“You’re distraught, dear. Anyone can see that. Emotions turn physical every now and then. Calm yourself down. It will be all right.”
Rose nodded. “But then there’s Evan. He’s been kind and gentle, and he cares for me and I for him. I’m fairly certain he’s planning to propose marriage to me. But I don’t love him. And I’m not sure if he loves me.”
“Many successful marriages are based on virtues other than love, dear.”
“I know. But you weren’t willing to settle for that.”
“No. But many do, without regrets.”
“Yes, I know.” Then, “Cameron doesn’t love me. He left me, actually. His family is gone from the land. I went to see him today. His mother, well, she intimated that he was in love with me, so I went to find out the truth. They were gone. I have no idea where they went. Even knowing how he treated me, the thought of never seeing him again is nearly unbearable.”
“I know.”
“But Evan… I don’t know what to
do! And he’s here, Aunt Lucy. I saw his carriage when I came back.”
“Yes, he arrived early. Lord Brighton isn’t due until dinner time.”
“So now I’ll have to see Evan and pretend like nothing is wrong, and… I thought I had made up my mind to accept him, but now, after hearing about you and Nolan, I just don’t know.”
Lucy rocked Rose in her arms. “Don’t you worry about Evan right now. I’ll take care of you. You can lie in here for a while and rest, and then I’ll have my maid come and fix your hair. You don’t have to see Evan until you’re feeling up to it.”
“I’m not sure I’ll feel up to it this century.”
“You will. The pain fades after a while. I promise you that it does. Come now.” She stood, helped Rose to her feet, led her into her bedchamber, and loosened her gown and corset. “Lie down for a while, dear. I’ll send my maid in two hours to attend you.”
* * * *
Later, after Rose had napped and changed clothes, she descended to the main parlor and found Evan waiting for her.
“Good afternoon, Rose.”
“Evan, I didn’t expect you so early. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you. Is your father here as well?”
“No. He had some business to attend to. He will be here in time for dinner, though.”
“Are you feeling better about his marriage?”
“I’m dealing with it,” Evan said. “But that’s not what I came here to talk about. Could you come with me for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Evan led her to the conservatory where a dozen red roses greeted her.
“How lovely,” she gushed.
“That’s only the beginning. Come here.” He showed her to the grand piano. “I want you to play something for me.”
She sat down on the cushioned bench and regarded the music set before her. It looked slightly familiar. As she began to play, the pleasant tune came back to her. It was the song she had played on Cameron’s twangy pianoforte, from the notes she had seen. The final version was brilliant, and on the grand piano was nothing less than exquisite. Rose’s fingers danced over the ivory keys, and her eyes misted.
This song was for her. Images of her and Cameron making love floated up from the keys, so clearly that she felt sure Evan could see them as well. Her cheeks warmed.
“This is a beautiful tune, Evan.”
“It’s called Wandering Rose. I had it written for you.”
Rose closed her eyes and willed back the tears. Cameron had written the song for her.