Still gripping Rose’s hands, the lady pulled her into the bedchamber. “I’ve fresh water in the bowl so you can wash your face. And you can change into my bathing gown while you wait.” She scrunched her nose. “The sooner you change out of these clothes the better.”
The children were right. Rose felt an instant connection to Lillian. She possessed a serene quality that put one at ease. While her brother’s hard stare could frighten the devil, her hazel eyes brimmed with compassion. Even so, she possessed a regal air, aided by the conservative cut of her high-collared dress.
A maid appeared at the door. “Come now, children. Mrs Hibbet said I’m to settle you in your beds.”
Jacob looked most put out. “But we want Rose to read to us.”
“I’ll come and see you once I’m out of these smelly clothes.” Rose kissed both children on the forehead and with some reluctance they followed the maid.
“They’ve done nothing but talk about you since they arrived,” Lillian said helping Rose out of her coat. “I don’t mean to speak out of turn, but I think their father has told them he’s come to take you back to Everleigh.” She threw the coat to the floor and then looked Rose in the eye. “Will you go with them?”
Rose didn’t need to time to think. “In a heartbeat.”
Lillian smiled. “That’s what I hoped you would say. I believe Mrs Hibbet loves you as much as the children do.”
Rose fiddled with her cravat but struggled to pull the silk free of the knot. “My brother prefers the fancy styles, though they’re a devil to untie.”
“Let me try.” Lillian stepped forward. “There are not many brothers who would allow their sister to don gentleman’s attire.”
Rose recalled Oliver’s growl of disapproval while finding her suitable clothes. “I’m afraid he had no choice in the matter. Nothing would deter me in my course.”
Lillian untied the knot and jerked her head back. “Heavens, where have you been?”
“I took a dip in the Thames, though it wouldn’t have been so bad if I could swim. Christian … I mean Lord Farleigh rescued me. He truly was the hero of the hour.” And the love of her life.
Lillian dropped the cravat on top of the coat and ambled over to the window. “What’s it like?” She pulled the curtain to one side and stared down at the street below. “I mean, what’s it like to feel loved and cherished?”
How could one answer such a question?
“Do you mean by a man?”
Lillian nodded. “I’m sure you’ve heard talk of my scandalous encounter with a rogue. With my ruined reputation, I don’t hold out much hope for a love match.”
Rose could feel the pain behind Lillian’s words. “There are good men in the world, ones willing to look beyond society’s rigid rules.” Men willing to forgive a lady’s mistakes.
“When my brother finally stops blaming himself for what happened and allows me some space, the best I can hope for is a gentleman in dire need of funds.” She gave a weak chuckle. “Forgive me for rambling on. It’s just that it’s been an age since I’ve spoken to anyone other than my brother.”
Rose sat down on the stool next to the dressing table and tugged on her boot. “From what I hear, your brother is rather protective.” While waiting in Peel’s office, Christian spoke fondly of his friendship with Lord Trevane. “Though I’m sure he has your best interests at heart.”
With a sudden gasp, Lillian shot back from the window. She stood frozen for a moment, her eyes wide as she gulped.
“Is everything all right?” Rose yanked off one boot, and it landed with a thud on the floor.
>
Lillian jumped. “What? Yes. It’s nothing. A carriage stopped outside, and I thought it might be Lord Farleigh, but it’s moved on now.”
As an expert in lies and deceit, Rose suspected the lady was not being entirely honest. Indeed, she would have pressed her further had Mrs Hibbet not arrived with a maid and two footmen in tow.
“All sorted in the kitchen.” Mrs Hibbet stepped aside as the footmen came into the room carrying a copper bath tub. “After the sickness at Everleigh, it’s best not to take any chances.” Mrs Hibbet scanned Rose’s dirty breeches. “The water is almost ready. Let’s get you out of those clothes before his lordship returns.”
The room erupted in a sudden flurry of activity. There was no time to continue her conversation with Lillian or probe her further about what she’d really seen outside.
Christian would be home soon, and Rose would be ready and waiting for him when he walked through the door.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Christian’s carriage rolled to a stop outside his house in Berkeley Square, but he chose not to alight. He needed a few minutes alone. The day had brought one shocking revelation after another, and yet it all amounted to the same thing in the end — greed.