Page 48 of A Rose for a Rogue

“Very well, when you’re fully recovered, we’ll go together.”

Her mouth twitched. “I’m well now, but Mama insisted I rest one more day. She’s terrified of something happening to me.”

He picked up one of her small hands. She didn’t object but did slide a furtive peek toward the doorway. Cupping her hand, he brushed his thumb over the back.

“Unless I miss my mark, you were distressed when you came bolting out of the church the other day.”

But why?

The question had simmered in the back of his mind for three days. If Pastor Perfect was Bible over bum in love with Eden, wouldn’t he have called by now?

Her dainty fingers lying so comfortably in his palm went rigid, and she withdrew her hand.

“I hardly bolted, and as you know, I was ill. That’s why you believed I was distraught.”

“Why were you there?”

Preposterous to think this sickly feeling was jealousy.

Ridiculous he should dread her answer.

Ludicrous to deny he’d fallen in love with the vixen. That during the house party’s ball, he yearned to announce that Eden was to become his wife before whisking her onto the ballroom floor for their first of many waltzes.

“That’s none of your business, your lordship.”

If she were a porcupine, she’d have shot him full of quills. “But since you’re intent on prying, I sought his council on a position.”

Chester would be bound the position she referred to was of a matrimonial nature and was no longer available.

“As it turned out, he wasn’t able to help.” Adept as she was at masking her feelings, her wounded eyes betrayed her.

Hmm. So, the Godly Gallant had fallen from grace.

“Do you want to know what I think, Eden, my sweet?”

“No. I do not.”

Yes, distinct peevishness in her gimlet glance.

Leaning one elbow on his forearm, he rested his chin on his knuckles. “I think your chivalrous cleric threw you over. Vicar Valiant didn’t possess the courage to stand up for the woman he proclaimed to love. I would, you know. The cost and stigma be damned.”

“How very noble of you, considering you’re the reason I’m disgraced.” She sighed then and closed her eyes for a brief moment. “That was unfair, and you are right. He withdrew his offer. I cannot say I am surprised or that I blame him.”

Chester wouldn’t deny he was glad for it, though he ached for her humiliation.

“You would’ve married him even though you don’t love him?”

She sank farther into the pillows, her expression defensive.

“Women have made greater sacrifices out of desperation.”

Or love.

“Have you considered my offer to become my secretary?”

“I have, and I must decline. I appreciate your confidence in me, and that you are willing to cock a snook at decorum. But I confess, I am not so daring.” There was that adorable wry smile. “I shall accept the housekeeper position if that is agreeable to you. Mattie says she’d rather remain Mama’s companion. They’ve become fast friends. I realize I have no experience overseeing a household of this size, but I’m confident I can learn to do so. Toward that end, and because I’m burdening you with additional people and animals, I’ll accept half wages.”

To go from managing her own small home, the daughter of a man of means, to the role of a servant weighed heavily on her. He could see it in the merest downturn of her mouth and the fingers of her other hand clutching the coverlet.