Debra Mullins

by Scandal of the Black Rose

  “I take it she knew him.”

  “They were childhood playmates.” Marc contemplated the situation, and Rome added, “As I said, she is loyal.”

  “A good quality in a wife,” Haverford remarked. “I take it you intend to bring this matter to a conclusion in short order?”

  Rome nodded. “As soon as Peter is safely gone, I will see the Black Rose Society destroyed. This I promise you.”

  “As it happens, I have invited the Rosewoods out to my estate in Kent, so Anna will be away from London and safe under my protection.”

  “Excellent,” Rome said. Inside, his heart clenched, but he had to accept that Anna belonged to Haverford. Unlike his father, he would do the honorable thing.

  “I have also invited the Emberlys,” the earl continued.

  “Lavinia is thrilled, I’m sure. Will you invite the Fellhoppers as well?”

  Marc cleared his throat. “Of course. I’m certain Anna will enjoy Miss Fellhopper’s company.” He stood. “Thank you, Rome, for bringing this to my attention.”

  Rome rose as well. “I just want to do what is right and keep Miss Rosewood safe.”

  “Coming to me was the right thing to do,” Marc said, with a genuine smile. “If she’s to be my wife, I had better start as I mean to go on. The lady sounds like she needs a firm hand to guide her, and I can give her that.”

  But can you give her love?

  Rome pasted an answering smile on his face. “I’ll not keep you longer, cousin. Good day to you.”

  “Remember,” Marc said, as Rome headed for the door. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

  “I will.” But as he left the room, his smile faded.

  I had everything I needed in this world, and I just gave it away.

  “You can’t see him anymore.”

  Anna blinked in confusion. A moment ago, she and Lavinia had been discussing the latest fashions pictured in the ladies’ magazine open between their two chairs. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  Lavinia sighed. “I apologize for blurting that out, but we must talk, Anna. About the Severley ball.”

  “Oh.” Cheeks burning, Anna glanced away. “I know what you must think of me—”

  “Oh, no!” Lavinia leaned closer, unmindful of the magazine that slid to the floor. “I do not blame you, Anna. Really, I don’t. My brother can be quite charming, this I know.”

  “I do not deserve your kindness.” Anna sucked in a breath. “I knew what I was doing. I am as guilty as he.”

  “I do not think so. Rome is quite a bit older than either of us and is worldly. He could have ruined both of you in the garden that night. I’m just glad I found you in time.”

  “I am expected to marry Lord Haverford. How can you not hate me?”

  “I do not hate you, but I will caution you.” Lavinia pinned Anna with a sober gaze. “Our father ran away with the old earl’s betrothed, and we all suffered greatly as a result of the scandal. If it happened again, I don’t know if the family would ever recover.”

  “I do not intend to run away with your brother,” Anna assured her. “I would never do such a thing.”

  “Then what are you doing?”

  Lavinia’s quiet question shook her. What did she hope to accomplish with such fast behavior? “I don’t know,” she finally admitted, searching her friend’s face for an answer. “These encounters just seem to happen.”

  “They must stop immediately. Hear me in this, Anna. Roman finally has a chance at the future he has always dreamed about, but it can only happen if he remains free of scandal. These interludes…sooner or later you will be discovered. And when that happens, your reputation will be soiled beyond redemption, and Rome will never have the successful career he deserves.” She sat back in her chair. “Neither of you deserves that. You must stop seeing my brother, Anna. It is the only way to avoid disaster.”

  “I know.” Her heart screamed in protest, but she believed in her soul that Lavinia was right.

  “You must be the one to do it, Anna. Refuse to see him. Give him only the barest of civilities when you encounter him socially. Do not go off alone with him under any circumstances.”

  “All right,” she whispered.

  “Be strong, Anna.” She sighed. “I have come to know you a bit, and I think that you must care for my brother to take such risks. If you do, you must do what’s best for him. He can have no future with you when you are promised to Haverford.”

  “I never meant for any of this to happen.”

  “But it has happened, and you are the only one who can ensure that it will not happen again.”

  “You’re right.” Anna lifted her chin with determination. “I cannot let this continue.”

  “If you love him, free him.”

  Love him?

  Did she love this man who struggled so hard to live an honorable life? This man who fought to make his dreams come true, who was so protective of his family? This passionate man who constantly put himself between others and harm?

  “I do love him.” Even as the words slipped from her lips, she knew it was the truth. Shocked, she could only gape at Lavinia, who looked back with a mixture of sympathy and concern. “Dear heavens, I hadn’t even realized it myself.”

  “Love has a way of tangling everything. If I didn’t think you loved him, I would cut you from my social circle without hesitation. But because I can see it whenever you look at him, I find I am not so mean-hearted.” She squeezed Anna’s hand between both of her own. “And if I see it, then others might, too. Woman to woman, Anna, I beg you to do the right thing.”

  Her heart grieved even as her mind accepted the truth. “I will.”

  “That is all I can ask.” With effort, Lavinia rose from her chair. “I fear I must curtail our visit today, Anna. I do not feel quite the thing all of a sudden.”

  “What’s the matter?” Anna rose, too, alarmed by Lavinia’s pallor.

  “Probably just the babe.” Lavinia bent down to pick up the magazine off the floor, then tilted precariously as she stood back up. Anna’s firm grip on her arm prevented her from falling. “Good heavens! Thank you, Anna.”

  “You had best lie down,” Anna said. “And do not fear for your brother any longer. You have opened my eyes.”

  “I’m glad.” Slowly, Lavinia walked Anna to the doorway of the parlor. “I feel so much better after our conversation.”

  “I was worried I had lost your friendship,” Anna said, “and that I could not bear.”

  “It might have come to that,” Lavinia admitted, “had you been resistant to the plan. But you love him.”

  “I love him.” Tears stung her eyes, and she bit her lower lip to stop its quivering. “But I love him enough to save him. Thank you for showing me the truth, Lavinia. And I do hope you feel better.”

  Lavinia gave a wan smile. “I have more bad days than good lately. However, I am told it will pass. I expect to see you at Haverford’s house party.”

  “I look forward to it,” Anna said. “Perhaps with so much distance between your brother and me, what I have to do will become easier.” Squeezing her friend’s hand in farewell, she moved into the hallway.

  As Anna waited to be shown out, Lavinia made her way slowly up the staircase. Dour Bliss appeared in the company of the butler, and Anna waved her on ahead. The woman marched outside to the carriage as if keeping time with a military troop. Anna took up her reticule and followed.

  When she stepped outside, she saw her carriage waiting. Bliss was already climbing inside. And Rome Devereaux was making his way up the steps toward her.

  She froze where she was, conscious of the servants all around, of the people walking down the street, of the interested stares of the occupants of passing coaches.

  She had promised Lavinia—and herself—that she would have nothing more to do with Rome. Cold civility, that was the thing. But when he looked at her with that familiar green gaze, her insides softened, and her heart yearned.

  With
effort, she kept her expression politely distant. “Good afternoon, Mr. Devereaux.”

  “Miss Rosewood.” He stopped a couple stairs down from her, putting them almost at eye level. “How are you today?”

  “I am well.”

  “I’m glad.”

  Silence. Aching, dreadful silence where they watched each other with wary, hungry, hopeful eyes. Memories of his kiss haunted her, like an exquisite dream that had slipped through her fingers upon waking.

  “Your sister is not feeling well,” she said finally.

  His brow furrowed with concern as he glanced at the house. “Oh. I had hoped to speak to her today.”

  “Another time perhaps.”

  “Another time,” he echoed, his voice heavy with wishes unspoken. He brought his gaze back to hers. Waiting.

  He still wanted her. It was there in every inch of his body, in the way he leaned slightly toward her, as if unable to stay away. She wanted to step into his arms and lose herself in his embrace, but they stood in front of all of London, like players on a stage. No matter how they longed for each other, this was not meant to be.

  Her eyes stung with sudden moisture, and she dug blindly in her reticule.

  “Anna…” His hoarse whisper nearly broke her will.

  “I’ve something in my eye,” she said, and yanked a handkerchief from her bag. Something white fluttered to the pavement as she raised the delicate lace to dab at the welling tears.

  Rome bent and picked up the much-folded paper.

  “Give that back.” Anna snatched it from him and, in her haste, dropped it again.

  They both bent to retrieve it and found their faces an inch away from each other.

  Anna straightened with a rush, and Rome followed suit more slowly, bearing the worn letter in one hand. The note had fallen open, and he stared at the familiar symbol.

  “Good God, Anna, what are you doing with this?”

  “It was Anthony’s.” She nipped it from his fingers and crammed it back into her reticule.

  “Anna, wait!”

  “Good-bye, Mr. Devereaux.” She paused to take one last look at his beloved face, then hurried to her waiting carriage, before he saw how much leaving him tore her heart to pieces.

  Hidden from view, he watched the carriage pull away with a frown. So, that was where the missing letter had gone. No doubt Anthony Rosewood had passed it on to his sister in hopes of betraying the secret of the society.

  Well, he’d learned his lesson, hadn’t he?

  From his hiding place across the street, he watched Rome Devereaux turn around and descend the steps without ever knocking on the door, then head off down the street. He waited until Rome had disappeared from view, then cautiously stepped from the shadows.

  He had finally discovered what had become of the lost missive. The mystery had taunted him for over a year, the only loose thread in an otherwise perfectly woven plan. But now he knew where to find it.

  And he planned to get it back.

  Chapter 16

  “This is your chance, Anna,” Henrietta whispered.

  Anna closed her eyes tightly for an instant, focusing on Charlotte Fellhopper’s lovely soprano. They had just finished their first dinner at Haverford Park, and the earl had coaxed Charlotte into an impromptu performance. Of course, that was not enough to stop Mama when she had something on her mind.

  “Use this opportunity to encourage the earl,” Henrietta continued in a low tone. “The Season is almost gone, and you must secure an offer from him.”

  “Mama, not now.” Anna kept her attention on Charlotte, not wanting to appear rude to those around her.

  “You should be sitting beside him,” Henrietta whispered.

  Anna glanced at the earl, who sat in the chair nearest the pianoforte with Charlotte’s brother beside him. Haverford appeared mesmerized by the performance.

  “I refuse to disrupt the musicale,” Anna breathed. “Now, please, Mama!”

  Charlotte finished her song, and Anna joined in the riotous applause.

  “Do play another,” Haverford said, as Charlotte made to rise from the bench.

  “I’m certain there are others who wish to play.” Cheeks pink, she hesitated in leaving the bench and glanced around the room. “Mrs. Emberly? Anna?”

  “I fear I cannot sing a note,” Lavinia replied cheerfully.

  “That’s not quite true,” said Henry, who had arrived just after dinner. “I believe you can sing one note.”

  This brought laughter from the entire group.

  “And I do not sing or play at all,” Anna said. “My talent lies with watercolors, I fear.”

  “Definitely don’t want the gel to sing,” Admiral Rosewood added, with a deep chuckle.

  “Quentin!” Henrietta sent her husband a warning look, then turned a sweet smile on those assembled. “My Anna is quite talented.”

  “I’m certain she is,” Haverford agreed gallantly.

  “Would you like to play?” Charlotte asked again.

  Anna shook her head. “I cannot compare to you. Please, do continue.”

  “I would love to hear you sing again,” Haverford said eagerly.

  Charlotte dropped her eyes, her pink cheeks darkening even more. “Very well, my lord.” She sat down at the keyboard and began another tune.

  Henrietta sat back in her chair with a scowl. “I do not like the way he looks at her,” she murmured so only Anna could hear.

  Anna rolled her eyes and sat back to enjoy the performance.

  “I can’t thank you enough,” Peter said, tossing back an ale. “You’ve saved my life, Roman.”

  Rome leaned forward across the gouged wooden table. “Have a care with your words,” he warned, grinning for the sake of those watching. “You never know who’s listening.”

  “I thought we’d lost any followers.” Suddenly wary, Peter glanced around the rowdy dockside tavern. No one paid him any mind as the other patrons drank and sang and fondled the barmaids.

  Rome shook his head and took a swallow, then plunked down the tankard. “Stop acting like a virgin at Almack’s, Peter. This crowd can smell uncertainty like a pack of wolves smell blood.”

  Peter stiffened. “If you seek to comfort me, you’re not.”

  “Just remain calm. Captain Morrow has assured me of your passage, and the ship leaves at dawn. All is well.”

  Peter wrapped both hands around his tankard and stared down into the foamy depths. “It will be so odd not to live in England anymore.”

  “You’ll be alive,” Rome murmured. “That’s enough.”

  “True.” Peter raised his tankard. “To you, Roman. For saving my life.”

  Rome clanked his tankard against Peter’s and drank. Then he plunked the empty vessel on the table. “Let’s go.”

  “Where?”

  “To your room.” Rome stood and weaved his way across the room to the staircase, hoping to make anyone watching believe him foxed. “We’ll stay together tonight, then I will see you off in the morning.”

  “No, we won’t. I’m not a child.” Peter stomped up the stairs behind him and followed Rome down the hall. “You have your own room right across from mine, Roman. I’ll be safe enough with you right there. You needn’t hold my hand all night.”

  “Peter—”

  “Roman, please. I’m a grown man.” They stopped outside Peter’s room.

  Seeing the determination in the younger man’s eyes, Rome sighed. “Promise you won’t leave the room without me.”

  “I won’t. Thank you, Roman,” he said, his hand on the door latch. “I would not be alive if not for you.”

  “It is both my duty and my pleasure to be of assistance.”

  “Good night, Roman.”

  “Good night, Peter.”

  Rome waited as the boy stepped into his room and locked the door behind him. “Are you watching, Richard?” he murmured. “I’ve kept my promise.”

  Anna came down to breakfast the next morning to find the Fellhoppers th
ere before her.

  “Good morning, Charlotte. Mr. Fellhopper.”

  “Good morning, Anna.” Charlotte smiled as she sipped her hot chocolate. Dennis peeked out from behind the morning paper to briefly acknowledge Anna’s greeting and grab his coffee cup.

  “You’re both up early this morning,” Anna said as she selected her breakfast from the sideboard, then moved to the table.

  “In Leicestershire, we rise very early,” Charlotte said. “We just can’t seem to sleep much past sunrise!”

  “Sheep rise early, too,” Dennis said, from behind the Times.

  Charlotte giggled, then abruptly quieted as Haverford strolled into the room.

  “Good morning, all,” he said briskly, then began loading a plate from the sideboard.

  “Morning, Haverford,” Dennis said. “Price of wool looks very promising this morning.”

  “Excellent!” Haverford sat down next to Anna. “You ladies both look delightful for such an early hour.”

  “We rise early at home in Leicestershire,” Charlotte offered.

  At the earl’s inquiring look, Anna shrugged. “I simply could not sleep.”

  Haverford frowned. “I do hope the bed was comfortable. You must tell me at once if we should change your room.”

  “No, my lord, the bed was quite comfortable. My own thoughts kept me awake.”

  “Hate it when that happens,” Dennis muttered, from behind the paper.

  Charlotte leaned forward. “I find that a cup of tea before bedtime sends me right to sleep, Anna. Perhaps you might try that.”

  “I might,” Anna replied, then set about slicing her ham.

  “I find that tea keeps me awake,” Haverford commented, salting his food.

  “My special tea would lull you to sleep,” Charlotte said, then blushed red. “Forgive me, my lord, for being so familiar.”

  “Nonsense,” the earl said, with a shrug of his shoulders. “There are times when I could use such a remedy.”

  “When we all could use such a remedy,” Dennis commented.