Page 57 of The Virgin Duchess

Locating his sister proved to be a challenge, and Frederick’s worry grew more and more with each second. Charlotte remained by the door, tucking herself away and simply waiting for when they could retire home. Rose, of course, was deep in conversation with Selina, so when Frederick approached the two of them, it took several moments for him to get in a word.

“I do quite love visiting the museums where there is the time. I have heard that a wonderful new exhibition is going to bebrought up of new items from an Egyptian dig site. How exciting, don’t you think?”

Selina immediately replied, leaving Frederick no chance to get his sister’s attention.

“I do, though I certainly hope that dear Ethel will be well enough to return to the city to see it before it leaves. She’s so fond of things like that, and I am still furious that she went and decided to get sick so that we could not partake in this Season’s events together.”

Rose scoffed as Frederick raised his finger, trying to speak up and failing miserably.

“I hardly think that Lady Ethelallowedherself to become ill. She wouldn’t have wanted to miss such a display if she is truly one to appreciate antiquities.”

“She is!” Selina leaned forward, intensity in her gaze.

“Rose, do you think?—”

“Ethel has always been fascinated with such things, and she is always in a book in one fashion or another.” Selina sipped at her drink, and Frederick leaped at the chance to speak.

“Sister, I need to speak with you. Could you please?—”

“Just a moment, Frederick. I am speaking with Selina. Don’t you see?”

He glared at her, sighing as he reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Rose, I do not mean to interrupt, but Charlotte isn’t feeling well. We need to return home.”

Both Selina and Rose perked up at that, refocusing on Frederick’s words. Their conversation dropped.

“How terrible?” Selina said. “I do hope it is nothing serious. I should hate to havetwoill friends.”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner, Brother?” Rose put her hand to her chest, her expression worried. “My goodness.”

Frederick couldn’t stop the annoyance that flared, likely reflected in his features. “Ididtry to say something. The two of you can truly get going when it comes to conversation.”

Rose wore a sheepish smile, bowing her head in a gentle nod. “Apologies, Frederick. Though…”

There was a pause, and he raised his brows at her, waiting for Rose to fill in the missing piece of her sentence.

“What? We need to get going, Rose. I hate to dally much longer.”

“It is only that…I have been enjoying myself so much, Frederick. I have left the estate so seldom as of late. These past few events have been the delight I’ve needed. Would you mind terribly if I stayed? I am sure someone would lend a coach to ferry me home when the evening ends.”

Frederick was a bit shocked. Rose hardly ever wished to be out in society without him nearby. She was not a naturally extroverted girl, and while it had been better since their secret about the Baron had been revealed to Charlotte, not everyone knew that truth.

“Leave you alone without an escort home? Rose, I am not sure if that’s wise. You have not been to one of these parties in some time and never without a chaperone.”

Putting her hand on his shoulder, Rose looked up at him, craning her head back slightly as she put on a frown.

“Please, dear brother. We are among friends. This is hardly a gaming hell or public house. I am amongst people we trust. Surely, if I were ever to be able to experience a night on my own, this would be the safest time to do it.”

He was torn. Frederick did want Rose to experience life, to make her own friends, and enjoy time spent out of the confines of her room where she’d locked herself up for so long. But his wife required care, and the thought of leaving Rose with no one didn’t sit well with him.

“I would be happy to remain with her, Frederick.” Selina offered, and from behind her, Richard and Amelia approached.

“Charlotte said she was not feeling well,” Amelia offered. “I do hope she is not too poor off.”

“Yes,” Frederick nodded, squeezing the walking stick he’d brought with him this evening as a fashionable accessory, “indeed. I wish to take her home. We are sorry to cut the evening short. Still…”

He looked over at Rose, her eyes begging him for the chance to stay.

“Rose here wishes to remain. I would appreciate it if?—”

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