Page 26 of Managing the Major

Octavia put down the terrier. “Yes, I did. Fiona’s new pair is smashing. A trifle green, but lovely goers and so flashy. I prefer bays, but she and Richard love their chestnut horses, and these had an excess of white.”

“Oh, my…the last thing I would want is to ride in a carriage pulled by green horses.” Her mother shuddered. Octavia smiled. Her mother was a fearful passenger at best and refused to ride in the streamlined curricles of the day. “To be honest, I love Fiona dearly, but the only people I trust to drive are Richard and our own Theo. You have a letter, delivered by messenger.”

“Really?” She took it. There was no return address, just her name in bold handwriting.

“Would you care for a game of whist or two before dinner?”

“Yes, Mama. Let me go upstairs and freshen up first, and I’ll come to the drawing room.” Octavia also wanted to read the letter privately in her room. Freya at her heels, she headed for the stairs.

Marie was waiting outside her bedroom. “Good evening, miss. Are you changing for dinner?”

“I think I’ll just take off my pelisse and put on some slippers. Oh, and put out the pearl and amethyst drop earrings.”

Once alone, she tore open the envelope and removed a single sheet of paper.

Miss Merrick:

I wish to apologize for my conduct at our meeting earlier today. Your words took me wholly by surprise, and I responded with undue haste.

Upon further reflection, my wish to ride again has prevailed over my former objections, and I venture to propose a compromise. Should you find it agreeable, might you visit my manor near Lewisham, with the accompaniment of a chaperone, where you may judge whether I possess a horse suitable for your instruction? I would also place my stables at your disposal for training—of myself or the horse—as you deem necessary.

Fairfax is a comfortable, well-appointed residence, and it would afford me great pleasure to offer its accommodations for the duration of your visit.

I hope sincerely that you will look upon this proposal with favor and pardon my unfortunate response to what was in truth a very generous offer.

Yours most sincerely,

A. L. Fairfax

Octavia slowly sank into a chair and reread the missive. How extraordinary! Major Fairfax now wanted her help and was asking her to come to his country home. She wasn’t sure if his written words erased the insult given this morning or not. It was a very businesslike proposition. Did she want to accept?

It made sense to go to Lewisham, where there was more space and certainly more privacy. Who would she ask to chaperone? Not her mother; that would be awkward indeed. She would ask Genevieve. Her friend was back from the country now, and they had much to talk about.

She looked down at Freya, who gazed back, raising a paw. “Should we go? Should I forgive the infuriating Major Alastair L. Fairfax?”

The dog yipped and twirled in a circle.

Laughing, Octavia rose and went to her writing desk.

*

The following morning, Octavia was eager to discuss her decision to help the major with Genevieve and sent a note hoping she might call on her today. She decided not to go riding in the park. It was misting slightly outside, so instead she donned her split skirt and went to the stables. Richard had sent over one of the three-year-olds as he promised, and although Jerome broke them first, she preferred not to ride the young ones in a sidesaddle.

Of course, if anyone saw her besides family and staff, it would be dreadfully scandalous riding astride.

“One day,” she muttered, putting on a wool cap, “things will be different, and women will ride as freely as men.”

This youngster differed from most and tended to be lazy and somewhat sulky. It took Peter behind her with a driving whip and nearly half an hour for the horse to move forward consistently from her leg. After trotting for twenty more minutes successfully around the paddock, Octavia stroked the filly’s neck and let it walk on a loose rein.

Peter leaned on the fence, nodding with approval. “She’ll be fine, I think, Miss Octavia. It’s hard at first when they’re so quiet, but she has a sedate nature and will take to the park despite the distractions.”

“I agree, and she’s a pretty color for a lady’s mount. Another month and she’ll be ready to place with the big chestnut gelding that’s going well.” She dismounted and handed the horse to him.

“Peter, Lady Seldon has found a breeder in Dorset, and I’d like you to go look at his stock tomorrow. We need something calm, well-boned, and able to carry a tall man reliably. If you find something suitable, you may bring it home.”

“Yes, Miss Octavia. I’ll head out first thing.”

The mist had turned to drizzle, and though she had planned to ride Lucifer, tonight was the dinner with Valentina and Octavia couldn’t afford an illness, no matter how minor. She instructed Peter to lunge the stallion and, wrapping her jacket tighter, hurried up to the house.