“Yes, yours,” Rose whispered. “Always.”
Cameron gathered Rose into his arms and kissed her, deeply and slowly, whispering his love to her. Rose relished the closeness, the giddiness, until she looked at the clock on the mantel.
“We need to meet my parents,” she said.
Cam groaned. “Can’t we just stay here? I want to love you again.”
“How many times has it been this morning? Are you steam powered?”
“Love powered.” He gently set her down on the brocade sofa and gathered her discarded garments. “I need to take care of you. But I don’t have anything to clean you with.”
“Here, just use these.” She handed him her drawers.
“What are you going to wear then?” He gently wiped the semen and juices from her body.
“I guess I’ll just have to go without.” She winked.
Cam’s eyes widened into saucers. “You expect me to sit across from your father and ask for your hand, knowing that you’re not wearing any undergarments?”
“Yes, yes,” Rose said. “That should make you very persuasive indeed.”
Cam chuckled, helping Rose with her stockings and shoes. “Persuasive? I’m likely to be a blathering idiot. I won’t be able to think straight.”
Rose stood and straightened her dress. “Is my hair all right?”
Cam tucked a few stray ends behind her ears. “I think you should pass muster.”
“Very well, then. Shall we?”
As they walked out of the conservatory and toward Daniel’s study where they were to meet her parents, Rose summoned a housemaid. “Meghan,” she said, “the piano in the conservatory needs to be polished and dusted.” Then, tossing her soiled drawers, “And put these in the laundry.”
Chapter Seventeen
The Earl of Ashford sat behind the duke’s mahogany desk. The countess and Lily were on the red velvet settee next to the desk. The tension hit Rose as she and Cameron entered. Lily gave Rose a calming grin and stood.
“No, Lily, please stay.” Rose gestured.
“All right.” Lily sat back down next to her mother.
Ashford cleared his throat. “Mr. Price, Rose. It’s not every day that I’m summoned to a meeting by a commoner. Exactly what is your business with me?”
Cameron inhaled deeply and looked at Rose. She showered him with all the love she possessed, hoping he could see it in her eyes.
“My lord, I wish to marry your daughter.”
Lady Ashford inhaled sharply.
“Pardon me?” Ashford raised his brow.
“I want to marry Rose,” Cameron said again.
“I have little time for jokes, Mr. Price.”
“This is no joke, Papa.” Rose took Cam’s hand. “We are in love and we wish to marry.”
“Do be quiet, Rose,” Ashford said. “This is no concern of yours.”
“No concern of mine? Are you serious?” Rose’s nerves vibrated under her skin.