Cameron sat down. “You’ll have to forgive my playing,” he said. “I’ve a decent hand, but I’m really more of a composer than a performer.” He began to play
Lily’s Waltz
.
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Lady Myerson said. “Why have I never heard it before?”
“It was a private commission for the Duke of Lybrook.”
“Really? How nice.”
“He commissioned it for his wife, for their first dance together at their wedding ball.”
“Myerson and I missed the wedding. We were on the continent. It must have been quite a gala.”
“It was. A very extravagant affair.” He finished the piece.
“That was beautiful,” Lady Myerson said. “Could you play something else?”
“Yes, of course.” The only piece better than
Lily’s Waltz
was
Wandering Rose
. If he was going to impress this woman, that was the piece he should play. His heart wasn’t in it, but he began stroking the keys softly, letting the melody and harmony of Rose flow through his body and into the pianoforte. He imagined Rose’s unique touch giving life to the music she inspired. To hear her play his music, just once more, would be heaven. He came to the end of the piece and stopped playing abruptly.
“Now that was truly brilliant,” Lady Myerson breathed. “It was haunting, yet joyous. Who inspired that piece?”
Cameron cleared his throat. “It was another private commission.”
“Indeed? I could have sworn it was a love song.”
“No,” Cameron lied.
“You’re a remarkable talent, Mr. Price.”
“You’re too kind.”
“Rubbish. I am never kind, as those who know me will attest.” She smiled. “In fact, I’m rather wicked.”
“Indeed?” Cameron eyed Lady Myerson’s seductive mouth.
“Oh, yes.” She looked up as a footman entered the room. “Ah, I believe our meal is ready to be served. Come join me, won’t you?”
Cameron stood up and followed Lady Myerson to the table, seated her, and then himself. A footman placed a steaming bowl of carrot soup before him. The meal was delicious, and Cameron enjoyed Lady Myerson’s company. She was interested in his work, and was not at all surprised or bothered by the fact that he was self-taught. He told her of his family, and she told him a bit about hers. She had been a commoner before she married Myerson, so the two of them shared similar philosophies about life. After dessert, when the footman had cleared the table, Lady Myerson poured two glasses of port and bade Cameron to join her on a cozy loveseat. As the dinner conversation had been free of innuendo, he did so, thinking that her interest in him was solely as a composer. It became apparent, however, that he was mistaken.
“Mr. Price,” Lady Myerson began, “you probably know that I have made several generous contributions to Zachary’s fledgling theatre.”
“As I’ve only been with the theatre for little more than a week, my lady, I’m afraid I’m not aware of all of our benefactors. However, I personally thank you for your support. I hope you won’t find it misplaced.”
“Oh, surely not. If anyone can make a go of it, Zachary can. Of that I am certain. In the meantime, however, I might be willing to make another gift.”
“Your generosity is very much appreciated.”
“Just how
much
do you appreciate my generosity, Mr. Price?”
“My lady?”
“Cecilia, please.”
“If you wish.” Cameron’s throat constricted. He had an urge to loosen his cravat, but he sat stiffly. What to do with his hands?
“Do you know where Myerson is this evening?”
“Why would I know that?”
“He’s with his mistress,” Lady Myerson said. “He sees her several times a week. I’m afraid he doesn’t see to my needs as he should.”
“I’m…sorry, my lady.”
“I find you very attractive, Mr. Price.” She ran her fingers lightly over his hand. “I think we could get along very well together.”
“You’re not suggesting…”
“No, I’m not suggesting. I’m asking. I’d like you to take me to bed.”
Cameron jerked backward. He hadn’t expected her to be so blunt.
“Do you find me attractive, Mr. Price?”
“Well, yes. Of course I do, but—”
“Surely you’re not so naive as to think I invited you here merely for dinner?”
“I was under the impression that I would be dining with you and your husband,” Cameron said. “But when I found him absent, I had a pretty good idea what you were after.”
“Good. Then let’s get to it.” She began to loosen his cravat.”
“However,” Cameron continued, “I make it a point never to sleep with married women.”
“I see.” She traced his jawline. “How about two married women then? My friend the Viscountess of Homington indicated that she might be interested in joining us this evening.”
His cock tightened. Her sexy mouth beckoned to him, and two women at once? He’d never imagined that. He was still a farm boy at heart. The idea aroused him. He cleared his throat, willing his body not to betray head and his heart. “I don’t sleep with married women period, my lady, whether one or ten at a time.”
“I could win you over, I think.”
“I doubt it. I view marriage as sacred. And I have no desire to be pummeled by a jealous husband.”
“Good Lord. Myerson doesn’t care what I do, as long as I’m discreet.”
“As tempting as your offer is, my lady, I’m afraid I must decline.”
Lady Myerson took his hand in her own and led it to her breast. She wasn’t wearing a corset, and her taut nipple brushed against his fingers. “I can see you will take some convincing.”
“Your charms are exquisite indeed.” Cameron drew his hand away. “However, I’m afraid I’ll not be sampling them tonight.”
“You are devilishly handsome, Mr. Price,” Lady Myerson said. She began unbuttoning his shirt. “I bet you’re an animal in bed, and I bet you’re hung like—”
Cameron removed her hand before she could finish her thought. If she only knew! But she never would. “I’m sorry.”
“Goodness, what on earth is wrong with you? Don’t tell me you like men?”
He laughed. “No. I assure you that is not the case.”
“Then come now, I won’t bite.” She giggled. “ Well, I will, but you’ll like it.”
“I have every confidence that I would enjoy myself immensely in your bed,” he said. “I’m flattered that you desire me. However…” He cleared his throat.
“However, what?” She leaned into him. “You like my mouth, don’t you? I’ve seen you staring.”
“As I said, I am aware of your charms.”
“Then”—she brushed her lips over his—“taste me.”
He ran his tongue over her sensual upper lip, gently sucked on it. As he readied to plunge into her delicious mouth, Rose’s pink lips flashed into his mind. He backed away. “I’m sorry. You are beautiful, but I can’t.”
“Why on earth not?”
“I…love another.”
“Goodness, I’m not asking for your love.”
“I understand that. But I…want to remain faithful to her.” His statement, although truthful, was ridiculous. Rose was no doubt betrothed to Xavier by now and had possibly already gone to his bed. Bile rise in his throat at the thought of another man touching Rose. He quickly banished the image from his mind.
He regarded the woman next to him. Lady Myerson was beautiful and desirable, but Cameron didn’t want to make love to any woman but Rose. He would pledge her his fealty, even though it would not be returned. Was he really condemning himself to a life of celibacy? For the moment, at least, he was.
“Are you betrothed to your lady?” Lady Myerson asked.
“No.”
“Then there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy each other. She’ll never know.”
“No, she won’t. But
I
will.”
“My. You are smitten, aren’t you? She’s a lucky woman. Tell me, who is she?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Why?”
“She’s a lady of the peerage.”
“Oh. Doesn’t she return your feelings?”
“She does, but I fear we may never be together. It won’t work out. We’re from two different worlds.”
“Are you planning to propose to her?”
“No, actually.”
“Oh?”
“I’d rather not discuss this.” He rose. “Thank you for the meal and your company. I enjoyed both very much. And I hope…”
“Yes?”
“I hope there won’t be any…discomfort between us.”
“Of course not.”
“And I hope you won’t withdraw your support of the Regal because of…how this evening ended.”
“No, Mr. Price. Zachary and I go way back, and I believe in his endeavor. As a matter of fact, it took me several attempts before
he
landed in my bed.” She smiled. “I don’t think I’ll give up on you just yet.”
“Are you and Newland still involved?”
“No. We tired of each other. But it was fun while it lasted.”
“I see.” He took her hand and brushed his lips lightly over her fingers. “You’ve been a pleasant diversion this evening. Part of me wishes I could stay.”
“I’m flattered.”
“Good evening. I’ll see myself out.”
Chapter Thirteen
Rose awoke to pounding on her chamber door. She stood, nearly falling over from dizziness. She was coming down with something. She had been nauseated and dizzy for the past several days, and she couldn’t stand the sight of food. She had decided to sleep most of the day. Aunt Iris’s wedding was only four days away, and she wanted to be well by then.
The pounding continued.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” she said.
She opened the door.
“Rose!” her sister cried.
“Lily, what on earth? You weren’t supposed to be home until the solstice.”
“That’s only three days from now, dear. You might be a bit happier to see me.”
“Oh, I am, I am.” Rose hugged her sister, pulling her into the room. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I’ve been dying to talk to you. When did you get in?”
“Late last night. Daniel and I were so fatigued we just fell into bed. But I was up with the birds this morning. I couldn’t wait to see everyone.”
“Why did you come home early?”
“The duchess—that is, the dowager duchess—
I’m
the duchess, good God! Anyway, she sent word of Auntie Iris’s impending nuptials, so Daniel and I decided to come home a few days earlier than originally planned.”
“That’s wonderful, but I’m sure Aunt Iris didn’t want to cut your trip short.”
“No, no. We were glad to come home. We did have a splendid time though. I have finally seen the Louvre! France is absolutely wonderful.”
“I want to hear all about it.”
“You shall. But first, I have the most wonderful news!”
“What?”
“I’ve been feeling wretched!”
“So have I,” Rose said dryly. “Why is that wonderful news?”
“Because,” Lily smiled, “I’ve missed my courses!”
“Oh! Lily, you don’t mean… That’s perfectly marvelous! I’m so happy for you.” Rose embraced her sister. Then, “Oh my God.”
“What is it?”
“Your courses. You’ve missed your courses.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re feeling wretched.”
“Yes. I’ve never been so happy to feel so terrible!”
“Of course, I’m thrilled for you, but…”
“What is it, Rose?”
“I’ve been feeling terrible too, Lily. I haven’t even thought about my courses. I never even imagined…”
“Rose?”
“But it’s been a while since I last… Oh my God, it was way before…”
“Rose, what are you trying to say?”
“Oh no.” Tears welled in Rose’s eyes.
“Rose, you didn’t…”
“Yes, I did. What am I going to do?”
Lily took her sister’s hand. “Who was it?”
“Cameron, of course. There was never anyone else.”
“What of Lord Evan?”
“He and I have ended our relationship.”
“You mean he didn’t propose?”
“Oh, he did. But I turned him down. I don’t love him, and he doesn’t love me. He admitted it. I just couldn’t marry one man when I love another.”
“You and Cameron are in love? That’s wonderful!”
“Not exactly.” Rose buried her face in her sister’s shoulder. “Oh, Lily. I don’t know what to do!”
“It’s going to be all right. I’ve already sent word to Dr. Blake. He should come out later today if he’s not too busy. We’ll simply have him examine you also, and then we’ll go from there.”
“Lily, no one can know.”
“Blake will be discreet, dear. I trust him. I will speak to him privately when he comes.”
“You can’t tell anyone. Not even Daniel.”
“Of course. You have my word.” Lily took a small handkerchief out of her pocket and wiped away Rose’s tears. “Now stop crying. We don’t even have any answers yet. It’s possible that you’re not with child. Neither of us may be.”
Rose sniffled loudly. “What will become of me?”
“If you are pregnant, I’m sure Cameron will do the right thing by you.”
“No,” Rose sobbed. “He won’t.”
* * * *
Dr. Blake’s examination had been humiliating. Only Cameron had seen and touched her intimate parts. Yet she could have borne it, had she been happily married like Lily. She had felt cheap and used. The doctor was a perfect gentleman, yet Rose felt soiled and ugly. Then the blow. The truth she already knew. She was expecting a child.
So was Lily. Rose hated herself for being in this situation, and hated even more the fact that Lily couldn’t rejoice in her own pregnancy because of Rose’s state of affairs. Instead, Lily sat in her private sitting room with Rose cradled in her arms, when she should have been running to tell her husband he was going to be a father.
“How can you ever forgive me for this?” Rose said. “I’ve ruined your good news.”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll tell Daniel later, and I’ll ask him to keep it to himself for a little while. I…I’ll tell him that I’m afraid of losing the babe, that I want to keep it quiet for a bit. You know Mummy lost a few. And I might have lost one after my fall. He’ll believe that.”
“This is horrible. Just horrible. Wonderful for you, of course.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“Papa, Mummy, and Thomas are arriving tomorrow. So are Evan’s brother and sister.” Rose wept quietly. “How on earth did I manage this? I was always the good girl.”
“Sleeping with the man you love doesn’t mean you’re no longer a good girl.”
“It was a terrible mistake. There’s only one thing to do.”
“What?”
“I…I’ll tell Evan that I changed my mind. I’ll tell him that I love him and I want to marry him. He’ll probably still have me. Then I’ll tell him I can’t wait and I want to go to Gretna Green. We’ll…consummate the union and no one will be the wiser.”
“Rose…”
“It’s the only way, Lily.”
“And what exactly are you going to tell Evan when his child is born with coal-black hair?”
“I don’t know. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. It’s just as likely that the babe will be blond.”
“I suppose so.”
“And if it’s not, I’ll remind him that you and Papa and Thomas are all dark. It could have come from there.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am, Lily. There’s no other way to deal with this.” Rose shook her head. “I’ll wait until after Auntie Iris’s wedding. I don’t want to rain on her parade. She’s waited long enough for happiness. But after, I’ll ask Evan to take me to Gretna Green.”
“What if he refuses?”
“He won’t. He…he wanted me. Of course, he refused to bed me…”
“What?”
“I was just trying to… Lord, I must sound like a little strumpet! It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t.”
“I know, I know. Tell me.”
“Cameron—he rejected me.”
“He did what?”
“You heard me. He made love to me, and then he sent me away. He told me he loved me. He was so gentle and tender. But the next day, he told me he had lied to me so I would sleep with him.”
“That scoundrel! I’ll have Daniel throttle him!”
“No. No, you couldn’t anyway. He’s gone.” Rose wiped her nose. “But what I started to tell you is that I… Well, I wanted to feel that way again, so I tried to seduce Evan. He responded at first, but he wouldn’t take me to bed.”
“He’s a gentleman. Unlike some others.”
“I’m glad he didn’t, Lily. I really didn’t want to sleep with him.”
“But you’ll have to now, if you insist on going through with this ridiculous plan of yours.”
“Yes. I will. It won’t be so bad. He’s very attractive and very kind.”
“Rose, you’re talking in fragments. I think it might be best if you told me the whole story, from the beginning. I’ll order some tea.”
Between gulps, sobs, and a bit of laughter, Rose poured out the whole story, beginning with meeting Cam by the stream and Kat’s illness up to their last encounter in the hired man’s cabin and Evan’s proposal.
“He left me, Lily. He and his mother and the girls are gone. They took everything. Everything except the bed where we made love.”
“We’ll find him.”
“No, we won’t. He doesn’t want to be found.”
“If they’ve vacated the Lybrook land, they must have sent notice to Daniel. Likely it’s buried in his correspondence somewhere. Perhaps they left forwarding instructions. I’ll have him look for it.”
“No. Don’t. I don’t want Daniel to know about this.”
“Rose dear, Daniel is a very powerful man. If anyone can find Cameron and make him do right by you, it’s Daniel.”
“I don’t want to force him to marry me. I…I’d rather have Evan. He’ll be kind and gentle. Cameron will hate me for trapping him.”
“You haven’t trapped anyone. This is just as much his responsibility as it is yours.”
“I’m afraid society doesn’t see it that way; Lily. You know I’m right.”
“Nonsense. I don’t give two figs what society thinks. You are the sister of the Duchess of Lybrook. I dare any of them to say one vile word against you!”
“Please, I can’t have you ruining your own reputation in a futile attempt to save mine. What will Daniel think?”
“Daniel loves me, Rose. You know that. And he doesn’t care about reputations. Remember, he had a renowned one himself before I made an honest man of him.”
“But—”
“If Cameron won’t do right by you, you can stay here. Make your home with Daniel and me. We have plenty of room.”
“And become the next spinster aunt? I suppose that would be tolerable, but my situation isn’t the same as Lucy’s. I’ll have a bastard child, Lily.”
“That child is my niece or nephew, and you’re my sister. I won’t see you put out.”
“I still think Evan is the best alternative.”
“But you don’t love him, and you’re carrying another man’s child.”
“He’ll never know it’s not his, and I can be happy with him. I’ll be a loving and devoted wife. He won’t suffer by marrying me.”
“Of course he won’t, but…you love another.”
Rose sighed. “Another whom I can’t have.”
“Are you sure Cameron doesn’t love you? I know he said as much, but his actions speak otherwise, as does his mother.”
“He left, didn’t he?”
“Yes, but he may have had reason, which is why you should let Daniel find him.”
“No. I don’t want him found. I shall deal with this on my own. Seeing him is like torture for me. I need your word.”
“All right. You have my word. I won’t look for him. But I think you’re making a mistake.”
“Then it’s mine to make. After Auntie Iris’s wedding, I’ll tell Evan that I’ve reconsidered his proposal.”
Lily took her hand. “If that is your wish.”
* * * *
Rose did her best to appear delighted at dinner that evening. It was a jovial affair, with Lily and Daniel telling stories about their wedding trip. Daniel gazing lovingly at Lily’s midriff several times during the evening, so Rose guessed Lily had told him her news and asked that he not speak of it to anyone yet. She felt as if she had been pricked with a sharp thorn. Her sister’s happiness was being quashed because of her own situation.
All around her, love was in the air. Lily and Daniel hardly took their eyes off of each other. Iris spoke of her impending marriage to Lord Brighton with a smile Rose wasn’t sure she had ever seen on her aunt’s pretty face. Ally gossiped of Mr. Landon’s business dealings in Scotland, where he had been for several weeks. Even sweet conservative Sophie’s eyes lit up when Lord Van Arden’s name came up in conversation. Although he wasn’t officially courting her, he still came by now and then to visit. Other than Aunt Lucy and Aunt Maggie, Rose was the only one not paired off. Nausea nagged at her, and she wasn’t sure whether it was her condition or her emotions. Most likely a combination of both.
“Rose, aren’t you listening to me?” Ally nudged her.
“What? I’m sorry, Ally.”
“I said, aren’t you excited about the Midsummer festival?”
“Oh. Of course. But Papa is coming tomorrow. He may not allow me to attend. You know how he feels about pagan rituals.”
“I’ll speak to Papa, Rose,” Lily said.
“It’s not important,” Rose said. “I…may not even want to go.”
“Of course you’ll go,” Daniel said. “I want my entire family there to see me take the archery championship away from Cameron Price.” He laughed boisterously. “I’ll not be bested again.”
Lily winced ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly, at her husband’s reference to Cameron. She had obviously kept her word to Rose, otherwise Daniel wouldn’t have mentioned him. Not that she had doubted her sister’s promise for a moment.
“You’ll always be my champion.” Lily smiled at her husband. “You don’t need to shoot an arrow into a little dot to prove that.”
“That’s the only championship that matters to me, love,” Daniel said, winking at her. “But I’ll outdo him anyway.”
Rose’s heart lurched in happiness for her sister and in sadness for herself. If only she could be bantering with the man she loved, the father of her child.