“What about love, Ally?” Sophie said.
“We’ve been through this before,” Ally said. “Love is an illusion, Sophie.”
“I think Lily might disagree,” Sophie replied.
“Yes, I suppose so,” Ally said, “and I couldn’t be happier for her and the duke. But then again, Sophie, Lily also made a great financial match. The duke is one of the richest men in England.”
“She’s so happy, too,” Rose said dreamily. “If only someone that wonderful could love me.”
“I’ve no need for love,” Ally stated. “Only money.”
“You may change your mind about that,” Rose said.
“Yes, of course you will.” Sophie smoothed her dress. “What if you could make a match with an incredibly rich man, but he mistreated you, the way Father mistreated Mother? Would you still marry for money?”
“Probably not. But I’m not Mother. She has a weak spirit. I don’t.”
“How can you say that about Mother?” Sophie cried.
“Because it’s true, Sophie. You know I adore Mother and would do anything for her, but she never fought back. I would.”
“A married woman has little or no legal rights,” Sophie said. “What could Mother have done?”
“She could have left.”
“And spent her entire life running? What would that have been like for her? Or for us?”
“For God’s sake, may we end this drivel?” Ally demanded. “I want to marry money. The end. Case closed.”
“The two of you go round and round on this subject,” Rose said. “Perhaps you should just agree to disagree.”
“Never,” Sophie and Ally said in unison.
The three of them broke into gales of laughter. They were still chatting and giggling when Evan approached.
“Good morning, Rose,” he said, bowing.
“My lord, good morning,” Rose answered.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Evan said. “Could we walk a bit?”
“Certainly. Would you excuse us, Sophie, Ally?” She took Evan’s arm and strode with him toward the stables.
“Rose,” Evan said. “There’s something I would like to ask you.”
Oh, no, not marriage. He had been courting her for over a month. “Yes, what is it, Evan?”
“Well, I’ve grown quite fond of you Rose, and…”
“Yes?”
“My father has asked to meet you. Would it be all right if he came along with me next weekend when I come to visit?”
“Of course.” Rose breathed a sigh of relief. “I’d love to meet your father, Evan.”
“Then you’ll still be here?”
“Yes, I’ve decided to stay at Laurel Ridge for the summer, along with Aunt Iris and Sophie and Ally.”