Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 1) by Kinslow Nanette

Author:Kinslow, Nanette [Kinslow, Nanette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lighthouse Group
Published: 2013-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

As Rebecca reached the bottom of the stairs she heard horses at the front of the house and, thinking perhaps Timothy and the boy were returning, opened the front door.

An excessively embellished carriage opened to reveal Octavia, entirely clad in a dreary shade of gray, all pieces of her ensemble a perfectly matching shade. Even the feather on her fitted bonnet was dyed the same monotone shade.

Rebecca sighed deeply. Without Timothy at home she would be forced to entertain Octavia herself. Rebecca hoped that, with the man out, perhaps Octavia would not stay.

The big girl unashamedly displayed her ample bosom as she leaned to step out of the coach, leaving Rebecca to question if American women found it acceptable to go calling in such flaunting attire during the day. She had not recalled any of the women at the party being so openly displayed, and decided that this was something Octavia chose as her own style.

“Good morning, Octavia,” Rebecca greeted her politely. “Please come in.”

“Where’s Timothy?” the woman asked and brushed past her into the foyer.

“I’m afraid he went up to the cabin with his son. Would you care for tea?” Rebecca felt as if it were her responsibility in Timothy’s absence to entertain his friend as cordially as she could.

“What?” Octavia snapped, turning to Rebecca, peering at her as if having just noticed her beside the closed door.

“Timothy is out. Would you care for tea?”

“I need to speak to him now,” Octavia stated, peering up the staircase and trying to see into the upper hall.

“I could give him a message if you like.” Rebecca stepped up to the sizable woman. “I don’t expect him to return until this evening.”

Octavia faced Rebecca in obvious disappointment and scrutinized her carefully.

“Yes,” she stated as she studied the petite girl. “Tea would be fine.”

Rebecca escorted Octavia to the parlor and went to the kitchen. Finding no one around she set out biscuits on a tray and filled a china teapot she found in a low cupboard behind several pots.

When she returned with the tray Octavia was arranging the candlesticks on the mantle.

“I’ve always hated these things here,” she continued to inspect the candlesticks.

“Please, have some tea.” Rebecca poured the tea gracefully and the two women sat facing one another. “Is there something you would like me to relay to Timothy?”

“Relay? Oh, yes. I wondered if my mother had been out this way. I haven’t seen her for several days, and, although Mother comes and goes as she pleases, I did expect she might come home earlier.”

“I don’t know about Timothy, but I have not seen her myself. Are you worried?” Rebecca sipped her tea.

“Not really, just curious. She can’t be far I suppose. The bank said she made a deposit just yesterday.” Octavia looked restlessly around the room and picked up a small silver box from the side table.

“I apologize that I never met your mother the night of the party. Perhaps another time,” Rebecca remarked, watching the woman inspect the trinkets carefully beside her chair.

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