It was not nearly as calamitous as it could have been. Thankfully, most of the red liquid had missed the gown, merely staining the hems on the skirt. But Marianne’s extreme panic had caused the accident, and e Rose worried her sister was nearing the end of her tether.
So bad was Marianne’s mood that she hardly seemed to notice the mess she had caused.
“What did he say?” Marianne asked.
“Never mind that.” Rose swept toward her drunken friend and took her by the arm. “Let us get you inside, Alison. We will find a sink to wash this, so it does not stain.”
Oh no!” Marianne only then realized what she had done. “Alison, I am so sorry.”
“It is quite fine,” Alison drawled, her tongue thick in her mouth. “I was never a fan of this gown anyway.”
“Stay here, Marianne,” Rose said. “I will be right back.”
Her sister’s eyes were wide with panic, and she fidgeted with her hands. But she did as Rose commanded and stayed put as Rose led Alison through the garden and toward the manor.
As she went, she dared to search out the Duke in the crowd. He was watching the ordeal unfold with a cool gaze. She glared back at him, wanting him to see her annoyance with him.
“It really is no fuss,” Alison was saying as Rose led her into the kitchens, where she found a tub of water. Next, she snatched a towel, dunked it in the water, and began dabbing it onto the dress. “Truly, Rose, there is no need to worry.”
“I am sorry about Marianne,” Rose said as she tried to clean the stain. “She is… somewhat preoccupied.”
“Oh, I am sure,” Alison giggled drunkenly. “Engaged to a duke. She must be thrilled.”
Rose said nothing to that, not wanting to lend credence to the engagement because in her mind it was not going to happen.
But how can I stop it if Lord Ellery is not here? Or maybe he is by now, and I am inside dealing with this stain! I need to find him. I need answers! Or barring that, I need to find someone who…
Rose’s eyes widened when she realized suddenly who she was with. Lady Alison Huntington, a popular socialite ofthe Ton, friends with many, a confidant of many more, and the exact type of person who would know any rumors concerning men of Lord Ellery’s standing.
It was so darn perfect that Rose had to work her best not to smile.
“Say, Alison,” she started casually as she crouched down on her knees to get closer to the stain. It was bright pink, but slowly, with much work, it was washing off. “You haven’t seen Lord Ellery today, have you?”
“Lord Ellery?” Alison slurred. “Why are you looking for him?”
“Oh, I do not want to say but…” She clicked her tongue loudly. “My father wished for me to meet him.” She then laughed bitterly. “I think he is trying to set us up for marriage.”
“You and Lord Ellery?” Alison blinked dully. “You know he is married, don’t you?”
“He is?” Rose gasped. “I had no idea.”
“Very married,” Alison said. “I know his wife – I thought you did, too?” She blinked further, her vision looking to have doubled. “Although that is not nearly as happy a story as I would like.”
“What do you mean?” she asked without looking up.
“I…” Alison hesitated. “I should not say.”
Now, Rose knew Alison well, just as she knew how to get her lips flapping. Pressure was not the key, but disinterest. And Rose played that card perfectly.
“If that is the case,” Rose said. “Then forget I asked.”
“She does not know,” Alison said, sounding distraught.
“You do not need to say anything.”
“And if she found out…”
“Please, Alison, forget I asked.”
