He stepped back and smiled. “Enjoy your treat, my lady.”
While Lord William walked away from the curricle,Octavia could see that her brother was still upset. “It is all right. He is gone,” she assured him.
“I do not want you to associate with that man,” Fredrick ordered.
“I won’t disagree with you. I find him to be a despicable man, especially since he took the late Lord Rushcliffe’s wife as a mistress.”
