Page 79 of Rogue’s Holiday

With this in mind, I will go first to Northampton and then join you in Brighton. Please say nothing of this to Chastity as I want to be assured Mr. Reynolds approves of my suit before I proceed.

Yours truly,

Sir Robert Powell

“Featherstone!” she called as she pulled the cord. The butler immediately appeared. “Please ask Lady Claremont to join me here for a glass of Madeira. You may tell her I have some very good news to impart.”

Chastity went to her bedchamber after tea and sat before the fire, stroking Crispin’s fur. She was oddly glad for her mother’s request that she return home. While she hated to leave Aunt Agatha and Brighton and was finding Lady Claremont’s company very pleasant, the summons home provided the excuse she needed. If she were still in Brighton when Sir Robert returned, she might be tempted to give in to him, his charm, his kisses and his awkward mention of marriage.

Her feelings for him had changed, so much so she feared she could no longer deny her attraction for the man she had once named “The Rogue”. In truth, she had fallen in love with him but she could never marry a man who frequented brothels, engaged in assignations with married women and accepted the public fawning of tavern wenches. She could never be a wife who tolerated such behavior, particularly if she loved her husband.

A soft knock sounded and Rose opened her door to peek in. “Am I permitted to join you?”

“Of course, do come in. I’ve just been thinking…”

“Of going home or staying?” she asked as she took the chair opposite Chastity in front of the fire.

“Going home. I must, you know, for Pen’s sake. Do you mind awfully?”

“I have loved being here in Brighton with you, but I always knew it would end and I cannot imagine staying without my dearest friend.” Rose sighed deeply. “I would have liked to say farewell to the vicomte, but I can always leave him a letter.”

Chastity studied the face of her friend. Cast in firelight, she was so lovely. “Do you like him very much?”

Rose gazed into the fire. “Yes, I think I like him more than I realized. The night of the ball told me much of his character. He was the stalwart one when you were taken. So calm, so able to cope while the rest of us were in a panic. He went with Sir Robert to search for anything of yours. That’s when they found your slipper. And he insisted on going to London with Sir Robert. But he is of the aristocracy, Chas, and very wealthy as well. He could have any woman he wanted. I am only a country girl, who has not even had a Season.”

“You are hardly only that, Rose. I think you a most wonderful woman and any man would thank his stars to have found you. Do write him a letter and see what comes of it.”

“You are good to encourage me, Chas. When do we leave?”

“My mother gave me a week, but I think to leave in a few days, depending on the weather. I hope to avoid the mud-filled ruts we experienced on our travel to London.”

“I will be ready.”