Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(8)

“It’s six, milady,” the maid said.

“Yes, thank you. Do you know if the duke and duchess have left the estate yet?”

“No, not yet, milady. The staff was told they were coming down to breakfast at seven.”

“Perfect,” Rose said. “Could you ready a bath for me please?”

“Yes, milady.”

Rose bathed quickly, dressed in a morning gown, and descended. The house was silent. No one would be about yet this early. Lily and the duke sat in the informal dining room, smiling at each other. Lily was radiant in a light brown traveling outfit, her dark hair plaited and piled on her head. She looked up to see her sister enter the room.

“Rose, dear, what on earth are you doing out of bed this early?”

“Good morning, Lily, Your Grace.” Rose nodded to her new brother-in-law.

“Please, no more of this Your Grace,” Lily said. “She may call you Daniel, right?”

“Of course,” the duke replied. “I get a little tired of all the formality anyway. We’re all family, now.”

“Yes, of course…Daniel. Th-Thank you,” Rose stammered. “Lily, I’m so sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but I need to talk to you. It’s…urgent.”

“Goodness, is anything wrong?” Lily asked.

“No, not exactly. But I desperately need a half hour of your time. When are you leaving?”

Lily gestured to her husband, who replied, “In about an hour. Our baggage is being loaded into the carriage now.”

“Since I’m all packed, I’m yours,” Lily said. “Do join us, will you?”

“No, I couldn’t. I’ll wait for you in the ladies’ sitting room. I need to speak to you in private.”

“Lily,” Daniel said, “I need to see to some…arrangements for our trip. Why don’t the two of you breakfast together in here while I take care of matters.”

“No, I couldn’t possibly—” Rose began.

“Nonsense,” Lily said. “That is a spectacular idea, Daniel, and you’re a darling for thinking of it.” She gave him a loving smile as he strode from the room.

“Is there anything he wouldn’t do for you?” Rose asked.

“If there is, it hasn’t come up yet. He’s a gem, isn’t he?”

“Yes, you’re very lucky.”

“I know exactly how lucky I am, dear. Now what is troubling you?”

Where to begin? Rose took a deep breath. “Oh, Lily, I don’t know what to do!”

“About what, Rose?”

“I…I did something very foolish last night. Something I can’t take back. I…I don’t want to take it back, but I… I nearly slept with…with…”

“Evan?” Lily asked.

“No,” Rose said. “If only… Not Evan. Cameron Price.”

“Mr. Price? Oh, Rose.”

“I know. He’s completely unacceptable. He’s a commoner, a tenant, for goodness’ sake. But Lily, I…I’m attracted to him.”

“Yes, I know you are.”

Rose rubbed her forehead. “Oh, you can’t imagine how hard it was. While he was writing your waltz, he and I had to work together so I would have it ready to perform for the wedding. We spent hours together, working at the grand piano in the conservatory. It was wonderful…and terrible. And of course I couldn’t talk to you about it because the waltz was a surprise, and I didn’t dare talk to anyone else either, for fear they might divulge it. He’s brilliant, Lily. His music is so poignant and touching. It made me want to weep sometimes. It’s that beautiful.”

“Yes, the waltz was lovely. He’s quite a talent.”

“He’s amazing,” Rose said dreamily.

“What about Evan? Do you still care for him?”

“Yes, I’ve always cared for him. He’s a kind man, and he’s been a perfect gentleman but for a few stolen kisses, which I gave permission for. We get on well, and I enjoy our time together. But with Cameron…that is…Mr. Price…oh, I don’t know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to explain it to me. I know what that kind of attraction feels like.”

“I know you do, but it was different with you and Daniel.”

“How so?”

“Lily, he’s a duke! A perfect match for a daughter of the Earl of Ashford. But Cameron is… Well, he’s nothing.” An invisible thud hit Rose’s gut. “God, I didn’t mean that. He’s not nothing. He’s…everything, actually.”

“Tell me what happened last night,” Lily urged.

Rose’s pulse fluttered at her neck. “I went to the terrace for some fresh air, and he was out there, alone in the dark. He had been drinking, but he seemed sincere. He was upset that Evan had monopolized me, and he asked me to dance with him on the lawn.”

Lily smiled. “That sounds heavenly.”

“It was.” Rose closed her eyes and inhaled the smoky scent of Lily’s morning tea. “I always thought he found me attractive, but he treated me with such scorn while we were working together. He made snide comments about my being above him, and the like.”