His watchful gaze remained on her for another moment and then the grooves around his mouth eased. “Is that right, poppet? And what did your mother say?”
“Well, she hadn’t actually said ityet,” she said impishly.
“I’ll say it now,” Mama declared. “Your papa meanseverythingto me.”
Papa’s eyes flashed, and he crossed over to Mama, bending to kiss her cheek and murmur something in her ear. Edward sauntered up to Primrose.
“Well, now you’ve done it. They’re at it again,” he muttered. “We’ll never make it to the luncheon in time.”
“I’m surprised you want to go.” Rosie lifted Sophie into the air, the babe gurgling in delight. “Don’t these sorts of affairs bore you?”
She knew her brother would prefer a visit to a museum over a charity luncheon any day. He was only going because the event was being hosted by the Hunts, dear friends of the family. Being in mourning prevented Rosie from participating in the public event—which was just as well. She had to plan her reunion with Andrew.
What would she say? What would shewear?
“Uncle Harry is going to be there,” Edward replied. “And he promised to show me and Frederick another of his inventions.”
Good Lord.Thatexplained her brother’s willingness to go.
“If you want company, however,” he added gruffly, “I could stay.”
“Thank you, I’ll be fine. And Edward?”
“Yes?”
“I love you, dear.”
Edward’s face reddened. “Good God, not you too. Is this excess of sentimentality catching?”
“You’d best watch out.” She grinned at him. “By the by, your cravat is crooked.”
Her parents came over. Mama took Sophie, and Papa cleared his throat.
“Your mother tells me you’ve decided to patch things up with Corbett.”
Rosie couldn’t tell from her father’s expression whether he approved of her decision or not.
“I’m going to try,” she said earnestly.
“You’re certain this is the future you want?” Her father’s eyes searched her face. “Certain that you wish to give up your title and money for this fellow?”
“Yes, Papa.” She’d never been more certain of anything.
“Then, whenever you are ready, I’ll invite Corbett over to supper.” Papa’s expression was stern, but his eyes smiled at her. “We’ll do this thing properly from here on in.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Gladness flooded her, and she rose on tiptoe to kiss her father’s lean cheek. “I only hope Andrew will forgive me.”
Papa snorted. “Poor chap doesn’t stand a chance.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Libby entered. Curtsying, she said to Mama, “It’s time for Miss Sophie’s daily outing. I thought I’d take her to see the aviary at the Pantheon.”
“I’m sure she will enjoy that.” Mama kissed Sophie before handing her over to the maid.
“We should be back by mid-afternoon,” Papa told Rosie. “Stay put, and if you need anything, Caster’s the guard on duty today. I won’t rest easy until we get to the bottom of this.”
“I’ll be fine.” Rosie smiled at her family. “Have a lovely time, and send my best to the Hunts.”
~~~
