“You’re going to help her powder her nose?” Evan asked, smiling.
“Er…no.”
“Don’t tell me you’re going to powder your own nose,” Thomas joined in, chuckling.
“Can the two of you ever stop giving me grief?” Daniel asked. “Is it such a crime to be in love with one’s wife?”
“It’s no crime at all,” Lily giggled. “Come, my love.”
When they were free of the box, Lily said urgently. “We must find Mr. Price.”
“Can you tell me why it’s so important now?” Daniel asked.
“Yes. I need to find him for Rose. She’s…in love with him.”
“What?”
“It’s true. The Prices have left our land, by the way.”
“That’s apparent, given his work here,” Daniel said. “I’m sure they sent notice. I still haven’t gotten through all the correspondence that came in during our trip. But that’s not the issue. How can Rose be in love with him? She was with Xavier up to recently.”
“She just is. We don’t choose who to fall in love with, Daniel. You and I ought to know that.”
“True.” He smiled. “But does Price return Rose’s feelings?”
“Well…”
“Lily.
”
“He says he doesn’t. But I don’t believe it. Besides it doesn’t matter anyway.”
“Why doesn’t it matter?”
“Because Rose is with child, damn it!” Lily quickly clasped her hand over her mouth.
“She’s what?”
“Keep your voice down,” Lily urged. “She’s with child. Dear Lord, I promised her my confidence.”
“Come on.” Daniel grabbed her hand. “We’re going backstage to find that blackguard and make him do right by your sister.”
“No, Daniel. Not that way. I promised Rose I wouldn’t tell anyone. If we tell Mr. Price, she’ll never forgive me. I shouldn’t have told you. It just sort of…came out.”
“Rubbish. Rose is staying on my estate. She’s under my protection. I have a duty to see that this fool takes care of his mess.”
“Daniel, please…”
“Lady Lily!”
Lily turned to see young Katrina Price running toward her.
Patricia walked briskly after her. “No, Kat,” she said. “She’s the duchess now. You must address her as Your Grace.”
“No, no, don’t worry about that,” Lily said. “It’s wonderful to see you both. May I present my husband, the Duke of Lybrook. Daniel, Misses Patricia and Katrina Price.”
“It’s an honor, Your Grace,” Patricia said, and curtsied.