The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Heart of Enquiry Book 6)(97)

“My little girl, all grown up.” Mama laid a hand on her cheek.

Sophie chose that moment to wake up, her rosebud mouth puckering into a howl.

“Good thing you still have another,” Rosie said ruefully.

She rose, rocking her sister and humming a tune. The crying turned to gentle cooing.

“You’re a natural with her, you know.” Mama’s smile had an edge of wistfulness. “Soon you’ll be ready for a child of your own.”

The thought of having a babe—Andrew’s babe—made Rosie’s heart thump but not with panic. For the first time, the idea of motherhood seemed almost… desirable.

Cuddling her sister, she said with feeling, “Andrew and I have a lot to iron out before that.”

“The important thing is that you know you love him. I didn’t realize what your papa meant to me until it was almost too late.”

“So that is why my ears are burning,” came Papa’s voice.

He entered the sitting room, Edward following behind. Both were attired in fashionable garb that set off their lean, lanky figures and handsome dark looks—though Edward’s cravat was, as always, slightly askew. Papa’s amber gaze went to Rosie; yesterday, he’d given her a wide berth, and she knew he was trying to gauge her present state.

She gave him a tremulous smile. “Mama was just telling me what you mean to her.”

His watchful gaze remained on her for another moment and then the grooves around his mouth eased. “Is that right, poppet? And what did your mother say?”

“Well, she hadn’t actually said it yet,” she said impishly.

“I’ll say it now,” Mama declared. “Your papa means everything to me.”

Papa’s eyes flashed, and he crossed over to Mama, bending to kiss her cheek and murmur something in her ear. Edward sauntered up to Primrose.

“Well, now you’ve done it. They’re at it again,” he muttered. “We’ll never make it to the luncheon in time.”

“I’m surprised you want to go.” Rosie lifted Sophie into the air, the babe gurgling in delight. “Don’t these sorts of affairs bore you?”

She knew her brother would prefer a visit to a museum over a charity luncheon any day. He was only going because the event was being hosted by the Hunts, dear friends of the family. Being in mourning prevented Rosie from participating in the public event—which was just as well. She had to plan her reunion with Andrew.

What would she say? What would she wear?

“Uncle Harry is going to be there,” Edward replied. “And he promised to show me and Frederick another of his inventions.”

Good Lord. That explained her brother’s willingness to go.

“If you want company, however,” he added gruffly, “I could stay.”

“Thank you, I’ll be fine. And Edward?”

“Yes?”

“I love you, dear.”

Edward’s face reddened. “Good God, not you too. Is this excess of sentimentality catching?”

“You’d best watch out.” She grinned at him. “By the by, your cravat is crooked.”

Her parents came over. Mama took Sophie, and Papa cleared his throat.

“Your mother tells me you’ve decided to patch things up with Corbett.”

Rosie couldn’t tell from her father’s expression whether he approved of her decision or not.

“I’m going to try,” she said earnestly.

“You’re certain this is the future you want?” Her father’s eyes searched her face. “Certain that you wish to give up your title and money for this fellow?”

“Yes, Papa.” She’d never been more certain of anything.

“Then, whenever you are ready, I’ll invite Corbett over to supper.” Papa’s expression was stern, but his eyes smiled at her. “We’ll do this thing properly from here on in.”

“Thank you, Papa.” Gladness flooded her, and she rose on tiptoe to kiss her father’s lean cheek. “I only hope Andrew will forgive me.”

Papa snorted. “Poor chap doesn’t stand a chance.”

A knock sounded on the door, and Libby entered. Curtsying, she said to Mama, “It’s time for Miss Sophie’s daily outing. I thought I’d take her to see the aviary at the Pantheon.”

“I’m sure she will enjoy that.” Mama kissed Sophie before handing her over to the maid.

“We should be back by mid-afternoon,” Papa told Rosie. “Stay put, and if you need anything, Caster’s the guard on duty today. I won’t rest easy until we get to the bottom of this.”

“I’ll be fine.” Rosie smiled at her family. “Have a lovely time, and send my best to the Hunts.”

~~~

A short while later, Rosie was sitting at her old escritoire, trying to compose a letter to Andrew, when she was interrupted by Susie, one of the newer housemaids.

Susie curtsied, holding out a vibrant, paper-wrapped bouquet. “These just came for ye, miss.”

Heart racing, Rosie thanked the maid and took the fragrant flowers. She set them on the desk, rummaging through the foliage to find the note. It was sealed, her name boldly inked on the front. Hands trembling, she broke the wax.

Shock jolted her.