Claire would make a lovely spring bride. Rose would pray for a mild winter and early thaw. “We’ll start planning immediately if not sooner.”
“Moreover, we are most decidedlynotgoing to live with his mother. I think we’ll take a place in the Back Bay because the cost is so dear here on the Hill. Perhaps you and William can reside there as well, and we can be neighbors again.”
Claire twirled in a circle for no reason at all, looking like a child on Christmas morning. While she spun, she talked. “So tell me, why didn’t you return for the play’s conclusion?”
Rose sighed. She didn’t want to relive it.
“Are you hungry? Come, sit down and eat something.”
“I’ll sit,” Claire said, and she did. “I’m not hungry, however, and don’t change the topic. Where did you and William go? Was there kissing involved?”
It was Rose’s turn to blush.
“Ah-ha.”
“Well, not at first. Didn’t you read the papers?” Rose had read over the papers her mother had mentioned earlier, and she’d seen that she and William were mentioned by name. Finn was called the “mystery man.”
“Of course I did. I clipped out any news of my engagement and put copies in my trunk. Why?”
Rose pushed a sausage around with the tip of her knife. “I’m afraid I was part of a ‘scene’ in the lobby last night.”
Claire sobered at once. “Tell me.”
“I’m sorry to say that Finn was correct about men wishing him harm. They found me and tried to abduct me.”
“Dear God! Were you hurt?”
“As it turned out, Finn was at the show last night, as well. He scared them off.”
“Thank goodness!”
Rose nodded. “Then William found us.”
“Dear God!” Claire said again.
“Indeed. So the remainder of my evening was spent with William, explaining everything that I’ve kept hidden from him for so long.”
Claire reached over the table and touched Rose’s hand. “So he knows everything?”
“He does and he was unbelievably kind and understanding. We ate snacks in his kitchen, and he forgave me. I didn’t get home until very late — or rather, very early this morning. Mama has already had words with me about that.”
“I’m so sorry,” Claire’s voice was low. “So because of the newspapers, does your mother know about ... you know?”
“No. Still only you, Reed, and now William. I can’t see any reason to tell Mama until the situation is resolved. She’ll only worry.”
“You should go to the police.” Claire sounded emphatic.
“Most likely, I should.” Rose considered going to the station and giving the police a description of the villains. “Yes, I will. Today, I suppose. I expect my brother will be demanding some answers from me and from Finn, too, for that matter, ifheread the society pages.”
Could she not escape the mess in her life for one day?
“Never mind all that,” Rose said, ready to put it behind her. “When are you going to meet again with the Dragon? I believe she owes you an apology.”
“Soon. I will be gracious and not make her grovel. Too much.”
“That is kind of you.” Rose grabbed Claire’s hand and admired the ring again. “We must go show Mama. She is thrilled for you.”
Before they could do so, Reed’s solid frame filled the doorway.
