in what she knew in her heart was their last kiss. “You will make some lucky woman very happy someday.”
“And I envy the man who wins your love, my dear.” He stood, helping her to her feet. “I have enjoyed our time together.”
“As have I,” Rose said earnestly. “I will always value your friendship, my lord.”
“May I escort you into the parlor for an aperitif?”
“Of course. I’d be delighted.”
“I’ll speak to my father later,” Evan said as they walked. “I’ll tell him you and I have decided to…wait a bit before rushing into marriage.”
“Thank you. I hope I haven’t put you in an awkward position.”
“No. I feel…good about things actually.”
“I’m glad. Truly glad.” Rose smiled into his handsome face. “I couldn’t bear it if I had caused you pain.”
He smiled. “You haven’t. I will miss you though.”
“I’ll miss you too,” Rose said, and she meant it with all her heart.
They found Sophie and Alexandra in the parlor.
“May I inquire as to Lady Longarry’s whereabouts?” Evan asked.
“Why?” Alexandra said. “So you can be rude to her?”
“Ally!” Sophie touched her sister’s arm. “My lord, she’s on the back terrace.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Evan excused himself.
“Rose, dear,” Alexandra said, “you looked a little pale. Are you feeling well?”
“It’s just been a trying day,” Rose said, “and I had a bout of nausea earlier. It’s just nerves.”
“Nerves? About what?” Sophie asked.
Rose took a deep breath. The girls didn’t know about Cameron, and she didn’t want to tell them. At least not yet. But she did need to tell them about Evan. “Lord Evan and I have decided to stop seeing each other.”
“That cad!” Alexandra said hotly. “The way he reacted to mother’s engagement, and now this. What on earth did he do to you?”
“He did nothing, Ally,” Rose said. “It was a mutual decision.”
“Dearest Rose, don’t try to be strong. And please don’t defend him.”
“I’m not. Really,” Rose said. “It honestly was a mutual decision. We’re simply not in love with each other.”
“He’s a fool,” Ally said.
“No more so than I,” Rose replied. “We decided that we’re both young yet, and we don’t want to tie ourselves down when we might find love with another. Look at his father and your mother. They fell in love twenty years ago but couldn’t be together because they both were committed to others.”
“And he understood that?” Sophie asked.
“Yes. And he agreed.”
“Then maybe he’ll treat Mother with a tad more respect now,” Alexandra said. “Although I won’t hold my breath.”
“Ally, he’s going to be our brother. You shouldn’t speak of him with such contempt.”
“Stepbrother, Sophie. There’s no blood between us, and I personally think he’s a rude and obnoxious beast. A mountainous beast. Quite easy on the eyes though…”
“No, he’s not a beast,” Rose said. “He’s a very honorable man. He was kind and generous with me. I’m going to miss him, actually.”
“If you like him so much, I don’t understand your decision,” Alexandra said. “I know he’s only a second son, but money doesn’t seem to matter much to you. He’s outrageously handsome, even if he is a beast, and you like him. What more do you want in a marriage prospect?”
“I want love, Ally.” Rose sighed.
“Rose, just because Lily found a love match doesn’t mean it’s in the cards for the rest of us. It rarely happens, you know.”
“But what about your mother and Lord Brighton?”
“A geriatric love match.” Ally rolled her eyes. “How charming.”
“Ally!” Sophie shook her head. “Mother and Lord Brighton are in the prime of life.”
“Prime of life? Holy hell, Sophie.” Alexandra erupted in giggles. “I can’t even picture the two of them—”
“Goodness, Ally,” Rose said, and then she too began giggling. “That’s not something we should picture about anyone.”
“It’s fairly easy to picture Lily and the duke.”
“Really, Alexandra,” Sophie said.
“I’m sorry, but the duke is purely scrumptious. And even I shall admit, so is our dear stepbrother-to-be, even if he is a haughty beast.” Alexandra smiled. “One only has to imagine—”
“Ally,” Sophie said again.
“Don’t you think Lord Brighton is attractive?” Rose asked Alexandra. “He reminds me a lot of Evan, actually. He’s a very dashing older gentleman.”
“I’m sure he was a gem in his day, Rose,” Alexandra said. “But he’s sixty!”
“We’ll all be there someday, dear,” Rose said. “He’s still attractive, and Aunt Iris is still a very pretty woman.”
“She certainly is,” Sophie agreed. “It took me a few days to get used to the idea, but now I can truthfully said I am thrilled for both of them.”
“Of course I am