She waited for him to say something, but he continued to look at his work. As he did, his quill scratched, and his breathing was heavy.
“He is excitable,” she continued. “Filled with energy the likes of which…” She laughed. “He is seven, so most of what he does and why he does it, he is not aware. This has led me to believe that the reason he acts the way he does, how rambunctious and troublesome he is, is on account of his need for attention.”
Again, she waited for the Duke to speak, and again he continued to work. The scratching of that quill could be felt across the room.
“He is also lonely,” she said. “My feeling is, if he had a playmate, someone his age to entertain, it might go some way toward calming him down. Often, children steal their energy from those they spend time with, and a calmer head of the same age could help with his focus.”
She looked at the Duke, and still he ignored her.
“So, I was thinking, when my lessons start, it might be a good idea if my brother, Henry, joined us. He is one year older than Aaron, but that is a good thing. He is also well-behaved, knows how to listen, and will likely compel Aaron to do the same.”
The Duke said nothing, nor did he react.
“Music also,” she continued. “Aaron is a ball of energy and the only way he knows how to expel it is through running about and causing chaos. I am trained in the pianoforte, and I truly believe that this might provide Aaron an outlet to focus his attention on.”
Suddenly, the Duke started to hum. Still, he worked. Still, his quill scratched. But the humming was low and melodic, almost mocking.
Octavia continued to watch the Duke, waiting for a response. Her lip twitched. Her leg began to vibrate. Anger boiled away inside of her, and it was all she could do to remain calm.
You are not on the street, Octavia. You cannot bully your way out of this. This is the Duke’s home; he is in charge… do not mess this up.
“Well?” she pressed with as much calm as she could manage. “What do you think?”
“About?” he asked without looking up.
She blinked. “About… what I just suggested? Concerning Aaron.”
“Might you repeat it?” he said simply.
“Wh – what?”
“Repeat it,” he said, still with his head bowed. “I was not listening.”
The anger inside of Octavia flared… but she tempered it.Is he being serious? Had he not been paying attention? The nerve!
“You'd best hurry,” he said. “The hour is getting late.”
Octavia took a deep breath and started again. She explained for a second time what she wanted and the reason for it. As she did, she was sure to watch the Duke closely, who continued to work as if she were not in the room.
“Well?” she prompted when she had finished. “What do you think?”
“Oh, were you speaking?” Again, he refused to look up. “I am afraid I did not hear you.”
“Are you –!” She caught her tongue. “Truly? You… you did not hear?”
“Did I stutter?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Did I stutter?”
“No…”
“Then why do you ask what you hear clearly?” The scratching of his quill felt like knives stabbing her skin. “Repeat it, thank you.”
Octavia did so a third time. This time, she spoke loudly, almost shouting, as she explained why she thought it was a good idea for Aaron to have someone else in his lessons. The Duke hummed again, and she was forced to speak over him.
“What do you think?” she asked when she had finished. “I believe it to be a good idea, and I would appreciate your support.”