Page 76 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
“Avendale and I have an understanding,” she said, quite certain her cheeks were the same shade as the rose.
“What do you understand?”
“That we’re only together for a little while.”
“Because of me.”
Yes.“No. We enjoy each other’s company but neither of us wants anything permanent.”
“He’s doing a lot for us, Rose.”
“Yes, well, he can certainly afford it.”
“I don’t think that’s why.”
She didn’t want to consider that her brother was right, that perhaps she meant something to Avendale. “We shouldn’t examine our time here too closely. We should simply enjoy it.”
Before winter would settle in, we’d return to the farm. Rose was happiest then. I think part of it was because I would not be displayed as much, but more she was able to see Phillip. His family had a farm next to ours and he would often come to visit Rose.
One evening as I was looking for her, I heard voices behind a shed.
“I’m going to Manchester to work in a factory. I want you to marry me. To come with me. It’ll be a good life, Rose,” Phillip said.
I heard her squeal, imagined her hugging him about the neck as I’d seen her do before. Perhaps she was even kissing him.
“Yes! Yes! I love you, Phillip. I think Harry will love Manchester.”
“Why would it matter to him?”
“Because he’s coming with us.”
“No.”
“Phillip, I can’t leave him.”
“He’s not your child, not your responsibility.”
“He’s my brother. My father treats him horribly. It’s getting worse. I promised to take him with me when I left.”
“He’s not coming with us. He turns my stomach. I can’t eat for a day after looking at him.”
“I thought you loved me.”
“I do, but I don’t love him.”
Rose didn’t leave with him. I often think of the life she might have had if she’d gone. It would have been much easier. Sometimes I feel guilty for being a burden, but I am selfish enough to be glad that she didn’t leave me. If our roles were reversed, I don’t know if I would have had the strength to stay behind.
A little over six months later we ran off.
“Your Grace?”
When his butler’s voice intruded, it took Avendale a moment to pull himself from the words, from the images. No wonder Rose hadn’t told him of her brother. He would like to find this Phillip fellow and pound his fist into the man’s face for the pain he’d caused her, the pain he’d no doubt caused Harry by his unkind words.
“What is it, Thatcher?” Was he going to have to lock his door just so he could read in peace?
“A small fellow who insists he be allowed to see Mr. Longmore is in the foyer. Quite formidable for a gent his size. As you instructed the staff to protect Mr. Longmore from any who might wish him ill, I wasn’t quite certain what to do with the chap as he doesn’t seem to fall into that category, and yet he doesn’t appear to be the pleasant sort either.”
With a sigh, Avendale shoved back his chair and stood. Dismissing his coachman the night before had meant relying on Rose’s driver for transportation and thus giving his address to the giant. So now Merrick had known where to find him. “I’ll see to the matter.”
