Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(72)

Daniel read it quickly. “Yes?” he said again.

“Why is he thanking you?” Lily asked.

“I’m not sure, although it probably has something to do with the fact that I sent Newland a copy of your waltz.”

“You did?”

“Yes. It was quite good, as you know, and I thought Newland might be able to use a composer for his venture. It seems I was right.”

“Oh my.”

“Good for Price,” Daniel continued. “I always thought he was made for more than mere tenancy on our land.”

“I must speak with him.” Lily started to rise.

Daniel put his hands on her shoulders. “Not now, love. The show is about to start.”

“I don’t care. He’s here somewhere. I need to speak with him now!”

“No, Lily,” Daniel said sharply.

“Don’t you dare raise your voice to me!” Lily whispered angrily.

“Calm down, love. I’m not raising my voice to you. But the play is going to start. Look, there go the lights.”

“Daniel, you don’t understand. It’s a…matter of grave importance!” She wanted to tell him more, but Evan’s presence next to Daniel made that impossible.

“We’ll find him at intermission,” Daniel said. “Come on, you don’t want to miss the play. Besides, he’s most likely extremely busy right now.”

Her husband was right, of course. It was aggravating, how right he usually was. She couldn’t help smiling to herself. Her impulsiveness was one of the things Daniel loved about her, but he curbed it when necessary. As the curtain lifted to strains of what must have been Cameron’s music, she reached behind her. Daniel’s hand met hers, and she squeezed gently, saying, without words, how much she loved him.



Lily sighed as the curtain descended for intermission. The performance so far had been amazing, and the music inspiring. Cameron was indeed gifted. A perfect match for Rose. She was determined to find him and make sure he did right by her sister.

“Daniel”—she stood—“I’ll return shortly. I need to…powder my nose.”

“I’ll come with you,” he said.

“You’re going to help her powder her nose?” Evan asked, smiling.

“Er…no.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to powder your own nose,” Thomas joined in, chuckling.

“Can the two of you ever stop giving me grief?” Daniel asked. “Is it such a crime to be in love with one’s wife?”

“It’s no crime at all,” Lily giggled. “Come, my love.”

When they were free of the box, Lily said urgently. “We must find Mr. Price.”

“Can you tell me why it’s so important now?” Daniel asked.

“Yes. I need to find him for Rose. She’s…in love with him.”

“What?”

“It’s true. The Prices have left our land, by the way.”

“That’s apparent, given his work here,” Daniel said. “I’m sure they sent notice. I still haven’t gotten through all the correspondence that came in during our trip. But that’s not the issue. How can Rose be in love with him? She was with Xavier up to recently.”

“She just is. We don’t choose who to fall in love with, Daniel. You and I ought to know that.”

“True.” He smiled. “But does Price return Rose’s feelings?”

“Well…”

“Lily.”

“He says he doesn’t. But I don’t believe it. Besides it doesn’t matter anyway.”

“Why doesn’t it matter?”

“Because Rose is with child, damn it!” Lily quickly clasped her hand over her mouth.

“She’s what?”

“Keep your voice down,” Lily urged. “She’s with child. Dear Lord, I promised her my confidence.”

“Come on.” Daniel grabbed her hand. “We’re going backstage to find that blackguard and make him do right by your sister.”

“No, Daniel. Not that way. I promised Rose I wouldn’t tell anyone. If we tell Mr. Price, she’ll never forgive me. I shouldn’t have told you. It just sort of…came out.”

“Rubbish. Rose is staying on my estate. She’s under my protection. I have a duty to see that this fool takes care of his mess.”

“Daniel, please…”

“Lady Lily!”

Lily turned to see young Katrina Price running toward her.

Patricia walked briskly after her. “No, Kat,” she said. “She’s the duchess now. You must address her as Your Grace.”

“No, no, don’t worry about that,” Lily said. “It’s wonderful to see you both. May I present my husband, the Duke of Lybrook. Daniel, Misses Patricia and Katrina Price.”

“It’s an honor, Your Grace,” Patricia said, and curtsied.

“The honor is mine.” Daniel bowed politely.

“We’re looking for your brother,” Lily said. “Have you seen him?”

“He’s backstage,” Tricia replied. “He told us not to come back until after the show. He said he’d be too busy during intermission.”