“Perhaps we might speak later,” Violet said quietly. “After the gentlemen retire for their port.”
Rose nodded, grateful for the girl’s unexpected support. If she couldn’t save herself, at least she might find a way to help Violet avoid a similar fate. Though with only two weeks remaining, Rose wasn’t certain she could save anyone at all.
*
After supper, themen went to the parlor to enjoy port and cigars, leaving the women to convene in the drawing room.
Rose poured tea with practiced grace, her hands steady only because she willed them to be. She could feel Honoria’s gaze trailing her like a wasp circling a picnic. A fragrant arrangement of roses adorned the marble-topped table, their scent delicate, nostalgic. Sebastian again.
Honoria had installed herself at the center of the room, sitting with the poise of a woman who had learned to command attention through sheer force of will. Beside her, Violet shrank into the upholstery, the confidence she’d shown earlier snuffed out. She kept her eyes lowered, hands clasped in her lap, silent since their arrival.
Across the room, Arabella Kingsley lounged in her armchair like a general studying the terrain. Her sharp gaze flicked between Honoria and Rose, waiting. Lydia sat upright, chin slightly lifted, her expression unreadable—but the light tap of her fingers against the teacup betrayed her temper. Even Daphne, usually all brightness and chatter,was unusually quiet, her wide blue eyes flitting from Rose to Honoria with concern.
Honoria broke the silence with a thoughtful sigh and set down her cup. “The country is so peaceful compared to London, don’t you think? Though I confess, I find myself grateful for the quiet these days. There’s something to be said for stability after years of uncertainty.”
Arabella’s brows arched. “Are you planning to stay on as Rose’s guest indefinitely?”
Honoria’s smile was warm, almost maternal. “I hope to make myself useful wherever I’m needed. Lord Wentworth has been so generous, and I know how difficult it can be for a young woman without her mother’s guidance.” Her eyes settled on Rose with what appeared to be genuine concern. “Especially during such an important time in her life.”
“Important time?” Daphne asked.
“Why, her engagement, of course. Baron White is a wonderful match for her.” Honoria’s voice carried the tone of someone sharing delightful news. “A connection that could provide such security for Rose’s future.”
Arabella’s voice was cool, probing. “Why concern yourself with Rose’s marriage prospects? If you and Lord Wentworth intend to marry, surely her affairs are her own.”
Honoria’s expression flickered—just for a moment—with a hint of something harder just beneath the surface. “I’ve learned that in matters of family, we’re all connected. A father’s peace of mind affects the entire household.” She smoothed her skirts, regaining her composure. “I’ve seen what happens when young women reject suitable matches out of romantic notions. The consequences can be devastating.”
“What consequences?” Rose asked quietly.
Honoria leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a confidential tone. “I knew a girl once—beautiful, intelligent, much likeyourself. Her family found her an excellent match, but she refused. She became increasingly agitated, prone to episodes. Her family grew concerned about her nerves.” She paused, letting the words settle. “Eventually, she required care. Professional care. It broke her father’s heart, but what choice did he have?”
The room had gone very still.
“Are you suggesting—” Lydia began.
“I’m suggesting nothing,” Honoria said gently. “I’m simply sharing what I’ve witnessed. Sometimes the kindest thing a parent can do is intervene before a situation becomes irreversible.” Her gaze found Rose again. “Especially when a young woman shows signs of distress. Refusing food, appearing overwrought, making wild accusations about perfectly respectable gentlemen.”
“Wild accusations?” Arabella repeated.
“Oh, I don’t mean to suggest Rose has done anything of the sort,” Honoria said quickly. “But I can see the strain she’s under. The way she startles at shadows, the pallor, the trembling hands.” She gestured delicately toward Rose. “These are concerning symptoms. Any loving father would take notice.”
Rose’s jaw clenched. “There’s nothing wrong with my nerves.”
“Of course not, dear.” Honoria’s voice was soothing, the tone one might use with an invalid. “But others might not see it that way. Especially if you were to refuse a generous offer from Baron White without reasonable cause. Society has such rigid expectations for young ladies, and when those expectations aren’t met…” She spread her hands helplessly. “Well, people draw their own conclusions.”
Lydia set down her teacup with more force than necessary. “You’re threatening her.”
Honoria’s eyes widened in apparent shock. “Threatening? My dear Lady Norbury, I would never. I’m simply concerned for Rose’s welfare. Having been a young woman without prospects myself, I understand how frightening the world can seem.” Her voice caughtslightly. “How desperate one becomes for security, for protection. Baron White offers both.”
“And if she refuses him?” Arabella pressed.
“Then I hope she has a very good reason,” Honoria said, her warmth cooling by degrees. “Because refusing an honorable proposal without cause raises questions about a woman’s judgment. Her stability.” She glanced around the room. “I know you ladies mean well, but you live in a different world than most of us. You have your own estates, your own incomes. You can afford to be idealistic.”
The barb hit its mark. Rose saw Daphne flush, knowing her precarious financial situation.
“That may be true,” Arabella said carefully, “but it doesn’t give anyone the right to coerce a woman into marriage.”
“Coerce?” Honoria laughed softly. “What a dramatic word. I prefer ‘guide.’ After all, who among us hasn’t needed guidance at some point? I certainly did.” Her expression grew distant for a moment. “I was young once, full of dreams and romantic fantasies. I thought I could choose my own path.” She refocused on Rose, her smile returning. “I learned better. We all do, eventually.”
