“It is not always easy to figure out what it is that you need. I just hope you at least consider this,” Edward explained.
William blew up his cheeks before releasing them harshly. “Octavia cornered me last night as well.”
“You are kidding,” he huffed.
“She wants me back now that I am, in her mind, preoccupied with someone else.”
“If it was her way, she would have every man in the world hopelessly devote themselves to her and only her,” he spat. “She is foul for the very reason that her heart is incredibly selfish.” Edward was a lot of great things, but one of the qualities that William most liked was that he was fiercely protective over those he considered family and friends. If William had been wronged, Edward would hold a grudge for as long as it took. “You refused her?”
“Of course, I did,” he replied. He took in the remainder of his drink. “I am just worried that she will not relent until I give in to her. I wish for her to be out of my life.”
“Soon enough, I think your troubles will ease. I have a good feeling,” Edward reassured him. “Besides, maybe you should focus on the lady in your life right now.”
Little did he know that there had not been a single moment that she hadn’t been on his mind. The reason why he worried so much about Octavia is because she was jealous and manipulative. If she wanted Charlotte to doubt him, she would make it so as if it were her sole purpose for taking up space in the world.
Maybe some relaxation would ease everyone’s spirits. William sat up. “We should invite them to the theater some time, wouldn’t that be nice?” he asked. “I have my own box and I have hardly gotten my money’s worth out of it this season. Maybe Lady Arabella will loosen up around you. I know I will enjoy myself.”
Edwards smiled, tapping the ash off the end of his cigar onto the dish before him. He paused to take a few short puffs. “Yes, I would be delighted to join,” he said. “I hope I do not say something foolish. I get so nervous around her.”
“You?” William laughed. Edward had never been one to get his tongue tied so easily. He was usually smooth with women and had much more experience than William in that sense. The difference was, that Edward was incredibly proper when he felt strongly about something and William was quick to surrender to his own emotions.
For an hour longer, the two discussed business and their homes. It was wonderful to catch up with an old friend after such a long time apart. Edward had been a loyal and caring friend through even the most unpleasant of times. He had taught William a lot about what it meant to love those you allowed into your life.
By the time William arrived home, he was so drunk that he had spent a rather large portion of his ride wondering what horses would have to say for themselves had they the ability to speak. Probably nothing good, he had decided. Once he staggered up to his bedchamber, he had a delightful idea. An evening at the theater might be the perfect outing for Charlotte. To keep them in check, he could invite Arabella and Edward to join them in his private viewing box. He opened the small desk in his chamber and dipped his quill in ink before hovering over a clean sheet of paper.
My dearest Charlotte,
We have spoken at great length about the theater, and I have now come to the conclusion that it would be my desire to accompany you and your sister. Edward will be there. I think. I have failed yet to ask him. Please allow me the pleasure of escorting you to a night of entertainment.I believe the show will prove a rather nice diversion.
Also, if a horse would so much as speak, what do you believe would be the first words to come out of his mouth? Polite answers only.
Your dearest lout,
Lord Holdford.
It sounded good at the time, but he was also incredibly drunk, and so he had the forethought to leave it on his desk until the morning so that he might reread it.
* * *
William groaned, rolling over in his bed. He sat up, head pounding and his tongue dry. The sheets were covered in sweat and tangled around his legs. When he sat up, the room spun around. Once he stilled, he rose off the bed.
The night before was mostly a blur, but he had a memory of writing a letter that he remembered to be uncommonly good. The idea had been a good one, although today wasn’t really the best day to be attending the theater when his head was throbbing from indulging in too much of the drink the evening prior.
He pulled on his robe and slipped out of his bedchamber. The butler stood in the hall, bowing when William greeted him. “You are awake, Lord Holdford. I trust you slept well?”
“What time is it?” he asked, rubbing the sleep off his face.
“Noon,” the butler said. He reached out, passing a letter into William’s hand. He accepted. It was from Charlotte. “You seem to have received a quick response from the letter I picked up from your chambers this morning.”
William stilled, not realizing that the butler had sent his drunk ramblings. He tore open the letter, hoping that he didn’t say anything too mortifying.
Lord Holdford,
I am honored that you would like to accompany my sister and I to the theater. We would be delighted to join you. We will arrive promptly at five.
If a horse were to speak, I would believe that he would offer some wise advice. Do not make out invitations when you have had too much to drink. This is embarrassing for you, and I will always cherish this day for the remainder of my life.
Your most perplexing Lady Charlotte.