Page 5 of A Translation of Desire
His sister sighed. “Well, like Mother, I think it’s time you took it more seriously but only marry someone you love. As much as Mother worries about an heir, I would loathe it if you married someone you couldn’t stand.”
Augustus chuckled. “Thank you.”
Chapter Two
London, England– October 1850
Rose glanced aroundthe opulent drawing room of the townhouse. While she’d always known Lisbeth was a duchess, standing in her stately home made it real. The sophisticated building brimmed with a class Rose struggled to associate with Thomas’s old love. Not that the duchess had ever been common or unladylike, but this seemed over the top.
“Christ,” her father muttered as he perused the rich furnishings filling the space.
Rose’s thoughts weren’t far off from her father’s. They were two fish out of water. Movement at the door caused her to turn, and she forced herself not to gasp. Lisbeth stood there. Gone was the young lady she, her father, and Thomas had lived and worked with, replaced by a breathtaking woman who emanated class and a cold sophistication.
Silence filled the room as they all studied one another. Finally, as if remembering himself, her father bowed. A wide smile broke out on Lisbeth’s face. “Benjamin, it is wonderful to see you in person.”
She walked to him, holding out her hands, and he took them while she placed a kiss on his scruffy cheek. Her father blushed, causing Rose to roll her eyes. He’d always held a soft spot for the lady. She and Lisbeth had never gotten along when they wereyounger. Back then, Rose had suspected it was because she and Thomas got on so well.
Turning to her, Lisbeth wore a strained smile. “Rose, it is wonderful to see you.”
She lifted a brow. “My father’s treachery has brought me to London.”
Her father sighed. “Do not drag our old friend into our quarrels.”
If the duchess didn’t have the tablets, Rose wouldn’t be standing here, so it had everything to do with her.
“I appreciate you sponsoring Rose for the Season,” her father said.
“For only as long as I’m working on the tablets.”
Laughter escaped Lisbeth. “Of course, I don’t plan to keep you here against your will. I’m excited for you to work on them. They will be our primary display at Seely House.”
“We met Sebastian Devons a while back, and he mentioned you are creating a club for women focused on antiquities.”
Lisbeth nodded. “Devons is one of our partners. We have already set up the Historical Society for Female Curators. We hope our grand opening to the public can be centered around the exhibit we create from the tablets you are deciphering.”
“What if I can’t translate them?”
The duchess snorted. “I have no doubt you will.”
Rose had to admit that it felt good to know Lisbeth still respected her language skills.
“Are they here?”
“No, they are at Seely House, but I plan to bring you there and show you around in the next few days.”
In the next few days!What was she to do until then? As if reading her mind, Lisbeth said, “I thought we could spend some time while your father is here discussing what you hope to accomplish during the Season.”
“Yes, I think that’s best. Rose has a whole new wardrobe.”
The duchess’s eyes roamed over her dress, and Rose shifted from foot to foot, uncomfortable with the perusal. Lisbeth smiled. “Let’s sit.”
Rose and her father followed her to the sitting area. After they sat, a servant placed a tray containing sweets and tea between them. Lisbeth poured them each a cup. Rose wondered how she could sit so straight, pour tea, and not spill a drop.
“Benjamin, how long will you be staying in London?”
Her father flushed. “Only for two days. I promised a friend I would travel north to view a few of the artifacts he has found on his farm.
Coward, Rose thought. He didn’t want to be here any more than she did. Still, his leaving was good news. She wouldn’t have her father hovering around, ensuring she was doing everything possible to win a husband.
