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“Yes, yes,” Rose wept. “I need to tell someone.” She blew her nose again. “You must keep my confidence though.”
“Of course. You know I will.”
“Well,” Rose began, sniffling, “you know Mr. Price, the man who composed Lily’s Waltz?”
“Yes, of course. He seemed quite charming and attractive.”
“He is. Or was. I don’t know. But he’s a commoner. Completely unsuitable for me. While we worked together on the waltz for Lily, he made it quite clear that I was above his station, a snotty pampered lady of the peerage. But we were attracted to each other. I found out how he felt the night of the wedding ball. He, well, he had been drinking, and he wanted to dance with me. It was the most wonderful feeling to be in his arms.”
“Go on.”
“He and I…that is…I thought… Oh, I can’t bear this!”
Lucy tightened her hold on Rose and stroked her back. “There, there. It’s going to be all right.”
“I…I love him. And I thought he loved me. At least, he said he did. But he lied to me, Aunt Lucy. He lied to me so I would…so I would…”
“Oh dear, you don’t have to say any more, sweetheart.”
Rose let out a giant sob. “That’s what he called me. Sweetheart.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I gave him everything. I gave him my body and my love. I gave him my soul. I would have lived with him anywhere. In squalor. I didn’t care that he was a commoner. A tenant. I would have learned to cook and clean. I would have taken care of him. I would have…” Rose trembled against Lucy.
“My goodness, you poor little thing,” Lucy consoled. “I can’t believe Cameron would treat you this way. I’ve known that boy since he was a babe. His father was a fine man, a hard worker, and his mother is intelligent and strong. They were good parents. I never would have believed that he could… Well, even I have misjudged a person in my day. He’s not worth this anguish, Rose.”
“Oh, but he is. He’s brilliant, really. His music touches me so deeply. I feel like it flows from his soul straight to my fingers when I play it. It’s amazing, the talent that he has. I would have followed him anywhere, done anything to be with him.”
“I know. I know.”
“Aunt Lucy, did you and Nolan ever…you know?”
Lucy smiled. “I’ve never told anyone this, not even Maggie. But yes, we did. Twice.”
“Did you ever regret it?”
“Not ever.”
“I don’t regret it either. It was my choice, and I loved him. I wanted him.” She sobbed again. “I miss him so. When will it stop hurting?”
“It will fade, dear. It always does.”
“It’s just that…I could have sworn he was sincere. The things he said to me, the way he… Well, obviously I was just too naive and simple-minded to see through him, I guess.”
“None of this is your fault.”
“I know. I don’t blame myself. I don’t blame him either, really. I…still love him.”
“I know.”
“I just love him with all of my heart. I gave him everything and he—” Rose clutched at her stomach as a wave of nausea enveloped her. “Oh dear, I think I’m going to be sick.”
Lucy hurried to fetch a basin, and Rose retched into it. Lucy smoothed her hair and wiped her mouth with a damp cloth.
“You poor thing.” She took the basin away and then returned. “Is that better?”
“Yes, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
