Page 83 of A Duke for Stealing
Theo’s brows tensed as she bit the edge of her lip and shook her head.
“It is not about Betty. Or Everett. I am afraid, darling, that this once concerns you.”
Rose’s brows flew up in surprise.
“Aboutme?What have I allegedly done?” Rose asked.
Theo took her hand.
“I just want you to know that I understand it is not true. All of us, the people that truly matter, know that it is not true.”
“Theo, please,” Rose insisted, not able to take the suspense much longer, “Just tell me what is being said.”
Theo drew in a deep breath, only serving to further rattle Rose’s fraught nerves.
“There are rumors that you have stepped outside of your marriage,” Theo finally explained.
Rose deadpanned, shocked by the news.
“Ibegyour pardon?” She finally got out.
“It is being said that your marriage to Everett is a sham, and that you have been promiscuous this entire time,” Theo reiterated.
Rose’s mouth dropped open as she was knocked speechless.
“Rose? Rose, darling, do say something? I do not like this expression you wear,” Theo insisted.
Then Rose let out a crazed bout of laughter. After all she’d done to save Everett from that very thing,shewas now the promiscuous woman who had led Everett to his social destruction. It was just too ridiculous.
“Oh dear, I fear you are experiencing a touch of hysteria,” Theo said worriedly, rushing to her feet. “I shall go, fetch the physician for you straight away!”
Rose stopped laughing and grabbed Theo’s hand again, stopping her before she could reach the door.
“Do not,” she insisted. “I need no physician, I promise you, I am just…so,sosurprised to hear this.”
Theo’s eyes filled with sympathy, and she turned fully to Rose and put her hands on her shoulders.
“I am so very,verysorry this is happening, Rose,” Theo replied. “After all you have done for Everett, for his nieces, this is not at all what you deserve.”
“No,” Rose sighed, “However, it does align with the recent upset of my life.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Theo asked worriedly. “What else has happened?”
She glanced around Rose’s old room.
“Is that why you are here? Why did you not come to me or the others?”
Rose thought about what her answer should be, and decided that her story of heartbreak did not deserve a retelling. There was no time for that now. Not when such a problem needed to be fixed. She needed to get back to Stapleton, and fast.
“I shall be fine,” Rose promised, leaning in to kiss Theo’s cheek. “Thank you for coming. For telling me this news. It is best to stay on top of such things. I should pack my things, say goodbye to my mother, and get back to Everett and the girls.”
Theo nodded, though there was a reticent look in her green eyes.
“Give them my regards,” Theo said.
The two of them hugged once more, placed a quick kiss on each other’s cheeks, and then Theo departed.
Not bothering to wait for a maid, Rose packed her things with haste and went down the stairs.
