“I would marry her if she didn’t have a farthing. I love her!”
“I see.” Ashford removed his spectacles and turned to his wife. “Flora, have you any opinion on this?”
“I wish only to see Rose happy,” Lady Ashford said.
Ashford cleared his throat. “Then I will give permission if you wait for two months, when Rose reaches the age of twenty-one.”
“But, Papa—”
“If your love is true, it can survive for two months. You won’t need my permission anyway after that.”
“But we can’t wait.”
“Why not?”
Rose took a deep breath. She had no choice but to tell the truth. “Because I’m with child.”
Lady Ashford fanned herself with her hands. “Dear Lord, Rose.”
“I’m sorry, Mummy,” Rose said. Then, “Well, no, I’m actually not.”
“Well,” Ashford said, “I can see that the matter is settled then. I suppose you have my permission. I’ll not see my daughter a societal outcast.”
“Oh, thank you, Papa!”
“Don’t thank me yet, Rose,” Ashford said. “Now you, your sister, and your mother must leave this room. Your…intended and I need to have a chat.”
Rose embraced Cameron protectively. “No, Papa. I’ll not leave him.”
“It’s all right, Rose. I’ll be fine.”
“Yes, it’s fine. Now go on, all of you—”
A knock on the door interrupted Ashford. “What is it?” he bellowed.
Crawford opened the door. “My apologies, Your Grace, my lord, my ladies. Mr. Price has a visitor.”
“Mr. Price is otherwise engaged, Crawford,” Lord Ashford said.
“I know. I informed our visitors as much, but they insist on seeing him straight away.”
“I’ll handle this, Papa,” Lily said, rising.
“The duke has been informed already, Your Grace. He insists that Mr. Price come to the
main parlor.”
“Who are these mysterious visitors, Crawford?” Lily asked.
“The Marquess of Denbigh and his mother, the dowager marchioness.”
“Do you know them, Cameron?” Rose asked.
“I just met the marchioness last evening. But why on earth would they come all the way here to see me?”
“Mr. Newland is with them,” Crawford said, “as are your mother and sisters.”
“I’m flummoxed,” Cameron said. “I have no idea what this could possibly be about.”