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The truth was that she so badly wanted to get away from this circus she rushed forward and took the initiative. Also, there was a plan between her and Elsa that needed to be executed while she took Lord Rockgonie on a stroll.
Lord Rockgonie, who she suspected had other plans for their meeting, turned to look at her father who did the responding.
“That is a wonderful idea. It is indeed fine weather. Let me get out of the way of you both so you can get to it, then,” her father said in response, indicating his consent to her plan.
“All right, Father.” Rose answered briefly, quickly stemming whatever lengthy conversation that was probably going to ensue.
Her father stood and watched as both she and Lord Rockgonie made their exit on their way to the garden. Her lady’s maid, however, stayed behind them, maintaining a respectable distance as already discussed.
“May I apologize in person for my absence at your ball? I know I sent letters through your father but I know you also deserve an apology in person,” Lord Rockgonie said, as soon as they were out of the house and on the path to the garden.
There was a softness in his voice that made her pause, albeit only briefly.
“It is all right, Lord Rockgonie. Your letters through my father explained the reason behind your absence,” she said, as she resumed walking.
She spied him from the corner of her eye and still there was no noticeable change in his demeanor.
She noticed that instead of the dread that had come over her when she’d been told about her betrothal to Lord Rockgonie, she was in fact intrigued.
It was true that he was mysterious, rarely made the routs and balls of the London season, mostly keeping to himself, and certainly one whose business was largely unknown. Now that she was in his presence, coupled with the way he had spoken to her, she found herself wondering.
“How fared the business you went out of London to handle?” she asked politely.
“It fared well. Very well, in fact.” He responded simply and added nothing further.
Why is he trying so hard to avoid any conversation about his business?
“Well, since you have been back to London, have you had any more business emergencies?” she asked, still fishing.
He laughed, his voice low and rumbling.
“No, My Lady. There have been no more business emergencies thus far. What about you? How are you faring?”
Not only does he not want to talk about his business, he is also deflecting. What exactly is he about?
“I have been faring well, My Lord,” she responded, as they arrived at the garden.
His attention immediately fell on the sight before him as his gaze swept all over the garden. They stopped walking as he continued to savor the view in front of him.
“So the rumors of this garden are true after all. It is beautiful,” he remarked in wonder.
“Does My Lord listen to rumors? “she teased, causing his attention to return to her.
“Not in the least, My Lady. Stories of the beauty of this garden aren’t rumors. Its fame is spread all over London,” he explained.
“Why, thank you, My Lord. My mother will be pleased to hear that. What else do the stories say?” she chuckled.
“That a beautiful flower with its roots outside this garden also lives in the manor of the Earl of Somerholm.”
She turned to face him as realization dawned on her that he was referring to her. He was looking straight ahead but a slight smile had appeared at the corner of his lips.
She looked away as she began blushing.
“Thank you, My Lord. Your words flatter me,” she said, smiling as well. “How is it, though, that a distinguished Lord as yourself has never been in this garden before? Not even with all the tea parties Mother throws, which I’m certain you were invited to?” she said, trying to redirect the conversation back to him and his business.
“Well, I cannot deny that I have gotten invitations in the past. Looking at this now, though, I should have accepted one of them,” he replied, chuckling.
“Well, why didn’t you?” she asked, maintaining the pressure of trying to get him to tell her something more intimate about himself than she already knew on the surface.
