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Tricia laughed. “It’s wonderful, my lady. Cam and I went to see her two days ago, and her fever had broken!”
Rose breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness. I’ve been fraught with worry. I do love that little girl.”
“I know. Would you please come in and have a cup of tea? I know Cam would like to see you.”
No, he wouldn’t. Rose breathed deeply and forced a smile. “I’m afraid we don’t have time to stay, but I want to introduce you to my aunt and cousins.”
Rose made the necessary introductions and Tricia curtsied politely. Maggie asked about Kat, and Tricia filled them all in.
“That’s wonderful news,” Lucy said. “We’ve all been concerned about the poor little thing.”
“When will she be coming home?” Rose asked.
“Tomorrow or the next day, most likely,” Tricia said. “The doctor wanted to keep her a few days for observation since they never figured out exactly what caused her illness. They want to make sure she doesn’t have a relapse.”
“That’s good thinking,” Maggie said. “Tell me, my dear, is there anything our family can do for you? I know hospitalization is very expensive.”
“Thank you, but Cam was able to take care of it. He got a commission for another song, you know.”
“Really?” Rose tried to hide her unbounded elation. “That’s wonderful.”
“Yes, and he was quite pleased with the results. He said it was his best work ever.”
“Who commissioned it?”
“I’m not sure. All he said was that it was a peer.”
“That’s fine, just fine,” Rose said. “I’m happy for him.” And she me
ant it.
“Please won’t you all come in for some tea?” Tricia asked again.
“Could we, Aunt Maggie?” Ally asked. “I’m absolutely parched.
“I suppose there’s time,” Maggie said. Then, to Tricia, “Is your brother at home?”
“He’s around here somewhere.”
“You all go ahead in,” Rose said. “I need to get a package out of the carriage that I brought for Tricia.”
She quickly hurried back to the carriage to fetch the box of novels she had brought for the younger girl, and she hastily dug out a ten pound note from her reticule and placed it in one of the books. As she descended the carriage, she stood for a moment. The small cottage beckoned her. This was a home. Cameron’s home. A tear fell gently down her cheek. She would have lived here happily—without servants, without seven course meals, without modern plumbing—if only she could have been with Cameron. If only he had really loved her.
* * * *
Cameron watched his beloved from the stables. Her blond hair was braided and twisted on top of her head in a severe style, so unlike the styles she normally wore. But today they were visiting tenants—a laborious day for a lady of the peerage. Her tan morning gown hugged her lush body, and she carried a box of what appeared to be books. Slowly he stepped out of the stable, unable to take his eyes off of her. Start walking, Rose, he said silently to himself. But still she stood, taking in the scenery. He should go back into the stables to avoid being seen. But he couldn’t make his feet move.
Rose turned, and her mouth dropped open. She set down her box of books and walked toward him slowly. He resisted the urge to flee. His heart thundered.
“Mr. Price,” she said, when she was about six feet away from him.
“My lady.”
“I…I’m so glad to hear about Kat. Tricia told me that she’s going to be all right. I’ve been so worried about her.”
“Yes, she’s going to be fine.”
Rose sighed. “Well, I’ll leave you to your…whatever it is you’re doing.” She turned.
