She swung her legs over the side of the bed and hoped her mother would take the hint and leave her to her morning’s toilette, even if it was nearly noon.
However, Evelyn was not letting her get away too easily.
“I know you are nearly a married woman, but you must still take care, Rose. You cannot be alone with William until all hours, at least, not unless you are in public.”
Rose opened her mouth to protest, yet she could think of nothing to say. She knew she had no moral ground to stand on.
“Yes, Mama, I know. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“Furthermore, you can’t have unseemly people accosting you at the theatre,” Evelyn added.
“Where should they accost me, Mama?”
Her mother’s eyebrows drew together, exactly like Reed’s. Then in the next instant, they relaxed as the words sunk in.
“That is not even the least bit amusing,” Evelyn said, despite the small smile playing about her lips.
“No, Mama. Honestly though, I was on my best behavior. Beside it wasn’t my fault,” Rose finished.
“No, dear, it never is. Only remember this, your reputation is your most valuable commodity, even though you have secured a marriage proposal from a most wonderful gentleman.”
“I will do better,” Rose promised.
“Thank you. We wouldn’t want anything to jeopardize your future.”
It was definitely not the time to tell her about Finn.
“Yes, Mama.”
An hour later, Claire came bounding into the dining room where Rose, feeling incredibly hungry after everything that had occurred, was having poached eggs on toast and sausages.
Her friend squealed with delight as soon as she saw her. Jumping up, Rose had her arms around Claire and was hugging her in mere moments.
“You’re getting married!”
“I’m getting married!”
“Let’s sing it this time,” Rose said. “You’re getting married!”
“I’m getting married!”
“Perfect, shall we make a song of it?”
Claire laughed with sheer delight, and Rose had never seen her happier. Was that how she’d looked when she’d been Finn’s newly wedded wife? Was that how she’d acted after William had proposed? Wouldn’t it be singularly splendid if she and Claire could feel that same glowing happinesswithoutthe benefit of a man?
She wouldn’t spoil her friend’s happiness by philosophizing about that particular point? After all, Claire had waited a long time for her heart’s desire.
“What happened at the intermission?” Rose asked.
The instantaneous blush on Claire’s face told the story.
“So you kissed? What else?”
Claire giggled. “We kissed some more, and then this!” She thrust out her hand so Rose could see her engagement ring, a large glowing opal with diamonds encircling it, all set in a thick gold band.
“It’s gorgeous.”
“I know.” Claire beamed. “Then we talked about a date. Next spring, in May.”
