Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(42)

“I do love him, and he knows, Tricia. But he doesn’t want me. He sent me away.”

Tricia’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe that, my lady.”

“It’s the truth. I…would have done anything to be with him.”

Tricia shook her head. “What a nincompoop.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Not you, my lady. I love my brother dearly, but if he isn’t the stupidest man in the world!”

Rose couldn’t help chuckling. “He can’t help it if he doesn’t love me.”

“Oh, but he does. That is what’s stupid about the whole thing. I’ll have to do something about this.”

“Tricia, you gave me your word,” Rose said.

“Of course, I would never break your confidence, my lady. I’ll think of something. Will you come back to see us soon?”

“Yes, I’m coming back in three days to see Kat.”

“Perfect,” Tricia said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just perfect.”

She looked so happy. Rose didn’t have the heart to tell her not to bother. Tricia would know the truth soon enough.

Cameron didn’t love Rose, and he never had.





Chapter Nine


Toward the end of the week, Rose gathered a bag of sugar candy and some more books together and summoned Lily’s carriage to take her to the Price cottage for her visit with Kat. She was secretly glad that Ally and Sophie were busy with Aunt Iris and Lily’s modiste, Madame LeRou, choosing gowns for the wedding. Rose wanted to go alone. She had a servant hitch Begonia to the back of the carriage. Perhaps she would take Kat riding, if the little girl felt up to it. She didn’t fear running into Cameron. He would no doubt be off somewhere else.

Tricia met her outside when the carriage arrived. “My lady,” she said, running to greet her, “Kat is so excited to see you! But I fear I have some unfortunate news.”

“Is anything wrong?”

“No, no, of course not. The unfortunate news is that…well, Cam left this morning. He’ll be gone on errands all day.”

“Because I was coming, no doubt.”

“Yes, I’m afraid so. He’s stubborn as a mule, that one.”

Rose forced a smile, hoping it looked sincere. “My dear, I told you the truth the other day. He doesn’t want to see me. But that won’t keep me from visiting you and Kat.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Tell me, are you enjoying your new books?”

“Oh yes. I’ve already devoured two of them.”

Rose laughed. “You read like Lily. She can lose herself for hours in a book. Come on.” She linked her arm with the younger girl’s. “Let’s go see that adorable little sister of yours.”

Kat’s eyes danced when Rose entered the cottage. “Lady Rose!” she shouted, running into her arms.

“Dear little Kat,” Rose said, “it’s so good to see you running about.”

“I almost died!”

“Oh my.”

“Kat, don’t frighten Lady Rose,” her mother admonished, coming in from the kitchen. “Good afternoon, Lady Rose.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Price. I’m so very glad that everything is well with Kat.”

“As we all are, my lady.”

“Tell me, were the doctors ever able to ascertain the cause of her condition?”

“I’m afraid not. But once the fever broke, she had no more symptoms, so after a few days they let us come home.”

“Do they consider her cured?”

“Yes, at this point they do. But I’ll be walking on pins and needles until I’m comfortable that she won’t become ill again.”

“I understand. But look at her. It’s marvelous to see her back to her old self.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Is there anything I can do for you, Mrs. Price? You are tenants on my sister’s land, and I know the family would like to help in any way they can.”

“No, Cameron would never forgive me if I took any charity, my lady.”

“Goodness, I’m not offering charity. Neighbors help each other, Mrs. Price.”

“We’ve no need of your help at this time.” Mrs. Price’s tone was curt.

“All right. But I hope you won’t hesitate to come to us if that changes.”

“Of course.”

“Now”—she turned to Kat—“my precious, what would you like to do today?”

“I have it all planned,” Kat said. “First, I want to listen to you play the pianoforte. Then, we’ll read a story. Then, I want to go out and play.”

“Kat, Lady Rose is a lady of the peerage. She doesn’t play,” Mrs. Price said.

“Of course I do! I’d love to play with you, Kat. We’ll do whatever you like. She is strong enough to play, is she not, Mrs. Price?”

“I’d rather she not run around, my lady.”

“Mum!” Kat whined.

“Don’t you worry, Kat. I have another idea,” Rose said. “I brought Lily’s mare with me, and I can take you riding. Would you like that?”

“Oh, could I, Mum?”