“If it is, then it means I have a brother somewhere.” Gerard’s heart raced. “It could be about my grandfather though, and if that is the case, then I have an uncle about. Does it have a date?”
Rose stared at him. “No. The place where the date was written has been blurred, as has most of the page. I can’t read much else.” After a moment, she asked, “Do you believe it?”
“The woman had no reason to lie.” And his father would have every reason to lie.
Rose placed her hand on his, and Gerard let go of the reins to wrap his fingers with hers. He wished he could remove their gloves so that they could be skin to skin, but he still drew comfort from the gesture.
“I’m sorry, Gerard.” When Rose’s head landed on his arm, another measure of peace settled over him, b
ut not enough to stop his nerves from acting erratic.
“It’s not your fault, Rose.” How he still managed to talk or drive amazed him.
“I can tell you that it happened many years ago,” she said to give him some comfort. “Many of the pages deal with Henry, and those do include dates. I daresay it’s more likely an uncle. The man would have to be at least forty.”
It was still enough time for his father to have had a son, though now it made more sense that it had been his grandfather.
“And Henry was taken in by family later, the pages say,” Rose went on. She lifted her head and smiled. “So you’ve no need to worry about him. He wasn’t alone.”
That stopped much of the nervousness, but he found himself brushing his thumb back and forth over the back of her hand nonetheless.
When they drew closer to the house, Rose did the sensible thing and let him go, straightening in her seat to give the impression that they’d done nothing more than talk.
But her eyes gave away a depth of feeling.
“Are you going to be all right?” she asked.
“I need to speak with my father.” He could think of nothing else but getting to the bottom of the truth.
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21
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
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“Digging! Digging!”
Rose rolled her eyes and shook her head before she went on. Her hands were fisted, one on top of the other, and she swung her arms from one side of her body to the other. Originally, she’d begun acting this particular charade out on her feet, but in the last few seconds, she’d found herself on her knees, truly getting into the activity with all her might. Her team was ahead by three points, but that was of no matter. When Rose got into a game, she usually put everything she had into it.
Alex was laughing on the couch across from her so loudly that Rose was struggling to hear what the members of her team were shouting.
But it didn’t matter; all their answers were currently wrong. Could they be so oblivious to the obvious? Those who represented the winning side included her, Gerard, Rachel, Manas, and Lady Henrietta.
Lady Henrietta had been shouting ‘digging’ for the last ten seconds, driving Rose mad. Could she not tell that her answer was wrong?
“Digging!” The pretty woman thumped her fist down upon her lap and stared at Rose with wide green eyes, sure she was right. “It has to be!”
“Gardening?” Rachel tried.
“No,” Henrietta insisted. “It’s digging!”
Alex broke out in laughter once more. Whether she was laughing at her, Henrietta, or their group in total, Rose wasn’t sure.
“Yes, digging!” Manas shouted with a chuckle and wicked grin, his dark eyes alight with humor. He knew that wasn’t the answer and was now joining in humiliating Rose. The traitor.
Harley and Gerard remained silent, but for two very different reasons. Harley was truly puzzled and usually remained silent unless he was sure of the answer. Gerard, on the other hand…
He knew the answer and refused to say it. He watched with a soft smile and said not a word.
Together, they’d won most of the points for their side and would have continued to do so if Miss Louisa hadn’t pointed it out so matter-of-factly.
“I didn’t know we were playing pairs,” the woman had said haughtily. “Or perhaps Lord Obenshire and Miss Rose should simply be a team to themselves?” She’d said it as though it were a genuine offer, though it was clear to Rose that she’d wanted to draw unwanted attention to them.
As Gerard had promised, they’d been quite friendly as of late.
An entire fortnight had gone by and not once had Rose felt neglected in any way. Gerard made sure they sat together at every meal. While at first the other lords had questioned this, they’d soon found her intellect more than a little fascinating, to the point that they’d begun to call her over to their table before meals just to make sure she would be there. She had Lord Stonewhire to thank for their praise. Having read books from almost every section of the library, she was easily able to discuss everything from philosophy to economics, all while keeping in mind that she was a woman and should only say so much while adding a great amount of humility and grace to her speech.
She’d become a favored oddity with the lords, to the point that they’d all begun to consider allowing their wives to read the paper. Gerard had obviously been proud to have her at his side.
Since the quarry, the party had also visited an old castle less than an hour away down the river that flowed behind Avon Park. She and Gerard had ridden in an open carriage along with Alex and Justin, and never before had she felt such great affection for Gerard than at that moment. She’d thought she loved him before, but with his constant attention and smiles that never wavered, she was even more in love than before.
Though, at the moment, she wanted to throw her imaginary stone at his head.
She looked over at the hourglass and cringed. They were almost out of time.
“Rowing,” Gerard said right before the last grain fell.
“Correct!” Justin shouted.
Rose sighed and all but deflated onto the floor. Around her, there was applause from both sides. She’d clearly put everything she had into the game, and though it was not very ladylike, it had still been entertaining.
“Well.” Miss Louisa stood. “I, for one, am not surprised by the pair who has claimed the victory.” Again, her meaning was clear.
“No pairs have won,” Rachel argued with a smile. “The group has, and I, for one, would like to believe I’ve contributed to this win.”
Harley stood and helped Rose to her feet just as the rest of the room broke into conversation. It was late in the evening and the time to turn in was drawing nigh.
“You’re an exceptional actress. Have you ever thought of trying your hand in the theatre?” His blue eyes were even more stunning in the low light of the sitting room.
She laughed. “How can you claim such a thing when you hadn't any clue what I was portraying?”
His smile broadened. “You were still quite captivating to watch.” Though she’d spent a great deal of time with Gerard, Harley still made sure he took whatever was left. It was clear that he wished to court her, but more than ever, Rose’s heart was Gerard’s.
Louisa turned to Gerard and smiled. “My lord, there is a piece of interest on the other side of the room that I find myself captivated with. Perhaps you would be so kind as to explain its history?”
Rose’s stomach turned.
Louisa had not given up on her pursuit of Gerard and had even become bolder in the passing weeks. While they’d been sailing down the river, she’d dropped her hat in the water. In her hurried ambition to retrieve the headpiece, she’d shown more than a little of her bosom and a glimpse of her calves as she leaned out of the boat, nearly pulling her and Gerard into the water. Rose had been riding in Harley’s boat and had nearly smiled when she’d seen the irritation on Gerard’s face. It was a mean thing to be joyful about, but that didn’t stop Rose from thinking the Earl
of Obenshire her own.
As a good host would, Gerard led Miss Louisa to the other side of the room.
It had been two days since he’d found out about Henry and, after pouring through the pages, Henry remained elusive. Though Gerard had been all charm for the last few days, Rose knew his questions still bothered him. She wanted to go to him but knew now wasn’t the best time. She simply didn’t know when a good time would come again.
She also knew that Gerard paid Louisa such great attention as a way to dispel any rumors that could start about Rose and Gerard. They no longer met in secret. Now that their friendship was out in the open, it was dangerous to speak in the shadows alone.
Rose returned her attention to Harley, who’d been watching her gaze the entire time.
“Admit it,” he whispered as he moved closer to her. “You’re in love with the earl.”
Her heart raced, yet she managed to laugh nonetheless. “I’ve already told you, Gerard and I are only friends.”
His smile softened. “And I’ve only responded repeatedly that your reply fails to answer my question.”
Rose saw a few guests make their way toward the foyer with the purpose of retiring and thought it best she did the same. “I will pretend that it is the hour that makes you ask such ridiculous questions and bid you goodnight.”
“Very well, then allow me to escort you to the stairs.” He extended his arm, and she took it.
In the foyer, there were many others bidding one another goodnight.
The front door opened, and Rose turned and then stilled at who stood at the door. There were collective intakes of breath, but Rose was sure none of them were as deep as her own.
“Who is that gentleman?” Harley asked.
“The duke.”
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22
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
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Rose tightened her hold on Harley when she saw the butler look in her direction. Surely, he didn’t expect her to greet the man in his own home? It was clear that Mr. Darrow was just as surprised at his master’s appearance as anyone else. Avon was supposed to have been in London.
Rose let go of Harley’s arm and thought of retreating to the sitting room and fetching Alex or even Gerard, but it was a cowardly thing to do.
Especially when the duke was looking directly at her.
Where was the housekeeper? Probably hiding, no doubt. Avon was likely asleep. One couldn’t avoid doing so if they wished to live for long, and though you could fight it, eventually it would pull you down into darkness.
She’d only met Avon twice. Once had been during Justin’s wedding to Alex. The second had been at Gerard’s home when he’d hosted a party. Avon’s son was social by nature and her being one of his closest friends had made her appearance at the party unavoidable.
She had no choice now. She moved forward, realizing that Harley had moved with her, one step behind. She curtsied before the duke and then rose. “Your Grace,” she smiled. “We’re so glad you could join us. You must be famished from your travels. Would you like me to have a meal sent up to your room… or perhaps the dining room?” She shut her mouth then for fear that she’d babble on.
He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t know you’d be attending the party, Miss Rose.”
She stiffened and watched as Avon’s eyes moved to Harley, then waited.
“Your Grace, allow me to introduce Lord Harland Upton, the Viscount of Wint.”
Avon grunted and wavered on his feet. Rose noticed how white the knuckles on his cane were and felt foolish for allowing the sick man to stand for so long.
“Let us get to you a chair.” Rose looked at Darrow for aid.
“Playing at housemaid, are you?” Avon asked. “The job suits you. Likely as high a station as you’ll ever go.”
Rose’s mouth opened in dismay, but the duke was already looking away. He barely bothered to acknowledge the viscount. She heard a snicker behind her and thought the sound belonged to one of the Anns. Or perhaps Miss Louisa had joined the crowd. That thought alone brought more anger to Rose’s blood than she was prepared for.
Where is my son?” Avon looked toward the sitting room as though he could see through the very walls.
Rose could hear voices carrying through the foyer. How strange that no one moved forward to greet the duke. Or perhaps Rose had been the only foolish one.
“Let me take you to him.” Then she could retreat. She grabbed his arm and he glared.
“I don’t need your assistance,” the duke said.
Rose tightened her hold on him. “Oh, I insist. After all, it’s more practice for my role as maid.”
Harley chuckled and some of her anger cooled enough to the point that she realized just whom she was addressing.
She didn’t bother to look at Avon again. Instead, she steered him toward the sitting room and waited for him to kick her out of his house. He said no more as they entered the sitting room. The noise that had greeted their entrance died.
“Your Grace.” Alex moved to his other side.
“Why don’t you women ever listen? I don’t need your help,” the duke snapped. “Did your lack of good breeding result in a lack of hearing?”
Rose rolled her eyes and had to stop herself from tossing him into the chair. “I’m sorry, did you say something, Your Grace?”
The duke pointed his cane at her, but it took a moment before he could catch his breath. “I heard about your clever mouth, you little—”
Gerard came over just in time to stop another insult. “Father, what are you doing here?”
The duke thankfully turned his attention to Gerard. “I didn’t receive a letter last week. You’ve obviously been more occupied by your party than writing to your own father.”
Gerard pressed his lips into a line. “You’re right. I have gotten carried away as of late.” And even more with the new secret hanging over his family.
It was only then that Rose noticed that Miss Louisa still clinging to Gerard’s arm. She smiled at the duke and Gerard, and it became clear she was waiting for an introduction.
A stab of jealousy struck Rose, and she looked away.
Gerard caught on and cleared his throat. “Your Grace, I would like you to meet Miss Louisa.”
Rose heard the ruffle of skirts and could only imagine that Miss Louisa’s curtsey had been one of her best.
“Miss Louisa,” the duke said with what sounded like… was that admiration?
Rose turned back to the duke and noticed the man wore a… smile.
The duke looked from his son to the lady. “If she is the reason you’ve not found the time to write, I must say that I very much approve.”
Miss Louisa laughed and visibly tightened her hold on Gerard.
Rose tightened her hands into fists but did well to hide them in her skirts.
“All of my guests have needed my attention,” Gerard said.
Avon waved him away and looked at Rose. “Where is that dinner you promised me?”
Louisa chuckled, and it was no wonder Avon approved of her. They were both vile creatures.
Rose bit back her retort, bowed, and went to do as Avon asked. At least he’d not dismissed her from his home, though Rose wasn’t sure she preferred staying.
And why had the duke approved of Miss Louisa so readily if he’d only met her? Was it simply the case that any lady would do for him? It was more than painfully clear that he’d never approve of Rose.
Alex caught up with her quickly. “Don’t listen to Lord Avon. He’s really harmless once you get to know him.”
Rose looked at her as they moved down the hall. “You are likely the only one to have ever said that since the day Avon learned to speak. The man is a villain.”
“You’re right,” Alex agreed. “He really is. It took Justin months to find a lord who was willing to take his place in Parliament.” Over a year
ago, when Justin’s father had died, Avon had taken advantage of Justin’s grief and told him Parliament would be the perfect distraction. Unfortunately, joining the House of Lords had also meant joining Avon’s party and voting as he dictated. Justin had finally had to pay one of the young lords to take his place, an ambitious man who actually agreed with many of Avon’s thoughts. The payout had been equal to a small fortune, but nothing was worth more to Justin than his freedom.
“But he’s ill,” Alex went on. “And I’ve decided the best course of action is to cure him with abundant kindness.”
“Your kindness only ever seems to make him grumpier.”
Alex laughed as they entered the kitchen. “Perhaps you’re right, but I’ve found myself growing less irritated whenever he wishes to speak nonsense.”
Rose instructed one of the footmen to prepare the duke’s meal and have it ready for him in the dining room before turning to Alex. “You’ve been spending far too much time with Mary Frances, if that is the case.”
Mary Frances had run the home since her sister, Mary Elizabeth Best, had died twenty-one years ago. The woman could be more than a little hostile at times, and Rose wondered if it was the reason she found a way to tolerate the duke herself. Anyone who’d grown up at Best Home had learned not to back down when one sought to bully them. While Rose had had her brothers and Alex to protect her from most of it, there was no holding it all back. Rose had learned quickly to defend herself or fall prey to sadness and amount to very little in life.
Their life had been nothing like the gentle ladies of the ton, where one could have easily fainted at the thought of London’s most powerful duke giving personal insult to them. It would take more than that to send Rose into fits.
The Games the Earl Plays Page 13