“These wheels are going nowhere, my lord,” Steven announced. “I triple-checked the bearings and they are as tight as I can get them.”
“Very good,” Harred responded as he stepped into the coach.
It was only a short distance to Lady Compton’s townhouse, but it was enough time for him to dwell on what he intended to do with his brother. William may have made terrible choices, but Harred wanted to believe that deep down he was a good person. Perhaps William just needed a shove in the right direction.
The coach came to a stop in front of Lady Compton’s townhouse and Harred exited the conveyance. He followed the line of guests into the entry hall and he waited politely in the receiving line to greet the hostess.
As he approached the white-haired Lady Compton, her eyes seemed to assess him. “Lord Kendal,” she greeted. “Whata pleasant surprise to see you this evening. I haven’t seen you since…” Her voice trailed off.
“My parents’ funeral,” he said, finishing her thought.
“I do hope you are doing well,” Lady Compton responded. The sincerity in her voice was undeniable and he found himself touched by her concern.
Harred offered her a weak smile. “Every day it gets a little easier.”
“Your mother was one of my dearest friends. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon me,” Lady Compton offered.
“Thank you, my lady,” he said before he moved down the line.
Once he stepped into the ballroom, his eyes roamed over the hall, looking for any sign of Octavia. She was the only reason why he was here this evening. He wanted her in his arms, even if it was just for a moment.
When he didn’t see her, he made his way towards the rear of the ballroom and stepped out onto the veranda. He looked up at the night sky and marveled at the brilliance of the stars.
Octavia’s voice came from behind him. “They are beautiful, are they not?”
Harred nodded, knowing the stars paled in comparison to her beauty. But he didn’t dare say such a thing. It was far too bold and Octavia had given him no indication she would welcome his advances.
“Where is Fredrick?” Harred asked as he turned around to face her.
“Do not worry, your virtue is safe with me,” Octavia joked. “Fredrick is just on the other side of the French doors. He is speaking with Lord Rushcliffe.”
Harred chuckled. “I did not mean to imply such a thing.”
Octavia’s eyes twinkled with merriment. “I know,” she replied. “I was just teasing you. It is becoming by far my favorite thing to do.”
“I’m flattered.”
“You should be,” she said with a smile. “I only tease the people that I care about.”
Harred felt his heart pounding deep within his chest, and he was fearful that Octavia could hear it. “You care about me?” he asked, softly. Hopefully.
Her smile dimmed as she asked a question of her own. “We are friends, are we not?”
Friends.
That was not the answer he was hoping for.
As he tried to appear unaffected by her words, he replied, “Yes, I consider you a dear friend.” He considered her so much more. Hewantedher to be so much more.
The sound of the orchestra warming up drew his attention and he knew that the time for their dance had come.
He offered his arm and asked, “Shall we dance the next set, my lady?”
“That sounds like a splendid idea, my lord,” she replied as she placed her hand on his.
Harred started leading her towards the townhouse when he heard a grinding sound coming from above him. He looked up just as he saw something falling towards them at a rapid pace. He shoved Octavia to the side, causing her to fall back on the ground, and he dove out of the way. A large stone decorative planter shattered right where they had been standing only a moment ago.
His eyes immediately sought out Octavia. He was pleased to see that she had risen and was dusting off her ballgown.
