Page 47 of The Perfect Rose

“It was such a lucky thing that the dessert we get to enjoy happens to be Rose’s favorite food. I’m certain she will be thrilled to try it once she returns tonight.” She looked at the doorway as if she could will her stubborn daughter to appear.

For once, Frederick agreed with the sentiment. “Lucky indeed.”

“Oh, but you cannot tell me it was all luck. Certainly you must have known a few days past.”

“Indeed, I had no idea that our offering would be so well received by your daughter.”

“Hmm.” Lady Gardner turned to Lord Hanby. “And how long have you known Rose’s favorite food?”

Lord Hanby shrugged, as if his lack of answer was answer enough. Lady Gardner twittered beside him. Driving home the point that Lord Hanby knew Lady Rose far better than Frederick did.

Why was it Frederick had decided to join them again? The most strategic and callous mother he knew alongside the most boring and self-important man he knew was not a recipe for success.

Someone put their arms around Frederick’s neck and squeezed him into an awkward hug. He extricated himself only to find Miriam beaming at him as if she were the sun itself.

“Oh, Frederick. I simply must speak to you.” She turned to Lady Gardner and Lord Hanby. “I’m sorry to steal my brother away, it’s unfathomably rude . . . but I must.” She pulled on his hand until he was standing and then she tugged him from the room.

Frederick knew very well what was coming, and he was glad Miriam had the sense to pull him away from the party before she gushed over her future with Samuel. “Where are we going?”

Miriam giggled. “To the library, of course. No one is there, well, except Samuel.” She giggled again.

If this was what Miriam was going to be like until the two were married, Frederick would be thrilled. He’d been searching for ways to make Miriam happy for years. Seeing her as light as the foam dancing on a wave was good for his heart. He took off at a run down the corridor, beating his sister to the library door. “I’ve never seen you in such a good mood to read a book.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly read, not now!” She pushed herself between him and the door, looked up into his eyes and held a finger in his chest. Her chin quivered and tears sprang up in her eyes although she still smiled. “You are the best brother in all the world. I want you to know that.”

Frederick pulled her into an embrace, his own tears stinging the backs of his eyes. He was really going to miss having Miriam around all the time. But he wouldn’t sadden her by letting her know how empty his life would be once she married. “I love you, Miriam. I only want you to be happy.”

“I know,” she cried quietly into his chest. “I love you too.”

Frederick took a deep breath. “Then what are we doing out here? Your happiness awaits just behind that door.”

She squeezed him once more before turning the handle and rushing into the room.

Samuel jumped up from his chair as if it had branded him. He took Miriam’s face in his hands. “What has happened? Why are you crying?”

Samuel shot a look of daggers toward Frederick, but then his countenance morphed to compassion. “Better question, what have I done wrong? I’m the only person not crying in this room.”

Miriam hugged Samuel around the middle. “Nothing’s wrong. Frederick is just so happy to be rid of me.” She winked at Frederick.

“Did you bring me all the way here to be a chaperone?” Frederick chuckled, but he sincerely hoped that wasn’t the case. He wouldn’t put it by his straitlaced friend to request such a thing.

Miriam released Samuel and sat down on the settee. Samuel followed her lead and sat beside her with his arm draped over her shoulders. She pointed at a vacant chair across from her. “We have a plan.”

If any other words had escaped Miriam’s mouth at the moment, Frederick would have been just fine. But when Miriam had a plan, it was a force of nature, unlike his own. The fact that there were people not related to him currently living in his house was evidence of that much. He looked to Samuel. His friend’s eyes were alight with mischief; Frederick recognized that look from when they’d first become friends.

Samuel smiled. “Hear us out before you stamp about and say you want nothing to do with us or this madcap plan.”

“Precisely,” Miriam said, “we are going to help you propose to Lady Rose.”

“I was already planning on proposing to her.” Frederick had made his mind up on that score. He’d hit rock bottom once two years ago; if Lady Rose refused him, at least he would know what hole he was getting himself into.

Undeterred, Miriam arched an eyebrow. “And just how and when were you planning on proposing to Lady Rose? And how can you keep Owen or Lord Hanby from beating you to it?”

Frederick sighed. He’d figured that just asking Lady Rose to marry him was how he’d propose. He didn’t know when . . . perhaps when it felt right to do so? And as for Owen and Lord Hanby, he hadn’t given them much thought other than how he would love Rose far better than either of them. Miriam had a point. If Frederick was going to propose marriage to Lady Rose before the end of the ball tomorrow, he would need a miracle. “I concede that I need some assistance.”

Miriam clapped her hands and scooted closer to the edge of her seat. “First things first, I am not yet promised to Samuel.”

Samuel jolted. “Wait, what?”