Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(83)

“I would marry her if she didn’t have a farthing. I love her!”

“I see.” Ashford removed his spectacles and turned to his wife. “Flora, have you any opinion on this?”

“I wish only to see Rose happy,” Lady Ashford said.

Ashford cleared his throat. “Then I will give permission if you wait for two months, when Rose reaches the age of twenty-one.”

“But, Papa—”

“If your love is true, it can survive for two months. You won’t need my permission anyway after that.”

“But we can’t wait.”

“Why not?”

Rose took a deep breath. She had no choice but to tell the truth. “Because I’m with child.”

Lady Ashford fanned herself with her hands. “Dear Lord, Rose.”

“I’m sorry, Mummy,” Rose said. Then, “Well, no, I’m actually not.”

“Well,” Ashford said, “I can see that the matter is settled then. I suppose you have my permission. I’ll not see my daughter a societal outcast.”

“Oh, thank you, Papa!”

“Don’t thank me yet, Rose,” Ashford said. “Now you, your sister, and your mother must leave this room. Your…intended and I need to have a chat.”

Rose embraced Cameron protectively. “No, Papa. I’ll not leave him.”

“It’s all right, Rose. I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, it’s fine. Now go on, all of you—”

A knock on the door interrupted Ashford. “What is it?” he bellowed.

Crawford opened the door. “My apologies, Your Grace, my lord, my ladies. Mr. Price has a visitor.”

“Mr. Price is otherwise engaged, Crawford,” Lord Ashford said.

“I know. I informed our visitors as much, but they insist on seeing him straight away.”

“I’ll handle this, Papa,” Lily said, rising.

“The duke has been informed already, Your Grace. He insists that Mr. Price come to the main parlor.”

“Who are these mysterious visitors, Crawford?” Lily asked.

“The Marquess of Denbigh and his mother, the dowager marchioness.”

“Do you know them, Cameron?” Rose asked.

“I just met the marchioness last evening. But why on earth would they come all the way here to see me?”

“Mr. Newland is with them,” Crawford said, “as are your mother and sisters.”

“I’m flummoxed,” Cameron said. “I have no idea what this could possibly be about.”

“Go ahead,” Ashford said. “Denbigh outranks me. I shan’t keep you from your business.”

“Papa, really.” Lily rolled her eyes. “Your obsession over rank is so— Oh, never mind. Come now,” she said to Rose and Cameron. “Let’s see what this is about.”



The elderly Lady Denbigh sat in her wheelchair with a cup of tea. Cameron strode forward and took her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lady,” he said.

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Price.” Lady Denbigh smiled. “I would like to introduce my son, Beauregard Adams, the ninth Marquess of Denbigh.”

Cameron raised his head to regard the older gentleman standing behind his mother’s wheelchair. He was tall, about Cameron’s own height, with a shock of thick white hair and a finely chiseled jawline, devoid of the wrinkles of age. As Cameron readied himself to bow politely, his heart nearly stopped.

His own silver eyes stared back at him.





Chapter Eighteen


Cameron gulped down his surprise. “My lord, it’s a pleasure.” He motioned to Rose and Lily, “May I present my betrothed, Lady Rose Jameson, and her sister, the Duchess of Lybrook.”

“I’m charmed,” Lord Denbigh said. “What rare beauties you both are.”

“You’re a flatterer, my lord,” Lily said flirtatiously. “I’m not sure the duke would approve.”

“I’d have given him a run for his money in my day,” Denbigh laughed.

Kat squealed and ran to Cam. “You’re betrothed? You mean Lady Rose will be my sister?”

“Yes, Kitty-Kat.” Cam scooped the little girl into his arms. “Lady Rose will be your sister. She’s going to come live with us.”

“Oh! You’ll love our townhome, Lady Rose. And Tricia and I have our own governess, Miss Penney. But maybe you can be our governess now.”

“Kat, Lady Rose is going to be my wife, not your governess,” Cameron said.

“But we’ll spend all sorts of time together, I promise.” Rose tousled the little girl’s hair.

Newland cleared his throat. “Price, the marquess and marchioness need to speak to you. It’s a matter of some importance.”

“I can’t imagine what it would be,” Cam said.

“Oh Cam”—Mrs. Price strode forward—“it’s the most amazing story.”

“All right. It must be important if you came all this way.”

“Perhaps I should take Kat and Tricia out to the kennels to see the puppies,” Lily said.

“What a lovely idea, Your Grace,” Mrs. Price said. “We’d be obliged.”