Rose in Bloom (10 page)

“Lady Lily mentioned that he wasn’t.”

Cameron rolled his eyes. “You’re too young to marry, Tricia. I won’t have you tied down during the dawn of your youth. And you may as well accept the fact that you won’t marry an aristocrat. None of us will. It’s not our place.”

“What if I think we’re better than”—she motioned around the room—“this.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does. Cameron, you’re as talented as any contemporary composer. More so even, because you’ve had no formal training. If you’d had the advantages that are available to the peers, or even to the more wealthy—”

“But I haven’t. This is my life. It’s where I belong.”

“No, it’s not. And it’s not where I belong, either. I want to learn. I’m smart. Did you know that, Cam?”

“Of course.”

“And so is Kat. I taught her the multiplication tables. She memorized them in two days. And she can do complex equations in her head. She’s only seven!”

“I’m afraid that’s our curse, Tricia.”

“It’s a curse to be bright?”

“When you’re limited as to what you can accomplish due to your station in life, yes, it is a curse to be bright.”

Tricia shook her head. “I’ll never believe that.”

“Well, if you’re so inclined to use your intelligence, tell me, why are you so eager to marry yourself off at such a tender age?”

“I’m not really. I just thought it would make things easier for you.”

“That’s silly.”

“No, it’s not. You were going to go to London and write music, do you remember?”

“Yes.”

“But then Papa died, and you had to stay here and take care of us. You could have been famous by now.”

Would this harrowing conversation never end? “It wasn’t in the cards.”

“But it still could be. If you and Lady Rose got together.”

“That will never happen.”

“But if it did, she could help you. Introduce you to the right people.”

“I have no intention of being a kept man. Why am I talking to you about this anyway?” He scoffed. “You’re my sister, and you’re too young to be having such thoughts.”

Tricia closed her eyes. “And then you could introduce me to Lord Jameson again, and he would take one look at me and fall madly in love—”

“This conversation is over, Tricia.” Cameron finished his tea and loudly set his cup down on an end table. “I’m not your father, but this is the best advice I can give you. Accept your station in life. Don’t try to change it. It only leads to heartbreak.” He cleared his throat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have a bath, and then we’ll go see Kat.”

* * * *

“Iris, what on earth?” Lucy said.

Iris had dragged her into the main parlor. Sophie and Alexandra sat together on the divan, while Rose sat opposite them in a wingback chair, Evan standing behind her. The dowager duchess was perched on a settee, drinking a cup of tea.

The Earl of Brighton rose and took Iris’s arm.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, David. I couldn’t find Lucy. She was hiding in the kitchen, helping Cook prepare our luncheon.”

“I often help in the kitchen. I enjoy it.”

“Lucy is a marvelous cook,” Maggie said.

“All those years of friendship, so long ago, and I had no idea,” Iris said. “Now I’ll know where to find you when you sneak off.”

“Goodness, then, what is going on?” Lucy asked.

“Yes, Mother, why have you called us all in here?” Alexandra smoothed her skirt.

“David—that is, Lord Brighton and I… We have some news.”

A smile curved onto Lucy’s pretty lips. “Iris, you don’t mean…”

David cleared his throat. “This lovely lady has agreed to become my wife, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“Father?” Evan walked forward. “Are you serious?”

“Never more serious, Evan. Iris and are going to be married.”

“But isn’t this a bit…sudden?”

“You’re mother has been gone for over two years.”

“But you and Lady Longarry just met.”

“Yes, my goodness, Mother,” Ally agreed. “What has gotten into you?”

“I know this must seem odd,” David said, “but Iris and I have known each other for some time. We are very happy to have renewed our acquaintance.”

“You don’t mean that you…” Evan frowned.

“Frankly, it’s none of your business how we met, and I’m not going to go into detail. Suffice it to say that we are in love with each other, and since we are both currently unattached, we have decided to spend the rest of our years in happiness together.”

“Well,” Sophie said, rising and giving her mother a quick hug, “I for one am very happy for you, Mother.”

Iris shrugged. Sophie’s tone didn’t quite indicate happiness, but Iris appreciated the attempt. “Thank you, Sophie dear. I assure you that we will all be very happy with this arrangement.”

“Yes, yes,” David said. “The three of you will come and live on the Brighton estate. It’s not quite as large as this one, but it’s beautiful. I think you’ll find it to your liking.”

“Our own estate?” Alexandra gasped. “How completely lovely!”

“Not exactly
your
estate,” Evan interjected.

“Of course it will be their estate, Evan,” David said. “Iris will be my countess, and the girls are part of the package. I’m taking full responsibility for them, as well.”

“Father, what about Jacob and me?”

“What is this about, Evan? You’re my son, and Jacob is my heir. You’ll want for naught. You never have, have you?”

“Of course not. I’m sorry, Father. It…will just take some time to get used to it all.”

“Well, get used to it quickly. We’re getting married tomorrow.”

“David!” Iris exclaimed.

“I’ve waited twenty years for you. I’m not waiting any longer.”

“But, David, I’d like for Crispin and Flora to be here. And Lily and the duke won’t be back until the solstice.”

“Iris—”

“Please, David. I had a hasty wedding the first time to a man I didn’t even know. This time I want my family and friends with me.”

“Yes, Maggie and I can make you a beautiful wedding here at Laurel Ridge,” Lucy said.

“That’s a marvelous idea, Lucy,” the dowager duchess agreed.

Iris shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly impose.”

“Nonsense,” Maggie said. “We’ve been friends since we were babes. Lucy and I would love to do this for you.”

“You’re both so good to me.” She turned to her fiancé. “Please, David. I do so want a real wedding.”

David smiled, taking Iris’s hand and kissing her upturned palm. “Whatever you wish, my Iris.”

Rose stood and hugged Iris. “I’m so happy for you, Auntie,” she said. Then, turning to David, “and you too, my lord.”

“Uncle David, my dear.”

“Oh, goodness. I suppose you’re right.”

Evan rose and cleared his throat. “Congratulations, Father, my lady.” He strode quietly out of the room.

“David…” Iris worried her lower lip.

“He’ll be fine,” David said. “Evan was the youngest and was very close to his mother, so I imagine it will take some time for him to get used to this idea. But he’s a sensible lad. He will come around.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Rose said.

“No, my dear, leave him for an hour or so,” David said. “Then you can go to him.”

“If you think best”—she smiled—“Uncle David.”

“This is all too exciting,” Alexandra said. “Mother, we must find you the perfect dress. We should summon Lily’s modiste right away. Aunt Lucy, Aunt Maggie, may I help you plan?”

“Of course,” Lucy said.

“We should have a string quartet. That would be lovely,” Ally said. “And Rose, maybe you could get Mr. Price to write a song for Mama.”

“His little sister is still in the hospital, Ally. I think he probably has other responsibilities at the moment.”

“I suppose you’re right. You’ll just have to make do with Mozart, Mama. Perhaps you could be married on the solstice itself! No, then we’d miss the celebration. When are Lily and the duke returning?”

“Daniel didn’t give me an exact date, but he said they’d be home for the solstice,” Maggie replied.

“Good. Then we’ll all go to the celebration, and the wedding can be the day after that. How does that sound?”

“Goodness, Ally. Let Mama catch her breath a minute,” Sophie said.

Iris smiled, her heart warm. “It’s all right, Sophie. I’m glad she’s excited.”

“Oh, I am. Sophie, Rose, you both must help me plan. Oh, and of course, you too, Mother, and Aunt Maggie and Aunt Lucy.”

“We’ll all help,” Rose said. “Isn’t this grand? Another wedding so soon!”

“I’m afraid this one won’t be quite the affair that Lily’s was,” Iris pointed out.

“If it’s a grand affair you want, my dear, it’s a grand affair you shall have,” David said.

“No, no. All I want is a real wedding, with my family and friends. Not some huge affair.”

“But, Iris—”

“I’m serious, David. I want Flora and Crispin, of course, and Thomas. Lily and the duke, your children, and all of us. And of course, any other family and friends that you want to include. That’s it.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m positive. It’s a second marriage for both of us. A grand affair wouldn’t be appropriate. And I’ve no desire to hobnob with a bunch of people I hardly know.”

“I think an intimate gathering sounds wonderful, Iris,” Lucy said. “Maggie and I and the girls will have loads of fun planning it, won’t we?”

“I’m chock-full of ideas, Auntie Lucy,” Ally gushed. “Do let’s go start planning!”

“All right, dear,” Lucy laughed.

* * * *

Cameron and Tricia stopped in a small shop in Bath to pick up the quills and parchment that he needed, and then they rode to the hospital. A young nurse showed them to Kat’s room. Kat was sitting up in bed, and her mother was feeding her broth.

“Cam!” Kat shouted.

“My sweet Kitty-Kat,” he said, “you’re better aren’t you!”

“Much.”

“Mother?” Tricia asked hesitantly.

“I sent word this morning,” Mrs. Price said, her face beaming. “Of course I knew it wouldn’t reach you until tomorrow or the next day. I had no idea you were coming.”

“Tricia wanted to come, and I finished work on my new commission, so we had some time. What happened?”

“Kat had a terrible day yesterday. Her fever escalated to nearly one hundred and six degrees, and it wouldn’t come down. The doctors and nurses were beside themselves.”

“Oh dear,” Tricia said.

“Then she had another seizure.”

“Yes, I was shaking and drooling and they had to tie me down!” Kat laughed.

“Mum?” Cameron said.

“She’s right, I’m afraid. It’s was awful.” She looked to Kat. “Goodness, Kat, it’s not funny!”

“Sorry, Mum, but it is. I wish I could have seen myself.”

Cam smiled at his impish little sister. “Kitty-Kat, you will be the death of all of us, do you know that?”

“Tell them the rest, Mum,” Kat said.

“Dr. Blake said it was the worst seizure he had ever seen. They had to give her several different injections before she came out of it. And the doctor said”—Mrs. Price wiped her eyes—“had we not been here, in the hospital, Kat would surely have died.”

Tricia gasped.

Kat continued laughing. “Yes, I almost died, Cam!”

“That’s not the least bit funny, Kat,” Cameron admonished. “Thank goodness you brought her here, Mum.”

“Yes, I’ve thanked God constantly. But Cam, the bill has gone so high. It’s over one hundred fifty pounds already because of all the medication and the special doctors who have been in to look at Kat, and Dr. Blake said that she needs to stay for a few more days to be observed.”

“Don’t worry about the bill, Mum. I can take care of it. But why does she need to stay? Isn’t she better?”

“Yes. The fever has broken, and obviously she’s responsive now. But since they don’t know exactly what caused her illness in the first place, they want to make sure she doesn’t relapse. Evidently there are conditions that can recur, especially conditions that involve seizures.”

“Oh.” Cameron’s heart lurched. “Well, then you’ll stay of course. How many more days?”

“Three or four.”

“That’s no problem. We only want the best for our Kitty-Kat.” Cameron sat down on the bed next to his little sister, gathered her in his arms, and kissed her cheek. “Trish and I sure have missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, Cam. I’m so glad you came. I’d like to have more visitors. Could you bring Lady Lily and Lady Rose to visit me?”

Cameron jolted at Rose’s name. “Kat, Lady Lily is the duchess now. She’s on her wedding trip. You’ll be home by the time she returns to the estate.”

“What about Lady Rose?”

Mrs. Price cleared her throat. “Cameron…”