Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(62)

“Why on earth not?”

“I…love another.”

“Goodness, I’m not asking for your love.”

“I understand that. But I…want to remain faithful to her.” His statement, although truthful, was ridiculous. Rose was no doubt betrothed to Xavier by now and had possibly already gone to his bed. Bile rise in his throat at the thought of another man touching Rose. He quickly banished the image from his mind.

He regarded the woman next to him. Lady Myerson was beautiful and desirable, but Cameron didn’t want to make love to any woman but Rose. He would pledge her his fealty, even though it would not be returned. Was he really condemning himself to a life of celibacy? For the moment, at least, he was.

“Are you betrothed to your lady?” Lady Myerson asked.

“No.”

“Then there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy each other. She’ll never know.”

“No, she won’t. But I will.”

“My. You are smitten, aren’t you? She’s a lucky woman. Tell me, who is she?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Why?”

“She’s a lady of the peerage.”

“Oh. Doesn’t she return your feelings?”

“She does, but I fear we may never be together. It won’t work out. We’re from two different worlds.”

“Are you planning to propose to her?”

“No, actually.”

“Oh?”

“I’d rather not discuss this.” He rose. “Thank you for the meal and your company. I enjoyed both very much. And I hope…”

“Yes?”

“I hope there won’t be any…discomfort between us.”

“Of course not.”

“And I hope you won’t withdraw your support of the Regal because of…how this evening ended.”

“No, Mr. Price. Zachary and I go way back, and I believe in his endeavor. As a matter of fact, it took me several attempts before he landed in my bed.” She smiled. “I don’t think I’ll give up on you just yet.”

“Are you and Newland still involved?”

“No. We tired of each other. But it was fun while it lasted.”

“I see.” He took her hand and brushed his lips lightly over her fingers. “You’ve been a pleasant diversion this evening. Part of me wishes I could stay.”

“I’m flattered.”

“Good evening. I’ll see myself out.”





Chapter Thirteen


Rose awoke to pounding on her chamber door. She stood, nearly falling over from dizziness. She was coming down with something. She had been nauseated and dizzy for the past several days, and she couldn’t stand the sight of food. She had decided to sleep most of the day. Aunt Iris’s wedding was only four days away, and she wanted to be well by then.

The pounding continued.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” she said.

She opened the door.

“Rose!” her sister cried.

“Lily, what on earth? You weren’t supposed to be home until the solstice.”

“That’s only three days from now, dear. You might be a bit happier to see me.”

“Oh, I am, I am.” Rose hugged her sister, pulling her into the room. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I’ve been dying to talk to you. When did you get in?”

“Late last night. Daniel and I were so fatigued we just fell into bed. But I was up with the birds this morning. I couldn’t wait to see everyone.”

“Why did you come home early?”

“The duchess—that is, the dowager duchess—I’m the duchess, good God! Anyway, she sent word of Auntie Iris’s impending nuptials, so Daniel and I decided to come home a few days earlier than originally planned.”

“That’s wonderful, but I’m sure Aunt Iris didn’t want to cut your trip short.”

“No, no. We were glad to come home. We did have a splendid time though. I have finally seen the Louvre! France is absolutely wonderful.”

“I want to hear all about it.”

“You shall. But first, I have the most wonderful news!”

“What?”

“I’ve been feeling wretched!”

“So have I,” Rose said dryly. “Why is that wonderful news?”

“Because,” Lily smiled, “I’ve missed my courses!”

“Oh! Lily, you don’t mean… That’s perfectly marvelous! I’m so happy for you.” Rose embraced her sister. Then, “Oh my God.”

“What is it?”

“Your courses. You’ve missed your courses.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re feeling wretched.”

“Yes. I’ve never been so happy to feel so terrible!”

“Of course, I’m thrilled for you, but…”

“What is it, Rose?”

“I’ve been feeling terrible too, Lily. I haven’t even thought about my courses. I never even imagined…”

“Rose?”

“But it’s been a while since I last… Oh my God, it was way before…”