Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(85)

“I have a job,” Cameron said.

“Price, don’t be a fool,” Newland said. “I don’t want to lose you, but this is an incredible opportunity.”

“But I’m finally able to work on my music full time and make a living at it. That’s been my dream forever.”

Lady Denbigh smiled. “There was a time, Beau, when music was important to you. Do you remember?”

“Yes, yes, I do. I composed music myself as a lad. My father felt his heir shouldn’t concern himself with such frivolities, so I stopped when I became a teen.”

“How terrible,” Rose said.

“I survived. Of course, had I had other ways to occupy my free time, perhaps I wouldn’t have chased after housemaids.”

“But then Cam wouldn’t be here, nor Kat and Tricia,” Rose said. “That would have been a huge loss.”

Denbigh smiled. “You’ve a bright and kind young lady there, Cameron. You’re very lucky indeed.”

“I agree.” Cam gave Rose a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Perhaps there’s a way for young Cameron to pursue his musical interests and be your heir,” Lady Denbigh said.

“I suppose you can stay in Bath during the six months the theatre is open,” Denbigh said. “Would that work for you, Newland?”

“Of course. I’d love to have Price stay on.”

“Then for the other six months of the year, you and your family will live on my estate.”

“Where is your estate, my lord?” Cameron asked.

“In Hampshire.”

“My father’s estate is in Hampshire,” Rose said.

“Then your lovely wife will be close to her parents. What do you say?”

“I’m sorry,” Cameron said, raking his fingers through his hair. “This is all a bit overwhelming.”

“My lord,” Mrs. Price said, “tell him about the title.”

“Yes, of course,” Denbigh continued. “As my heir, you will carry the title of Earl of Thornton, and your lovely lady here will be a countess.”

Cameron’s knees nearly buckled.

“I also plan to offer you a yearly allowance. As I said, my estate is not in the best condition, but I can give you three thousand pounds per year. Plus, I’ve already talked to Newland about purchasing your townhome from him. He has agreed to my offer, and the papers will be drawn up posthaste, with the deed in your name.”

“I can’t allow you to buy me a house.”

“Of course you can. You’re my grandson. Consider it a betrothal gift.”

“I think I need to sit down.”

Rose led Cameron to a settee and sat down next to him.

“I will also be giving your sisters small dowries, and your mother will receive a modest allowance as well, One thousand pounds per year.”

“My lord?” Mrs. Price said. “This is the first you’ve mentioned of that.”

“My dear, I wish it could be more. Your kindness and faithfulness to my son has earned you far more than that,” Denbigh said. “I thank God that you were in his life and stood by him, even after he lost much of the use of his brain.”

“He was a good man, my lord, and a fine husband. I loved him very much, and he gave me my beautiful children. I think you would have been proud of him.”

“I’ve no doubt of that. I wish I could have been a father to him.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Cameron said.

“Just say yes, Cameron,” Denbigh said. “I can never atone for the havoc that my behavior wreaked on the lives of your grandmother and father, but at least let me care for their loved ones.”

“Rose?” Cameron said. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s your decision, Cam.” She took his hand. “I love you, and I shall stand by you no matter what. You know that.”

“Mum?”

“I agree with Lady Rose. It’s your decision.”

Cameron looked at his beautiful fiancée, and then at his mother. It would be selfish of him to deprive them of the life that this title could provide for them. “All right, my lord,” he said to Denbigh. “I will be your heir.”

“Good, very good.” Denbigh smiled and strode forward to shake Cam’s hand. “There is one other small thing, though.”

“Yes?”

“You’ll have to take my surname. It should have been yours anyway, had I had the chance to do right by your grandmother.”

“Well…I suppose that’s all right. It will be difficult to get used to a new name.”

“You’d have to anyway,” Denbigh said. “As the Earl of Thornton, you’ll be known as Thornton, not Price. Your surname won’t make much of a difference.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Cameron paced through the parlor. “This will no doubt please your father,” he said to Rose.

“No doubt,” Rose said, “but that doesn’t matter to me.”

“I know it doesn’t, sweet.”

“Ashford has a problem with my grandson?” Denbigh asked. “I’ll speak to him.”

“I don’t think it’s me personally, my lord,” Cameron said. “It’s my common status. He wants better for Rose.”