Without awaiting Rose’s answer, Margaret tugged at the bell pull and then took a seat. “It is possible Society will accept him. He has a great deal to learn, though. But he is handsome, and his family, ignoring his illegitimacy, has tremendous wealth. With support from the earl and countess, it is not out of the realm of possibility.”
Rose contemplated all of this and dropped onto a high-backed cushioned chair. “His background will not matter, then?”
“You would be surprised at what barriers can be broken when the rich and powerful are behind you.”
Rome’s father folded his hands on the desk in front of him and scowled. “I only wish you would have done this from the very beginning, when he was a child.”
Mrs. Winston had taken Wesley to the chamber she’d had prepared, leaving Rome alone in his father’s study to face his parents.
“But he seems to be bright. Of course, all of our grandchildren cannot help but be intelligent,” Rome’s mother opined, standing beside his father’s chair, her arm upon his shoulder.
“He’s more than intelligent, he simply requires proper schooling.” Rome had no apologies for bringing Wesley home with him. “The Headmaster at Eton is more than willing to make arrangements for Wesley, with a rather sizable donation, of course.”
“Of course,” his father agreed. “We’ll hire a tutor to work with him until the beginning of the next term. Do you plan on remaining at Raven’s Park for any set amount of time?” This last was said somewhat cynically.
“Pierce has taken care of that already. A Mr. Bernhard will be arriving any day to begin Wesley’s schooling.” Rome didn’t comment on how long he intended to remain at Raven’s Park.
Rose was here, damn her.
“There is another concerning matter that we must discuss as well. The rather disagreeable rumor that’s going around.” His father’s scowl deepened as he stared at some papers spread across his desk.
“We know there is no truth to it.” His mother looked anxious. “Although, admittedly, it has taken on a life of its own.”
“I gave it no heed, initially, when I got wind of it last spring.” His father groused. “But damn it all to hell, Rome, someone has it out for you. One of my exporters has inquired whether you would be involved in our next shipment. He expressed concern.”
“Language, Broderick.” Rome’s mother frowned in his father’s direction before turning back to Rome. “This could be resolved so very easily, my dear. Lady Asherton is such a lovely young woman, and Natalie told me you had already expressed your interest in her to Lord Danbury.”
Rome had no intention of pursuing the woman. Only… “This ridiculous gossip is affecting business?” Dash it all.
“Of course, I told the impertinent blighter to go to hell—”
“Broderick,” his mother interrupted, only managing to deepen the furrows in his father’s brow.
“We will no longer be doing any business with The Coventry Shipping Company.”
Rome scrubbed a hand down his face and released a deep breath. “How long is she here for?” His parents would assume he was speaking of the widow. But if Rose was here as Lady Asherton’s companion…
He knew he’d hurt her earlier. She’d met his eyes at first, questions in hers, almost as though they remained friends who cared about one another. But he’d not allowed himself to soften. She’d dropped her lashes submissively after that. He’d had to bite down on the desire to lift her chin and give her reassurances.
He’d treated her like a maid. Worse.
“They are scheduled to leave following church services on Sunday. Perhaps Lady Asherton can be persuaded to extend her visit. I’m sure it would only take a few encouraging words on your part.”
“It would be convenient if we could shut these rumors down,” his father added.
“Are you willing to offer for her? She’s such a delightful young woman.” His mother smiled encouragingly.
He’d not intended to have much to do with either of his mother’s two guests. There was no way he could marry Lady Asherton. He had not promised Danbury an offer, thank God. Rome prided himself on being a man of his word.
As for Rose…
He’d been angry for weeks. And hurt. And confused, damn it all.
“You cannot marry me.” She’d not had the courage to meet his eyes when she’d refused his proposal. “You would regret it right off. I’ve no connections, no dowry. And what of any children we would have? They would suffer the knowledge forever that their mother was a servant.”
Had she really believed this?
Her reasoning was not enough for him. Rome would not allow the opinions of others to dictate his most important decisions. If that was why she’d rejected him, he needed to know for certain.
And if he could overcome her objections…
“Rome?”
He jerked his chin up. Of course, they would expect some sort of answer from him. “I’m… open to the idea.” Hell, he had promised Danbury that he’d court the woman. To do so, however, without having any intention of making her an offer, would be unfair to the widow herself.
Rome noticed an unusual gray tinge to his father’s complexion. He’d been ill over the winter and it showed. As always, his parents’ expectations weighed heavily. There was Wesley to consider as well. Rome refused to allow a rumor such as this to reach his son’s ears.
He needed to come to a decision.
“You will speak with her, Rome?” His mother couldn’t hide the concern in her voice.
Rome’s mother had never failed him. In all his life, she’d always done what was necessary for the good of her children.
“Yes,” he answered. “I will speak with her.”
Only it was Rose’s image who came to his mind.
If he was courting Danbury’s sister, there was no way he could offer for Rose again.
“We’re dining formally this evening. I don’t imagine your son has any proper clothing?”
“Most assuredly not.”
“I’ll have Mrs. Winston locate something from Joseph’s old room. Will Pierce be able to assist him?”
Pierce hadn’t exactly been pleased to take Wesley on but seemed to be coming around. Rome clenched his jaw at the memory of his valet’s initial response. But then it had been Pierce’s idea to bring on Mr. Bernhard. The tutor would assist Wesley with both comportment and dress. Rome nodded.
He himself was covered from head to toe in dust, and likely smelled little better than his horse. “If you’ll excuse me then?”
His mother nodded and his father glared at him solemnly.
“Rome.” His father’s voice stopped him before he could step out of the study. “It’s untrue. I know it as well as you. But we cannot take it lightly. Tread carefully.”
Rome nodded and left without another word.
Chapter 21
Four more days
Despite his best efforts, Rome couldn’t keep from watching Rose. Before getting to know her, he’d been fooled by her apron and position. He ought to have known to look beneath the surface. And when she was invited to take the evening meal with his family, he oughtn’t have been surprised. She’d come as Lady Asherton’s companion and his mother would not be a high stickler.
He’d been taken aback, nonetheless, to see her dressed for dinner, chatting with his mother and sister. Furthermore, a feeling of discomfort nagged at him when Stone escorted her into the dining room.
He’d grown accustomed to the separation of their positions.
Dressed formally, she sat with a perfect posture, knew all the rules of dining, and in an odd attempt to soothe his mother’s nervousness around Wesley, Rose steered the conversation with ease. Rome poured himself a glass of wine as he contemplated all of this.
“The centerpiece is beautiful, Josephine.” Of course, she’d know just how to placate his mother. “You’ve managed to achieve the symmetry you told me about, the balance.” His mother had become passionate about her flower arra
ngements since she’d become the Countess of Ravensdale. It was obvious Rose had become a good friend to her during the weeks she and Lady Asherton had stayed at Raven’s Park.
For all of two minutes, he’d been concerned she might embarrass herself. But she would not, quite the opposite. She had, in fact, been raised in a genteel fashion. It was obvious in posture, her conversation… her very essence.
Wesley had been seated beside Rose. On his son’s other side, at the head of the table, Rome’s father.
“Tell us your impression of Wales.” His Aunt Eleanor pressed Wesley. “I’ve never visited the area, myself, and wonder if is worthwhile to do so.”
“The language is difficult, although my uncle sometimes spoke to me in Welsh, I’ve only managed to learn a few words.” His son did not meet Lady Sheffield’s eyes as he spoke but rather stared at his food. Rome had considered holding off on any formal gatherings until Mr. Bernhard could work with the boy but felt it best to begin as he intended to go on.
Wesley frowned as he stared at his plate but then grasped the outer spoon, as was proper etiquette. As the meal wore on, conversation became less fixated on the newest member of their family, in general, and to Rome’s surprise and satisfaction, Wesley even smiled on occasion.
And if Rome had not been staring at Rose almost to the point of rudeness, he would not have realized that, as each course was served, Rose, in a most discreet fashion, was showing Wesley which utensil to use and what to do with it when he was finished. In this small way, she’d done more than anyone else to ensure that his son was comfortable. Not that it mattered, in the grand scheme of things, but the bolster to Wesley’s confidence could only help him to feel more at home here at Raven’s Park.
How was it that she fit in so well amongst his family and yet couldn’t see herself as his wife? He must have been mistaken in believing she felt the same as he did. Resentment chilled his heart more and more each second he watched her.
Toward the end of the meal, apparently unable to ignore his stare any longer, she lifted her chin and met his gaze boldly,
“My Lord.” She set her fork across the top of her plate. “I hope your travels were uneventful. You were missed dearly, after your early departure from Summers Park.” Her comment, in his ears, sounded almost like an accusation.
Missed? Surely not by her.
“I could not bide my time unproductively any longer.” He couldn’t drag his gaze away from hers, despite himself. “I had important business to attend to.”
Her nostrils flared. Ah, he’d angered her earlier today. Had she so quickly forgotten how she’d responded to his proposal? Had she thought he’d hang around like a lovesick puppy until the end of the party? That he’d prostrate himself time and time again, begging her to marry him?
Rome lifted his glass of wine as though to toast her. “Then again, there were certain amusements I regret relinquishing. But those can be had another time. At another party.”
Conversation all but halted around them. And no wonder. She’d been acting as lady’s maid at Summers Park and everyone present would know this. What reason would she have to comment upon his early departure? To chastise him for it, even?
“But of course. Gentlemen such as yourself find amusement for a short while but cannot be expected to commit for an extended duration. It would be foolish to expect anything else.”
By God, was she accusing him of insincerity, right here, in front of his parents and his sister as though they were discussing the weather?
Part of him wanted to strangle her and the other part…
“Do add this to your crumpets, My Lord.” She held up a bowl of lemon-flavored clotted cream. “One must partake of such delicacies when the opportunity arises.”
He could not decline; she’d already lifted the bowl and was holding it across the table for him to take.
He was aware of his father watching him with a curious expression. Even Wesley had stopped eating.
“Thank you, Miss Waring.” His hand brushed hers as he took the bowl and he was surprised that her touch still sent a shooting heat through him. His declaration of love had been an impossible one. He’d been quite deluded to ask her to elope with him. “Once or twice is fine, as long as I don’t make a habit of it.”
Hopefully, he was not already addicted. She would remain at Raven’s Park for four more days. Longer if he convinced Lady Asherton to extend her visit.
“In the purest sense, you have never been a traditional lady’s maid to Penelope, have you, Rose? I know she confided a great deal in you.” Margaret had followed Rose into her chamber when the family members excused themselves for the night. Rose didn’t normally mind, in fact, she enjoyed the other woman’s company, but tonight her head was pounding. She wondered if the megrim had been brought on by suppressing her emotions all evening.
Except for those few moments.
She’d spoken to him too boldly at the table.
“Rose?” Margaret’s voice broke into her ruminations. “Are you unwell?”
Rose blinked and forced a smile. “A little tired, I suppose. Come sit here and I’ll brush out your hair.”
“You don’t need to do that; you know that I could have Molly do it for me.” But she’d crossed the room, nonetheless, to sit at the vanity. “Viscount Darlington hinted that he’d like us to remain at Raven’s Park longer.”
Rose stilled the brushing motions and met Margaret’s eyes in the mirror. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him that, although I wished that we could have become better acquainted, you and I had made appointments, had commitments in London and could not delay.” She frowned. “If a gentleman is truly interested in a lady, he ought to prove it through his actions, more than just his words. You do not mind, do you, Rose? There is a pianoforte at my home in Mayfair. Did I tell you that? I know you have enjoyed your stay here a great deal. Lady Ravensdale seems especially taken with you.”
“So, you did not decline his request because you do not wish to become better acquainted with him? You refused because you wish him to prove himself?”
“A lady must never make it too easy for a gentleman. He’ll quite take her for granted if she does. And if he does not put forth extra effort in his courtship, then it’s highly unlikely that he would put forth much effort in a marriage.”
Rose separated Margaret’s hair into three separate sections.
Rose had declined Rome’s proposal and rather than talk with her again, or even tell her goodbye, he’d abruptly departed from the house party.
If she hadn’t enough reason to doubt his declaration of love before, this gave her further reason to feel justified in her refusal.
He’d barely spoken to her today. In fact, his behavior had bordered on rudeness. She’d not planned on doing anything to draw his attention, let alone at the table, in front of his mother and father and a handful of others. But more than once, she’d caught him staring at her broodily. And she’d just…
She’d been hurt. He’d dismissed her explanation for her refusal at Summers Park as foolishness. He’d chosen to become angry with her without giving any consideration to her reasons.
That naïve girl inside had wanted to accept his proposal the moment he uttered it. She easily could have imagined a life with him, bearing his children, taking on his troubles, sharing life’s celebrations.
But they would have had to sneak away. And then he would have been forced to hide her from his family, his friends. But worst of all…
When she’d told him no, he’d not bothered to try to understand why.
“I agree with you, Margaret,” Rose finally said as she tied off the long braid. “And I’m quite looking forward to London.”
Would he follow them in order to court Margaret?
Would he remain at Raven’s Park?
She would not hope he had any notions concerning her any longer. She seemed to have been a passing fancy.
She’d been right to reject his proposal. Likely, he�
��d have tired of her already.
“You’ve been to London, often, have you not? With Penelope?”
“Since her first Season. We traveled there for ten years in a row.”
“Rose.” Margaret turned to stare at her thoughtfully. “I have been thinking. London is not going to be nearly as… accepting, as the Ravensdales have been of your… change in status. And I do so want for you to participate in the festivities with me.” She tapped her finger against her chin. “Would it bother you if I were to introduce you as my dear friend, Miss Ursula Waring? Let us make no mention of your acquaintance to Penelope or of the name Rosie. With some changes to your hair and your new wardrobe, I doubt anyone will make the connection. I believe that it will be easier for you to assimilate if we don’t draw attention to your former status.”
“What if someone recognizes me? Wouldn’t such a deception prove to be worse?”
“I suppose it could be. But it’s not as though we are going to lie. We are simply going to omit a few details.”
Rose had already experienced the discomfort of being caught between two worlds. She’d much rather pretend to be in one than continue straddling two. “What of Lady Hawthorne?”
“I’ll speak with her. Most of the guests who attended Cortland’s house party are sitting out the Season this year. No. I really think this will be for the best.”
Rose nodded slowly. It wasn’t as though she’d be impersonating somebody else. Only her former self, really. “I think you might be right. What can possibly go wrong?”
What indeed?
Rome stepped out of his father’s study and closed the door behind him. Early morning meetings with the Earl of Ravensdale had never proven to be positive experiences for him. His father articulated his concerns with considerably less restraint when his mother was not present, and he’d held nothing back on this particular day. Another investor had expressed some reluctance causing his father to demand that Rome commit to a course of action.
Lady Be Good: Lord Love a Lady Series, Book 5 Page 20